Add these superfoods to your diet for their ultimate health benefits
The wellness industry is on the rise and with it comes a wave of foods that are recommended as superfoods or foods critical to add to every day diet.
Some of these superfoods are quite costly, but are they worth their price tag? We take a look at some of these foods that come highly recommended and look at the benefits that they can add to your diet.
Goji berries
Gojji berries, also known as Lycium barbarum, are native to Asia and have been in use for thousands of years as a medicinal herb and food supplement. They are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, fibre, zinc, anti-oxidants and all eight essential amino acids. Do consult your doctor, if on medication, before you take these as they are known to interfere with certain medicines.
Kombucha
Kombucha is fermented black or green tea. It is made with sweetened tea and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, popularly known as scoby. You can purchase scoby and make your own kombucha at home; this option will, considerably, lessen the cost. It is a great source of probiotics, it improves digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also high in anti-oxidants.
It is imperative to learn how to make your kombucha properly, if that is the route you choose to go, because improperly made kombucha may be harmful to your health. It is a good alternative to soda as it is fizzy.
Matcha green tea
Matcha green tea is green tea that is covered for a number of days before harvesting to keep it away from sunlight. This drives up its chlorophyll production and boosts its amino acid content. If you are already a believer in green tea, matcha is the upgrade you have been looking for.
It is high in antioxidants. Studies have shown that it can protect the liver and can decrease the risk of liver damage. It is shown to boost brain function and may promote heart health.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are edible seeds of Salvia hispanica, a flowering plant of the mint family. They are high in fibre, protein and omega 3 fatty acids. They are a great source of antioxidants, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, which are all essential for bone health. They are very easy to include in your diet as they can be taken in smoothies, as a pudding or mixed with grains like oats.
Celery juice
Celery is a great source of vitamins C and K as well as folate and potassium that help fight cancer, liver disease, reduce inflammation and boost cardiovascular health. It is also a great source of fibre, which is lost in the juicing process. Juicing also increases its sugar content. Because celery can be quite bitter in taste, the celery juice sold in stores is often mixed with other products to help the taste.
Spirulina
It is hailed as one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world. It is a blue-green algae that grows in water.
It serves to boost energy, encourage endurance and increase muscle strength. It encourages weight loss as it takes more energy for the body to metabolise. It has, also, been shown to alleviate sinus symptoms. It helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It is also a great source of powerful antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, it is said to control blood sugar, thus it is very helpful to people with type 2 diabetes; but do consult your doctor first.
Moringa powder
Moringa is a tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is rich in antioxidants and is a great source of vitamins A, B6 and C, iron and protein. It aids in lowering blood sugar levels. It has great anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower cholesterol.
Lemon water
Finally, old, faithful lemon water. Lemon water promotes hydration which is good for skin quality. It is a good source of vitamin C. It aids with digestion when the water is warm or hot. Take a glass first thing in the morning or after meals to freshen your breath. The citric acid in lemon helps prevent kidney stones.
To get the full benefits of lemon water, you have to take it regularly; use fresh lemon and not store bought lemon juice and use at least half a lemon’s juice in a glass of water. Add ginger, honey, turmeric and cinnamon to increase the health benefits. Take care to drink through a straw and rinse your mouth out with plain water after drinking lemon water as the acid in lemon can erode your teeth’s enamel.
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