What are Superfoods and How You Can Use Them to Elevate Your Meals

You don’t need to buy powders thinking they will make you healthy, but it can be fun to try new foods that add nutrients to your diet. That’s exactly what superfoods can do for you!

This article will tell you what superfoods are, when you should use them, and five common superfoods that you could try.

What Are Superfoods?

The term superfood first appeared in a Canadian newspaper in 1949. The word in question was actually used to describe the nutritional value of a muffin, not a vegetable or health drink. The term “superfood” was first used in the late 20th century as a marketing tool by the food and drink industry. It was used to sell everything from baked goods to fad diets. The word “superfood” does not have one specific meaning, but it is most often used to describe food that has many nutritional benefits.

So Are Superfoods A Hoax?

Although it may be disappointing to learn that the term ‘superfood’ is largely a marketing ploy, this shouldn’t detract from the fact that there are many genuine superfoods out there. We shouldn’t disregard superfoods entirely, we should be more careful when we see marketing for them, and make wiser decisions about the food we choose.

The word “superfood” is used to make a product seem more valuable. Superfoods are foods that are sold for a higher price because they are considered to be very healthy. It is important to look at the claims made about “superfoods” and evaluate how accurate they are. The popularity of certain foods can be drastically affected by influencers and social media platforms, elevating them to a superfood status simply because they are photogenic. We have seen this change with foods like avocados. They were once seen as high-fat and unhealthy, but now they are being sold on toast for premium prices in health-food cafes.

How To Be Superfood Smart

It is important to be aware of the difference between scientific fact and marketing claims when it comes to so-called ‘superfoods’. The nutritional value of food is more important than how it looks or how exotic it is. Do not believe everything that you see in regards to marketing for superfoods. It is important to do your research before you make any decisions.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Superfoods?

Some foods can provide more health benefits than others, whether you see the word ‘superfood’ to mean healthy or a hoax. Many nutritious foods are known as superfoods, such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Sometimes, animal products like salmon and greek yogurt are also considered superfoods. Foods can enter the “superfood” category without following any specific nutritional guidelines. The benefits you see from eating superfoods depend on the types of superfoods you eat. Some potential health benefits you could experience from regularly eating a variety of superfoods include:

Improved Digestion

If you want to keep your digestive system moving, you should eat superfoods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes. These foods contain a healthy amount of dietary fiber, which is necessary for proper digestion. You may experience digestive issues, constipation, bloating, and even certain types of cancer if you do not consume enough fiber in your diet. This is because you could starve your good gut bacteria and deplete your gut microbiome.

Better Heart Health

IHD, also known as Coronary heart disease, is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing almost nine million people each year. IHD stands for Ischemic Heart Disease. It occurs when fat and cholesterol buildup in the coronary arteries, which can eventually lead to a heart attack. Eating more nuts and seeds can help lower your risk of hardened arteries, which is a leading cause of heart disease, by reducing harmful LDL cholesterol levels and clearing out fatty deposits. In conclusion, this makes it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body and reduces a person’s risk of a heart attack.

A More Efficient Immune System

When you eat superfoods, your immune system becomes more efficient. Superfoods are rich in vitamins and minerals that help improve immune function, including vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin B6.

A Happier Mood

How we fuel our bodies affects how our minds operate. Healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes can all help to balance hormones and can even help the brain to recover from injury. A balanced diet of whole foods may help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

Improved Energy

Eating an abundance of superfoods is linked to greater energy levels. This is because superfoods can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent an afternoon lull in energy.

5 COMMON SUPERFOODS YOU CAN TRY FIRST

Some superfoods come from nature, like kale or other greens, while others are available in more convenient forms, like powder or liquid. Some of the newer superfoods that are becoming more popular are listed here, along with what they do and how to use them.

You should be aware that these powders are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that other supplements are not regulated. manufactures are able to put claims on their labels and bottles that the government does not confirm and the amount of each ingredient is different in every bottle. Be sure to check the source of your powder and do some research on the brand before using it. When looking for a supplement, it is also a good idea to look for third-party labels like Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

1. MCT Oil/Powder

MCTs are a type of fat that is metabolized differently than other types of fat. MCTs are absorbed and metabolized quickly, so they are often used as a source of energy. MCTs are found in coconuts and coconut oil, and can be bought as an oil or powder. Since MCTs have a shorter chemical chain, your body can digest them more easily.

One of the benefits of MCT is that it can help to make you feel fuller, so you may eat less and lose weight, according to research. Studies have demonstrated that certain supplements can help improve gut microbiota, with the potential for increased calorie burn and improved metabolic health, especially for obese individuals.

