Super Foods – a Short Overview
Super foods, as some would define them, are those varieties of food that are full of nutrients yet have fewer calories in terms of mass and substance. Their nutritional contents help us fight many food consumption-related illnesses.
The foods listed under this category are known to lower cholesterol, lessens risks to heart-related diseases, cancer-fighters, anti-oxidants, and more. They usually pack more needed vitamins and minerals and other necessary nutrients compared with those in our regular eating fares.
Although some of the super foods belong to the exotic varieties (some are available only in other countries, are hard to come by, or are rare, etc), some are actually part of our regular cuisine. Unfortunately, we are not very familiar what they are and what they can do. The following are some of the popular ones.
Green vegetables and fruits
Vegetables, especially the green types, have always been known to pack the most essential vitamins and minerals. (Vegetarians and vegans – those who don’t eat meat – have proven that vegetables and fruits can supply all our nutritional needs.) These nutrient-laden greens include broccoli and spinach and many others.
The benefits do not only rest on their nutritional contents. Their nutritional value is also gauged on how they help such bodily functions as digestion, muscle-building, and acting as anti-oxidants. (Blueberries are known for these.)
Soya beans, the source of soy-based products (tofu, soy milk, etc) are known to lower cholesterol as well as others like almonds and barley protein.
Fiber and Omega 3
Omega 3 is considered as one of today’s super foods because it reduces heart-disease risks, fortifies joints, and even helps to better one’s memory. They are usually sourced from fish (sardines, mackerel, wild salmon, etc) but they can also be found in flax seeds and walnuts, among others.
Fiber is another important food group that helps maintain cholesterol levels, helps in weight reduction, and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Fiber is sourced from whole wheat, oats, beans, vegetables and many fruits.
According to food authorities, fighting specific diseases need not comprise eating known specific super foods. What is more important in keeping oneself healthy is eating a balanced diet (of the right unprocessed foods) and following a regular exercise regimen to keep fit.