Seems like ordinary food these days is not good enough. Everywhere you go, you will notice foods labeled as a ‘Super Food.’ It’s the latest craze in the health food world. What makes a SuperFood super?? Why are they better than regular foods? Are they better than regular foods? Should you be eating SuperFoods?

Basically, a Super Food is a natural food that is known to have exceptionally high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, enzymes, proteins or special healing benefits. Many different cultures have cultivated their own ‘Super Food’ for centuries and have naturally incorporated these foods into their diet. They instinctively know to eat more of these foods when they are sick or diseased. On a daily basis, they will eat a small amount of their local ‘SuperFood’ for preventative maintenance, as a natural way to stay healthy and strong.

The rise of the SuperFood industry has progressed due to a combination of the growing interest in natural foods and methods for healing along with the ease of exporting and transporting foods from overseas. Why not enjoy more healthy foods in our diet if it is easy and accessible?

SuperFoods are especially good for anyone who is trying to reclaim their health, improve their energy levels, increase endurance, practice prevention of disease or simply feel better. Essentially everyone can benefit from a SuperFood. It is important to keep in mind that a ‘SuperFood’ should compliment your current diet. Have a little bit of one or two every day but realize that it is not necessary to eat a diet only of SuperFoods and nothing else!

The following are some good Superfoods to start adding to your diet. You can simply enjoy some with your granola in the morning or add a few to your fruit smoothie!

Goji Berries

Goji berries, known as wolfberries in the US, have been used in China as an herbal medicine and healing food for over two thousand years. The Goji Berry is a complete source of protein, containing all eight essential amino acids, and has twice the amount of antioxidants as blueberries. They are normally sold dried. You can either eat Goji Berries dried or soak them for about 1 hour in water first to re-hydrate them.

Maca Powder

Maca is a SuperFood that is comes from the Andes Mountains in Peru. It is a root vegetable that is sold in a powder form. The major benefits of Maca are reduced risk of prostate cancer, strengthened immune system, increased stamina, improved memory and natural stress reliever. You may add the powder to your morning fruit smoothie to bring some medicinal qualities to your morning meal.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera also has amazing anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The fresh Aloe Vera gel is known to aid digestion and elimination, boost the immune system, and be highly effective at healing, moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin.

Aloe Vera naturally increases collagen production – nature’s alternative to botox!

Aloe Vera is best eaten fresh when possible but you can also buy Aloe Vera Juice, a concentrate meant to be diluted with water or fresh juice. Try adding it to your fresh morning orange juice and enjoy the Super benefits!

Chlorella

Chlorella is a type of green algae that grows in fresh water, most commonly grown and found in Japan. It is known to have the highest concentrations of chlorophyll of any plant in the world. Chlorella is also very high in magnesium and a fantastic source of protein. Tests have shown that chlorella also stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the digestive system.

Consumption of chlorophyll can increase energy levels, aid in digestion, support immune function and help in fighting major lifestyle diseases. It is generally sold in tablet form but also can occasionally be found as a powder.

Hemp Seed

Hemp seeds and Hemp oils contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids and are considered to be one of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet. The Hemp plant is such a strong and healthy plant that Hemp is never genetically modified and rarely needs any pesticides or herbicides. The ground Hemp seed is an excellent source of dietary fiber and the oil is a great source of protein. It is important to note that the Hemp seed is different than the marijuana seed, and Hemp products are completely legal in the US.

Shelled Hemp Seeds have a wonderful nutty flavor. You can buy the seeds already blended in a powdered form and add it to your juice or smoothie. You can also buy Hemp oil to use in salads for a great healthy addition to your day!

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This article written by Jennifer Thompson for woman.ca

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