“Eat your food as your medicine. Otherwise, you have to eat medicine as your food.”― Steve Jobs
Food is essential to life and should be nutritious and safe. All year long, we should choose a range of dietary choices and eat them at regular intervals throughout the day. In addition to the meal having to taste, smell, and look excellent, it is also necessary to enjoy it.
Superfoods are foods that are considered to be high in nutrients and have potential health benefits. But no one item is a superfood, nor does it contain the secret to optimal health or the avoidance of disease. The phrase was employed in marketing campaigns to promote items and influence dietary habits. So, the term “superfood” is not scientific evidence-based and is purely for marketing purposes. No single food item can provide all the promised powerful components on its own.
Labeling items as superfoods is profitable for businesses; in 2018, the worldwide market was predicted to be worth $137 billion. Their assertions might not be true, though. However, given that the phrase “superfood” doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon, it would be worthwhile to look more closely at some healthful possibilities. Many foods commonly called “superfoods” are indeed packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients.
Some foods that are often called superfoods include:
Berries: Berries are a wonderful source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It has been scientifically demonstrated that berries’ potent antioxidant content lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other inflammatory illnesses. The most popular types of berries are blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries.
Dark Leafy green vegetables: DLGVs, including kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, turnip greens, and spinach, are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They have been found to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and contain high levels of carotenoids, potentially protecting against certain types of cancer.
Fatty fish: Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are highly nutritious fish packed with healthy fats, protein, B vitamins, potassium and selenium. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart health and brain function. Research suggests that Including salmon in your diet may also lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes and help you maintain a healthy weight.
Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a superb source of vitamins, fiber, protein, and beneficial fats. Additionally, they include a variety of plant chemicals that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities that help guard against oxidative stress. Consuming nuts and seeds may help prevent heart disease, according to research. Almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, sunflower, pumpkin, chia, and flaxseeds are examples of common nuts and seeds.
Whole grains: Fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are found in whole grains. Whole Grain diets assist in blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol control. In addition, these nutrients help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses. Whole wheat, brown rice, oats, quinoa, barley, farro, buckwheat are a few types of whole grains.
Superfoods don’t guarantee perfect health. The greatest approach is to eat a balanced diet that includes superfoods adequately and exercise frequently. Superfoods are not always cheap. Purchasing expensive superfoods is not always necessary to obtain the nutrients you require. Many of the same nutrients are available in less expensive foods.
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Writer :
Abdullah Jaman
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE