Immune-Boosting Superfoods A re there any natural ways to boost your immune system? To stay healthy and not be worried when a friend sne...
Immune-Boosting Superfoods
Are there any natural ways to boost your immune system? To stay healthy and not be worried when a friend sneezes next to you? Or when you are in a crowded subway and someone coughed right in front of you.
Fret no longer, with the emergence of superfoods, your immune system can be boosted to help thwart infections and diseases. Plus with some light physical activities as well! As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
What Are Superfoods?
But to date, there is no official scientific definition on superfoods. Essentially, they are nutrient-rich foods that are beneficial to health and well-being in general.
They contain high levels of much-needed vitamins and minerals for the body, especially for those over sixty years old. They also contain deterrents that help shield from cell damage and prevent diseases.
Some dieticians note that superfoods may just be a marketing term to promote food with health benefits. But they do agree that these type of foods are nutritionally dense and thus, good for the body.
Five Types of Superfoods to Include in Your Diet
1. Superfood Seaweed
You will be surprised to know that there are many benefits of eating seaweed.Nutritional Value of Seaweed
To start with, seaweeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These are known to prevent heart attacks and stroke. Problems that are commonly related to people above sixty years old. To confirm this statement, you will find this nutrient being sold at most pharmacies as supplements.Seaweed also contains calcium and magnesium which are good for bones. It is also loaded with iron, potassium, iodine, and zinc. All of which are important minerals for the body.
How to Eat Seaweed
There are many ways to enjoy the benefits of seaweed. But for the average urbanite, the most convenient way of consuming seaweed is through nori sheets. These are the ones available in supermarkets and the kind used for sushi.
Layer your favorite ingredients with some sliced vegetables and wrap it up for a quick snack any time of the day.
Kelp Seaweed Powder
Alternatively, you can try this Kelp Seaweed in a powder form. This is 100% pure certified organic seaweed that is also verified non-GMO, Kosher, Vegan and is gluten-free.
2. Superfood Goji Berries
As health awareness increases daily, more and more superfood ingredients are found readily available even on supermarket shelves.
Goji berries are one of these. With its rich amount of Vitamin C, it is there for a good reason. Originating from Tibet and Inner Mongolia, these bright colored berries have been used to treat visual conditions and poor blood circulation by traditional Chinese herbalist for centuries. It is also capable of boosting the immune system and contains plant-based antioxidants.
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3. Superfood Cocoa Powder
And you thought cocoa is bad for you! Well, the good news is, it is rich in flavonoids, known to aid lowering blood pressure and improve blood circulation.
And it is also low-calorie, containing almost no fat. hence, it is a favorite among chocolate lovers.
But most cocoa powders sold are either alkalized or processed, meaning up to 90% of its antioxidants are gone.
Instead look for raw or non-alkalized ones as these still hold the phytochemicals and benefits that qualify it as a superfood.
4. Superfood Ginger
Okay, you may not agree with me that ginger tastes great. But when prepared properly it is delicious. See the above photo and you will agree!
Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger always attract polarized views. Either you love it, or you hate it. This pungent herb is a common ingredient throughout centuries of Asian traditional medicine. Practitioners use it to treat stomach upsets, headaches, migraines, nausea, vomiting and aid digestion.
Some studies even show that the active ingredient in ginger, gingerols, is able to kill off ovarian cancer cell by inducing apoptosis. That is the death of cells in a normal and controlled part of an organism's growth or development. This shows the potential of ginger in treating cancer. An awesome superfood!
5. Superfood Garlic
This is another either you like it or you don't, superfood. In folklore, garlic is known as a defense mechanism against vampires and also for causing bad breath.
Garlic Health Benefits
What is scientifically proven, though, is that garlic is useful in combatting bacteria. Stomach aches caused by infections can be prevented and treated by consuming this basic ingredient, used in the preparation of various dishes in most part of Asia. It is also been used to cure chest infections and the common cold.
Garlic Lower Cholesterol
Garlic works by increasing macrophages and lymphocytes in the body. These are the natural killer cells that look out for elements that damage cell membranes.
Recent studies also show that garlic helps to safeguard the heart besides lowering cholesterol. It is also a common ingredient in research for anti-tumor cases.
Conclusion - Superfoods in Your Diet
As exciting as its name suggests, adding superfood to your diet will play a crucial role in maintaining good health. And if you suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, these superfoods are great for you. There are also concerns that too much focus on a specific type of food, especially paired with the prefix super, may encourage unhealthy eating.
Do not believe that by eating superfood, you will 'undo' the damage caused by unhealthy foods. A more rounded and balanced diet is ultimately more important than any kind of superfood you may take. Eating a variety of foods ensures there are enough nutrients for the body. As a start, focus on getting five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Superfood can come next.
Need Help on Superfood For Your Kids or GrandKids?
Then read or buy this book 'Superfoods for Healthy Kids: More Than 250 Immune-Boosting Foods and Great-Tasting Recipes for Your Children' for ideas and recipes for the child to have a stronger immune system.
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