Eating healthy and powerful superfoods can be very beneficial for your health. Not only can they improve your overall health, but they are also great for consuming after intense workouts. They will help your body recover and get back into another workout with no problem. Incorporating them into your diet will most definitely be the best decision you have ever made. These 9 superfoods, in particular, are some of the best options out there you could go for. They are all highly rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that will benefit your health in many ways.
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Maca powder
Maca comes from the magical highlands of Peru and has traditionally been used as both food and medicine by the Peruvian people. It has a very specific radish-like root that is usually dried and ground into a powder-like consistency. In that form, it has a very caramel, or malty flavor. The good thing about maca powder is that you can easily find it in health food stores, supermarkets, and even online. There are three varieties: yellow, black, and red. All three of them have very unique effects on the body, but the yellow one is the most popular one right now.
Health benefits of maca powder
Maca powder is known for its many health benefits. This superfood is super rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and other essential vitamins and minerals. This powder will provide you with lots of energy, but it’s not a stimulant like caffeine. This means it won’t leave you feeling jittery and anxious. Maca is a very powerful adaptogen. That means that this superfood is great at adapting to whatever your body needs and then it balances its effect. That is how maca helps maintain equilibrium and balance stress levels.
Maca also has the ability to support hormone balance. It has been proven that maca can reduce hot flashes and night sweats in women who are going through the postmenopausal period. Maca can also help manage PMS symptoms.
Not only that, but maca powder is a very popular aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer as well. Many studies have shown that maca can improve male libido and increase blood levels of pituitary hormones in women. One specific type of maca, the black variety, also has the ability to increase sperm count, while the rare red variety of maca provides protection against prostate cancer. It also supports bone health. These are just some of the reasons why experimenting with maca powder is one of the healthiest and most efficient ways to better your diet plan.
Spirulina
Spirulina, which is often commonly referred to as blue-green algae, is a type of bacteria that usually grows in saltwater lakes. People in Africa and Mexico have been eating it for centuries because of its many health benefits. After it has been harvested, spirulina is freeze-dried and can be found as a blue-green powder in many health stores as well as on online webshops. buy tegretol online no prescription
Health benefits of spirulina
Spirulina has many great health benefits. It contains several minerals (among them is iron too), vitamins (such as beta-carotene and several B vitamins), antioxidants, protein, and gamma-linoleic acid, a beneficial fatty acid. Spirulina is also a great source of vitamin B12 for vegans and vegetarians since there are not that many plant foods that contain such high levels of this vitamin. Spirulina is a complete protein and it is very easy to digest.
It contains the antioxidant C-phycocyanin that actually gives algae that unique blue-green color. When in the body, spirulina helps by scavenging free radicals to prevent them from damaging the body cells and DNA. This is very important since free-radical damage is known to increase the risk of chronic disease. That is why our bodies need enough antioxidants that will defend us.
Spirulina is also great for your heart. It can help maintain healthy triglyceride and LDL levels and support healthy blood pressure. These are all factors that are considered to be risk factors for cardiovascular conditions when levels are elevated.
Cacao powder
Cacao powder is known as a by-product of the dried, fermented seed that is taken from the fruit of the cocoa tree. Cacao powder is ultimately what gives chocolate its taste, though cacao itself doesn’t naturally have that sweet taste. buy tenormin online no prescription
The ancient Maya of Central America is thought to be the first people to ever consume cocoa. They called it kakawa which means “Food of the Gods”. This superfood was also used medically in Mesoamerican society in at least 150 ways before it made its way to Europe in the mid-1500s. This superfood can be found in health food and grocery stores, but you can also find it online.
Health benefits of cacao powder
Cacao is rich in flavonoids, minerals, and many other healthy antioxidants. Cacao powder, in particular, is one of the best sources of insoluble fiber that is great at reducing diabetes risk. Cacao is great at protecting the aging brain and it can also protect nerves from inflammation and injury.
One of the most common ways for cacao to be used medically has been in practice for about 500 years. Namely, cacao powder can be used for stimulating the nervous system since theobromine it contains has a very gentle stimulant effect. It is a great alternative for caffeine.
Goji berries
Goji berries have a long history in China where they were cultivated, dried, and used in soups and many herbal teas. Luckily for all of us, we don’t have to go to China today to get these berries. They are widely available at supermarkets, health food shops, and online stores.
Health benefits of goji berries
This superfood is rich in trace minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and polysaccharides. They also contain carotenoids that give them their distinctive orange-red color and many great health benefits. Goji berries are a great source of carbohydrates for energy and amino acids that can help provide your body with enough protein. Throughout history, they have been used for increasing longevity as well as to benefit the liver, kidneys, and vision.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds come from the Salvia hispanica L. plant. They were eaten and used as folk medicine in South and Central America as far back as 3500 B.C. Today we have black and white varieties in many supermarkets, health food stores, and online.
