Modern life is challenging. Even though there are many digital products that ease most processes, modern people always struggle with many stresses, trying to achieve work-life balance, achieve healthier lifestyles and just stay stable in times of turbulence. As a result, most of us have ever considered adding supplements to the diet to feel better and maintain inner homeostasis.
The market answers the demanding interest in supplements by offering various superfoods that can help people achieve their life and nutrition goals. Superfoods are also the hottest topic among wellness enthusiasts, as they are packed with nutrients, minerals and vitamins essential for health and wellbeing.
However, not every food and not every supplement is made the same and hosts the same amount of nutrients. Each product delivers different effects, has a specific set of minerals and should be used for various goals. This is why we craft this guide to highlight the main things you need to consider when choosing a superfood for your health and what to consider during the search.
What is Superfood?
A superfood refers to any food that is packed with high levels of compounds (like nutrients, microelements, vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids) that can provide various health benefits. Even though superfoods might seem like a recent trend, this term was invented in 1915. It was first used by the United Fruit Company during its marketing campaign linked to selling bananas. Even though there is still no scientific definition of a superfood, they are widely used in the wellness industry as a way to support overall health and wellbeing.
Best Superfoods and Their Benefits?
Spirulina
Spirulina is truly one of the most popular supplements in 2022. Being a superfood, spirulina is loaded with numerous nutrients and antioxidants that may help benefit your body and brain. Spirulina is available in various forms, like the sparkling spirulina drink by Fulcompany and it contains:
- Protein: 4 grams;
- Vitamin B1: 11% of the RDA;
- Vitamin B2: 15% of the RDA;
- Vitamin B3: 4% of the RDA;
- Copper: 21% of the RDA;
- Iron: 11% of the RDA.
This superfood is also packed with decent amounts of magnesium, potassium and manganese, which are essential for our overall wellness and may provide the benefits like:
- Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties;
- May lower “Bad” LDL and triglyceride levels;
- Protects “Bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidation;
- Help reduce blood pressure;
- Improves symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains high levels of flavonoids, compounds that provide potent antioxidant activity, which has been linked to coronary heart disease and certain types of cancer. They can also support immune system response. The ingredient in dark chocolate responsible for these properties is cacao powder. To create dark chocolate, manufacturers derive this from cacao beans. You should remember that chocolate usually contains other ingredients, which can negate these benefits.
Dark chocolate contains the following nutrients:
- Protein: 2 grams;
- Fat: 12 grams;
- Carbohydrates: 13 grams;
- Fibre: 3 grams.
Dark chocolate may provide the following benefits:
- Highly nutritious;
- Great source of antioxidants;
- Might improve blood flow and lower blood pressure;
- May protect your skin from the sun;
- Could improve brain function.
Avocado
Avocado is a key ingredient in modern life, which contains a vast range of nutrients worth celebrating. Based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), half of an avocado provides:
- 29 milligrams (mg) of magnesium;
- Fibre (6.75 mg per ½ fruit, offering 24 per cent of DV);
- Sodium: 7mg;
- Carbohydrates: 8.5g;
- Fibre: 6.7g;
- Sugars: 0.7g;
- Protein: 2g.
Due to these nutrients, avocado may help provide the health benefits like:
- Beneficial for gut health;
- May help protect the heart;
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties;
- Help support healthy body weight.
Berries
Berries are a delicious way to support overall health and wellness. For example, blueberries are the most nutritious type of berries and are at the top of every superfood list. However, almost every berry has a superfood status. While each berry has its different nutritious level, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries and raspberries refer to a low-calorie, high in fibre and full of antioxidants and superfoods that are beneficial to health.
Berries contain the following nutrients:
- Vitamin C: 35% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI);
- Manganese: 32% of the RDI;
- Vitamin K1: 25% of the RDI;
- Copper: 8% of the RDI;
- Folate: 6% of the RDI.
Thanks to their high level of nutrients, berries may help support overall wellness by:
- It may help improve blood sugar and insulin response;
- Help fight inflammation;
- It may help lower cholesterol levels;
- It might be good for your skin;
- It might help protect against cancer.
What to Consider When Choosing a Superfood?
Superfoods can be both natural products, like berries, which you can buy at the store and also be developed by a wellness company. When you want to choose the superfood for your wellbeing, you need to focus on the following things:
Your Goal
As you can see, each superfood has its own nutrients and, therefore, is used for various purposes. So when you want to add a superfood to your diet, you need to decide what goal you are trying to achieve. To identify what superfoods will suit you best, you need to either Google the effects of the product or read what the manufacturer says.
Nutrition Content
Nutrients present in the superfood play a key role in how they will affect your body. Therefore, you need to read what elements the product contains and how they can benefit your wellness. Some supplements are used as the best electrolyte drink, while others boost your energy and concentration. And it all depends on nutrient content.
Manufacturer
If you want to buy a superfood that will be easy to use, you need to find a trusted manufacturer who develops various supplements filled with superfoods. Manufacturers that develop quality supplements always test their products, show the ingredient list on the label and provide detailed guidelines on how to use the product.
The Bottom Line
Modern life requires modern solutions. Since people are usually overstressed, can’t get enough nutrients from their diet, and are trying too hard to maintain life-work balance, the market develops various supplements to support them today. This is why superfoods can become an excellent solution for overall health and wellness.