Food is fuel. So perhaps a better term for these foods is super fuel—because that’s what your body receives when you eat them—fuel that supercharges you. Think about this … you wouldn’t put just any old junk into your car’s gas tank, right? Of course not! You put gasoline in your gas tank—because, well, that’s all it will take without harming your car. Yet many of us think nothing about putting junk inside our bodies. But isn’t your body so much more important than your car? Now, think of it this way … eating super foods is like not only putting gasoline into your car’s gas tank rather than junk; it’s like putting premium ultra-supreme super-duper unleaded gasoline into it! And with each super food you eat, your body gets that much stronger and healthier. If you’re searching for daily health tips (and you must be—otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this article!), you’ve come to the right place. Following is important information about super foods—what super foods are, their history, how they got to be called ‘super foods,’ as well as which foods have the power to keep your body functioning properly.
What are super foods?
The term ‘super food’ is still hotly debated. Some people say it’s merely a marketing term, thought up by food companies to market their own products. Others say it represents foods that are miraculous they’re practically capable of reanimation! What is not so hotly debated is that ‘super foods’ are those foods that are packed with nutrients—nutrients that help the body grow, recover, even thrive.
Where did the term ‘super food’ originate?
No one really knows where, when, or how the word started. In fact, if someone tells you they know exactly where it came from, you would be wise not to believe them. But, again, the term ‘super food’ is used to describe whole foods (foods that are not refined, but are eaten in their most natural form) that contain an exceptional amount of nutritional value to the human body.
Which foods are considered ‘super foods’?
The following are whole foods that contain high nutrient values:
Greens
Green is nearly always good; and when it comes to food, green is great. Kale, collard greens, spinach, Swiss chard, broccoli, mustard greens, and red and green romaine lettuce often show up on lists of super foods. These foods, in varying degrees, are high in such vitamins as A, K, C, and D. They can help ward off disease and prevent digestive problems.
Salmon
Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, an ingredient recommended by the American Heart Association in order to keep one’s heart healthy. Salmon is also high in protein and low in saturated fat. These and other traits make salmon a brain-friendly food.
Berries
Berries are loaded with antioxidants—agents that are found in whole foods such as fruits and vegetables that help to fight free radicals and prevent disease. Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries help to reduce inflammation. Many super-food berries are also high in vitamin C and potassium, nutrients that are good for the immune system and the heart.
Nuts
Nuts are loaded with fiber, making them good for digestion. Many nuts are also loaded with healthy fats and antioxidants. Nuts such as walnuts, Brazil nuts, and almonds make for an excellent snack that helps to promote healthy weight levels and reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin and pumpkin seeks are an excellent source of many nutrients, including omega-3s, protein, minerals, and such antioxidants as vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Pumpkin helps to promote a healthy heart and good eye sight. Pumpkin can also aid in weight loss, and it can even help to boost mood levels.
No, a super food doesn’t have super powers. No, it isn’t a miracle worker. But what a super food really is, what it really can do, is use its high content of nutrients to help rejuvenate your body, help keep it healthy, even help you recover from illness. If you’re looking for daily health tips that will help you on your journey to a healthier you, incorporate a few of the above pieces of information and food items into your diet.