Health benefits of chia seeds
Oil-rich chia seeds are a great source of fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids that can prevent heart diseases. Chia seeds have the potential to support blood sugar balance, maintain healthy blood pressure, and so much more. They are made up of 20% protein and they are considered to be a complete protein since they deliver all nine of the essential amino acids that our bodies can’t produce on their own. Also, they have high fiber content and can help you stay regular as well as help keep you feeling full longer. buy topamax online no prescription
Moringa
Moringa originates from India, but it can also grow in the tropics. It has been frequently named “Tree of Life” and has been used for its nutrients and incredible properties for many years. This entire plant is truly nature’s miracle.
Health benefits of moringa
Moringa has many great health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants since it has a high content of vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and beta-carotene which, among many other benefits, is also great for preventing premature aging. Moringa can also lower blood pressure as well as balance out glucose levels. To get these benefits, the recommended daily intake of moringa powder is about one teaspoon.
Moringa also has many anti-inflammatory properties and nutrients that will help strengthen your immune system. These amazing benefits of moringa have been known for years, but they have only recently started gaining more attention. Take advantage of its benefits, implement moringa in your daily diet, and start seeing amazing results really soon.
Coconuts
Coconuts come from a very specific type of palm tree that grows in tropical regions such as Polynesia and Asia. It is adored worldwide for its refreshing taste and nutty-flavored, rich in fat flesh. There are also many great products made from this plant. You can find them in health food stores, supermarkets, and online.
Health benefits of coconut
Young, green coconuts contain water rich in potassium and other electrolytes that can help your body replenish those that are lost during intense workouts. Coconut water contains even more potassium than some of the popular drinks. Also, coconut water is a much better and healthier all-natural alternative that is lower in sugar. You can use it as a replacement for the sugar and sodium after your workout routine.
Coconut flesh or meat contains saturated fat and insoluble fiber that will help move food through your digestive system and keep it regular. The flesh of coconut will provide your body with minerals such as manganese and potassium. Some of the popular products that are made from the flesh are coconut milk, cream, oil, and butter.
Hemp seeds and oils
Hemp seeds and oils originate from Central Asia. They are known as the herb that was cultivated for fiber in China as far back as 2800 B.C. Today, these seeds and hemp seed oils are very popular in Western countries. You can either buy raw hulled hemp seeds, hemp oil, or hemp milk either in health food stores or online.
Health benefits of hemp seeds and oils
Hemp seeds contain a lot of vitamin E, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and many other minerals. They are also high in fiber and protein as well. Just three tablespoons contain about 10 grams of protein, which is more than chia or flaxseeds contain. They also contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are essential for brain and heart health, immune system, energy production, and so much more.
These seeds are usually pressed and that is how hemp seed oil is made. Make sure you know the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD and hemp oil extract. Hemp oil extract supplements include CBD as well as some other beneficial cannabinoids that are derived from the stalk of the hemp plant. They help manage stress, support immune function, and can help you sleep. Hemp milk can be an excellent source of protein, minerals, and healthy fats and it is also made from hemp seeds.
Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
Flaxseeds are another great superfood that has been cultivated since the beginning of civilization. Its Latin name, Linum usitatissimum means “very useful”. It primarily grows in Canada, India, China, Ethiopia, etc.
They have been used medically for thousands of years in traditional Indian medicine known as Ayurveda. Even Hippocrates mentioned these seeds and their medical use in his writings. Today they are popular in both as whole flaxseeds, flax meals, and flaxseed oil in supermarkets, health food stores, and online.
Health benefits of flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
This superfood is rich in protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and antioxidants called lignans. These seeds are also richer in the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) than in any other plant food. Their three-to-one ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids is ideal for any healthy dietary plan. These fatty acids help promote healthy triglyceride levels and healthy blood pressure. The seeds are also great at balancing estrogen levels and they protect against conditions that are related to high estrogen levels. Flaxseeds are even said to be very beneficial in alleviating menopausal symptoms.
Conclusion
All things considered, these 9 superfoods have been proven to be some of the most efficient foods that have the ability to keep your physical health in the balance as well as prevent some serious diseases. They are all easily available and can be found in supermarkets, health food stores, and even online webshops. Consider checking them all out and incorporating them into your everyday meals. You will not regret it.
About the Author
Jasmine Anderson
Guest Contributor
Jasmine Anderson is a lifestyle and beauty blogger based in Australia. She is an incurable daydreamer, who finds inspiration in little, everyday moments. Spending time at her cozy home office with her two cats, writing her blog, is her favorite thing in the world. Read more articles written by Jasmine here.
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