Every year, new dietary fads, tips, and tricks make their way onto the market. Advertised as solutions to every problem under the sun, the vast majority of these trends die out in a few years. The reason why people lose interest in dietary fads like these are because they have relatively little benefit. You might be asking yourself, are superfoods just another fad or is there science behind the data? Let’s take a moment to figure this out as we cover superfoods and you.
While superfoods may not live up to the claims and hype seen in the media, they can still be a fantastic way to get the nutrients you need in your diet. For example, tomatoes are often considered a “superfood.” Tomatoes are full of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can protect the skin against the damaging effects of the sun. They also contain, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. So, while they won’t singlehandedly solve health or weight-loss problems, they can still be a fantastic source of nutrients for your body. In addition to tomatoes, many berries are considered “superfoods” because they provide similar beneficial nutrients.
Other superfoods?
• Kale is believed to neutralize cancer-causing substances, though there are no conclusive studies on the matter. Eat it raw, bake kale chips as a snack, or sauté it as a dinner side.
• Açai berries have high levels of anthocyanins, antioxidants that help fight heart disease and cancer. Just stick to unsweetened acai, not blended juices with added sugar.
• Goji berries are a great source of vitamin C. Add them to your salad or blend them in a morning smoothie.
• Cacao powder has flavonoids, which contribute to lower blood pressure. Just stick to raw/non-alkalized version, as processed cacao powder is stripped of most antioxidants.
• Collard greens are known to lower cholesterol. To get the best effect, we recommend eating them steamed.
• Spinach is a high source of iron, and there are even studies that show spinach works as a natural appetite suppressant. Eat in an a salad, add it to a smoothie, or sauté with dinner and enjoy!
Staying Active
While superfoods may not be a cure all, they still have many of the nutrients you need to be happy and healthy. In addition to eating right, consider forms of exercise. Something like karate can be a source of meditation, exercise, and team building. Providing countless opportunities to grow skills and get in fantastic shape, combining something as challenging and fun as karate with eating right will leave you in the best shape in your life. So, instead of focusing on the “superfood” fad, focus on the bigger picture – your health in mind, body, and soul.
