Now all food in supermarkets is divided into “super” and ordinary. Some roots and berries are said to have miraculous properties to restore youth, help you lose weight and fight cancer. Is this so, Woman`s Day figured out.
If suddenly you do not know this yet, then we will explain. Superfoods are foods with highly concentrated doses of nutrients, meaning they are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Unlike dietary supplements, superfoods are herbal products: seeds, roots, leaves, algae, etc.
And no one paid attention to them until vegans and raw foodists were puzzled by the search for foods that could diversify and enrich their diet. It was then that David Wolfe, Master of Nutrition, spoke about products whose slogan was “feel better, looks younger, live longer” – “Feel better, look younger, live longer”. World stars took up the idea of superfoods and started promoting them among their fans.
Superfoods are now sold in supermarkets near the house. In connection with such a stir in the European Union, a law was introduced that regulates speculation with the word “superfood”. First, the manufacturer must provide conclusions that prove the high concentration of nutrients in the product.
Acai berries grow in northern South America. In 2004, it was discovered that they are the reason for the youthfulness of the local Aborigines. After that, the world went crazy – everyone wants acai berries! And for good reason: they have a record amount of antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins and fiber. Even scientists believe that with the help of acai, you can preserve youth. The berry also has a second name – youthberry – “rejuvenating berry”. But there is one thing: acai berries cannot be transported fresh, so they are frozen, sublimated, ground into powder. The latter can be added to milk, yoghurts, desserts and smoothies.
To the delight of all sweet tooths, the pulp of the beans from which chocolate is made can be ranked as superfoods. Even ancient people used them for their food. This is because cocoa beans contain a large amount of antioxidants that have a positive effect on the quality of hair, nails and skin. Researchers also believe that antioxidants help fight cancer. A definite plus – cocoa beans are a natural cure for depression, which also rejuvenates the body and gives energy.
This plant is a source of caffeine. The indigenous people of South America have long noticed that it invigorates and gives strength. The tonic properties of guarana are still highly regarded, it increases concentration and performance and strengthens the nervous system.
This type of cabbage with curly leaves has long been loved in the West for its dietary properties and neutral taste. By the way, in Ancient Greece, cabbage was used as a medicine. Now, of course, such miraculous properties should not be attributed to him, but kale is useful as a source of calcium, magnesium, vitamins A, B6, K, iron, antioxidants and flavonoids. Also, cabbage has anti-inflammatory properties, helps in the fight against anemia, stomach ulcers and colon cancer. Normalizes hormones and lowers cholesterol levels.
This is the cereal that the ancient Incas used for food on a daily basis. They considered quinoa to be the “mother of all grains.” And for good reason: quinoa is just a storehouse of calcium, zinc, fiber, potassium, manganese, vitamins A, E, C, B. There is as much phosphorus in cereals as in fish. And iron is twice as much as in wheat!
Hemp is one of the most nutritious plants. In ancient China, its seeds were used to treat the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. And they just took it for longevity. This is because hemp seeds are rich in fats and proteins. By the way, if you grind them, you get a healthy flour, with regular use, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to the amino acids, magnesium, zinc, potassium and iron that it contains.
Chia is a plant native to Mexico, South America and Australia. It is said that the armies of the Aztecs and Maya could feed on chia seeds for several months! So those who want to lose weight still adore chia seeds for the fact that they reduce appetite, saturate well and improve digestion. Like all superfoods, chia is prized for its antioxidants, vitamins, and trace minerals. For example, chia contains 10 times more calcium than milk.
Spirulina is an algae. Like chia, spirulina fell in love with those watching their figure. It contains a lot of protein, vitamins (A, C, D, E), amino acids, mineral salts. Spirulina naturally lowers blood sugar levels, rejuvenates the body, helps in the treatment of bronchitis and tuberculosis, and heals wounds. In pharmacies, it is sold as a dietary supplement – in the form of tablets, and in stores, spirulina can be found in powder or frozen form.
These red berries are one of the most popular superfoods around. They are added to cereals, brewed with tea, chewed as a snack … Why? Goji berries contain a lot of antioxidants that increase immunity, tone up and rejuvenate. They also improve heart function and protect against cancer. By the way, in China and Tibet, no housewife can do without these red fruits for a long time.
They love to decorate desserts with this orange berry from Iraq, Bulgaria or Central Asia. Its bittersweet-sour taste perfectly complements Napoleon, Milfey and other culinary masterpieces. But physalis is valuable not only for this – it is an excellent prevention for kidney diseases, gout, rheumatism and respiratory tract.