Discover new promising superfoods to help boost your health and vitality.
There is a growing urgency to constantly stay on top of ever-changing trends, from anything in the latest fashion styles to food trends. Healthy food connoisseurs have most likely heard the word “superfood” used more and more in the media. These days, almost every company is touting their product as a “superfood”. But what are true superfoods? A superfood is defined as a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. The integration of superfoods into your daily diet can both help relieve health conditions as well as promote general well-being.
Between 2011 and 2015 there was a phenomenal 202% increase globally in the number of new food and drink products launched containing the terms “superfood”, “superfruit” or “supergrain.” The impact and popularity of superfoods will only continue to grow; market research analysts estimate that the superfoods market will grow steadily at a CAGR close to 16% by 2022. As more people become increasingly aware of the benefits of superfoods, it can be difficult to distinguish which health foods yield the greatest nutritional value.
Rishabh Chokhani, CEO and founder of Naturevibe Botanicals shares six unique superfoods currently on the rise that promise great health benefits.
Moringa – The Unsung Hero of Superfoods
Moringa, otherwise known as “the drumstick tree”, embodies the benefits of natural superfoods, as it is rich in nutrients, antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Moringa has two times the protein of yogurt, four times the Vitamin A of carrots, three times the potassium of bananas, four times the calcium of milk and seven times the Vitamin C of oranges. As a complete protein, Moringa supplies all eight essential amino acids to cultivate healthier lifestyles.
Moringa is a large tree, naturally found in India, which has been praised for thousands of years for its multiple health benefits. According to Healthline, Moringa has been scientifically proven to be extremely nutritious, antioxidant-rich, help lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol.
Spirulina – The Aztec’s Nutrient Powerhouse
Spirulina has been consumed for centuries tracing all the way back to the time of the Aztec’s. Spirulina is a type of blue-green microalgae that has high nutritional value and health benefits. The importance and impact of Spirulina is so great that there are nearly 1,200 peer-reviewed scientific articles evaluating its health benefits. Spirulina has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and boost energy, among other benefits. Spirulina possesses an abundance of various nutrients such as: protein, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Copper and Iron.
Turmeric – The Anti-Inflammatory Champion
Turmeric is a perennial herb native to India with powerful anti-inflammatory effects and serves as a strong antioxidant. Curcumin is the active ingredient found in turmeric and is scientifically linked to numerous health benefits. Turmeric can help maintain healthy skin, accelerate weight loss, help treat gastrointestinal issues, detoxify the body and improve heart health. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can aid arthritis and pain.
Wheatgrass – The Liquid Gold
Wheatgrass is the young grass of the common wheat plant called triticum aestivum. Experts claim that wheatgrass contains over 100 different elements needed by man. The nutrient-rich grass is abounding in chlorophyll, amino acids, vitamins, enzymes and supplements. Wheatgrass is nicknamed “liquid gold” because one serving is the rough equivalent of one and a half pounds of dark leafy green vegetables. In comparison to other green plants the superiority of wheatgrass is resounding, which makes it as valuable as real gold to the body. According to a study by the University of Maryland, wheatgrass can boost your immune system and help prevent damage and stress to your body. Wheatgrass offers a variety of nutrients such as: chlorophyll, antioxidants, iron, electrolytes, amino acids, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium.
Specialty Mushrooms – The Ancient Healers
Chinese and Japanese healers have used a variety of mushrooms for centuries to treat multiple ailments. Shiitake, reishi and maitake mushrooms are the more popular varieties, offering an increase in immune activity. According to a study by the Journal of the American College, shiitake mushrooms help boost the human immune system when eaten daily. Various mushrooms contain distinct valuable benefits like vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber and possible cancer prevention.
Ashwagandha – The Powerful Herb in Ayurvedic Healing
In Sanskrit, Ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse,” demonstrating the herb’s potential to impart the vigor and strength of a stallion. The root of the plant is also noted to have a smell reminiscent of horse sweat. For nearly 5,000 years, Ashwagandha – one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing – has been used in India to treat various conditions. The exotic Indian herb possess remarkable stress-relieving properties and has protective effects on the nervous system.
Over 200 medical studies have been completed on the healing benefits Ashwagandha provides and among those are:
- Helps combat the effects of stress and protect brain cells against deleterious effects
- Protects the immune system
- Improves learning, memory, and reaction time
- Reduces anxiety and depression without causing drowsiness
- Helps reduce brain-cell degeneration
- Stabilizes blood sugar
- Helps lower cholesterol
Next time you’re shopping for superfoods, keep these nutrient-rich, nourishing and vitamin-packed powerhouse foods in mind and you will be on a path towards a healthier lifestyle.