What are superfoods?
Superfoods are foods with exceptional nutrient density. These foods offer maximum nutritional value for minimal calories. They are essentially a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Why are they good for you?
When incorporated into a well-balanced diet, superfoods provide a multitude of benefits. They can promote heart health, improve energy levels and even reduce the effects of ageing. Superfoods can also help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation and regulate metabolism.
The benefits!
1. Nutrient density
Perhaps the most well known benefit of superfoods is their nutritional profile. Superfoods are packed with nutrients. Some of the top nutrients found in superfoods include:
- Vitamins and minerals that strengthen your immune system and help your body fight disease, strengthen bones and repair cell damage.
- Healthy fats that reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Fibre that helps prevent digestive problems and diabetes.
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2. Reduces stress
Under stressful conditions, cortisol, the primary stress hormone, can help you fight or flee a stressor. Nonetheless, if cortisol levels stay too high for too long, they result in stress and anxiety. The vitamins and minerals in superfoods can help regulate cortisol levels, thereby reducing symptoms of stress. Some of the superfoods recommended when feeling anxious or stressed include kale, broccoli, acai berries, pistachios and blueberries.
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3. Rich in vitamins
It’s not uncommon for superfoods to contain most of the 13 essential vitamins required by the body for cell function, growth and development. A lot of superfoods are loaded with both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.
Water-soluble vitamins include vitamins B and C and folic acid. You can get them from superfoods like broccoli, dark leafy greens, berries and legumes. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E and K, and they can be found in food such as nuts, seeds and whole grains. Green Fuel is one of our plant-meal shakes that is worth taking a whirl around the block with! Nutritiously dense and more bioavailable to the body due to the ingredients being completely natural and organic.
4. High in antioxidant levels
Superfoods are popularly known for their high antioxidant levels, which have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer. Antioxidants slow down or prevent the cell damage that is caused by free radicals, while boosting overall health. Some superfoods that make good sources of antioxidants include vegan dark chocolate, pecans, red berries, beans and spinach. Berry Beautiful, Berry Strong and Berry Fuel have got your antioxidant needs covered!
5. Anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to a threatening invader or irritant. However, if inflammation persists when there is no threat, it becomes a problem. Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods are superfoods. This is because superfoods contain antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in the body. Superfoods also contain phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory properties. Try our Spicy Calm to assist any inflammation in the body.
6. Anti-ageing qualities
Oxidative stress damages proteins, DNA and cells. When oxidative damage accumulates, it accelerates ageing. Antioxidants play a big role in helping to prevent and repair the damaging effects of oxidation in the body. And what better source of antioxidants to slow down ageing than delicious superfoods and superfood powders? Case in point: KIANO's Collagen Kiss & Berry Beautiful. We are here for your skin needs beautiful beings!
7. Lowers cholesterol levels
Many of the foods that have been found to lower cholesterol are superfoods. This is because foods that lower cholesterol tend to be rich in healthy fats and soluble fibre, a profile of most superfoods. Examples of superfoods that lower cholesterol include nuts, fruits and vegetables.
8. Boosts the immune system
All the elements of superfoods make them perfect foods for boosting the immune system. For example, vitamin C is one of the biggest immune system boosters and superfoods tend to have plenty of it. What’s more, superfoods are packed with other essential compounds and nutrients that are immune system-friendly.
A daily routine filled with superfoods is great for your health and a door into a healthier life. Try out our Green Boost or Green Fuel to help your immune system regain strength!