Of course, MCT won’t be your magic weight-loss trick. Although vegan protein powder can be a good addition to a healthy plant-based diet, it is not a cure for weight loss or all health problems.

How to use MCT Powder:

You should not consume too much MCT as it is a fat. Consume no more than two tablespoons of this per day. Adding this to your morning drink will give you an extra dose of healthy fats to help keep you full.

You should try MCT powder or oil if you like tea or coffee lattes, because you can add it to them. Here are a few of my favorite recipes!

2. Nutritional Yeast

If you are familiar with my work, you will know that I am a great admirer of nutritional yeast! Nutritional yeast has a strong cheese-like flavor that makes it a perfect addition to many recipes that call for a cheesy taste, even if you don’t eat dairy. Many people enjoy this food because it fits into vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.

Nutritional yeast is a “superfood” because it is a rich source of B vitamins, protein, and fiber.

If you’re looking for a superfood to start with that has a lot of versatility, give quinoa a try. It’s a common ingredient in plant-based recipes and can be used as a topping on other dishes.

How To Use Nutritional Yeast:

Use nutritional yeast sprinkled on anything and everything! This seasoning is great on bowls of rice, potatoes, popcorn, and roasted vegetables. You can also mix it into sauces and dressings to increase the nutritional value!

The following are a couple of recipes that are staples for the author.

3. Cacao Nibs

Cacao nibs are small pieces of cocoa beans that have been crushed. They are full of nutritional benefits.

Cacao nibs are much lower in sugar than most other chocolate products. Cacao nibs are superfoods that contain antioxidants. These antioxidants help protect the body from damage by free radicals. The high amount of fiber and fats in avocados make them a great addition to meals to help you feel full.

Additionally, cocoa flavonoids have been shown to decrease inflammation.

How To Use Cacao Nibs:

You can eat cacao nibs as they are, or grind them into a thick paste to use in making chocolates. If you want to add a boost of rich, slightly bitter chocolate flavor and crunch to your smoothie or dessert, add cacao nibs. Cacao nibs can be used in a variety of desserts, such as truffles, muffins, cakes, and bread!

4. Goji Berries

The goji berry has been given the title of ‘superfood’ due to its high nutrient content and antioxidants.

If you’ve never had a goji berry before, you might be wondering what they taste like. They’re a bit like a raisin and cranberry mix!

Fiber-rich goji berries will help to stave off hunger and provide sustained energy throughout the day. The goji berry has been praised for its potent source of antioxidants. For example, zeaxanthin is responsible for the goji berry’s bright red color. The antioxidants in these berries help to protect the body against exposure to free radicals. Testosterone levels, energy, stamina, and the quality of sleep have all been reported to improve with the consumption of goji berries.

How To Use Goji Berries:

Use as you would any dried fruit! Enjoy them in oatmeal, porridge, salads, or smoothies. Dried cranberries are also a good way to add sweetness to trail mixes or desserts.

5. Mushrooms

Mushrooms can be classified as adaptogens, but they are also unique and deserve their own category. There are many different types of mushrooms, including whole food, dried, and powdered versions. Some of the most popular types of mushrooms include reishi, shiitake, chaga, maitake, king oyster, or cordyceps. The purported benefits of mushrooms are intriguing and warrant further investigation into their alleged benefits, ranging from cancer prevention to improved cardiovascular health.

More research needs to be conducted, but some types of mushrooms could potentially offer benefits like boosting immunity, improving heart health, and lessening the severity of common colds and certain cancers. Most of these benefits come as a result of mushrooms’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Mushrooms seem to have a variety of health benefits because they help protect against oxidative stress and may help improve the strength of mitochondria. If you’re interested in learning more about different types of mushrooms and their benefits, you should definitely check out this mushroom tonic guide. It includes information on a variety of mushrooms and how they can improve your health.

How to Mushrooms:

You can experience the benefits of mushrooms by cooking them, or by taking them in powder form in things like smoothies. Although you can’t overdose on medicinal mushroom powders, it is recommended that you stick to serving recommendations.

SUPERFOOD DUST AND ELIXIRS

Dusts and elixirs are made from a combination of superfoods and sound like they are from a fairytale. Powders or liquids that could include any of the items mentioned above, as well as things like greens or individual vitamins and minerals, can be broadly classified as dusts or elixirs.

There haven’t been enough thorough studies or science done on most of the dusts and elixirs available, even though some of them probably have health benefits because of their nutrient content. Be skeptical of marketing claims, but enjoy them anyway.