For the most people that I know, one of the new years resolution includes living a healthier more balanced lifestyle, eating better, having more energy and feeling better overall! The New Year is coming to a fresh start and as I am re-launching this blog I am inspired to help people to start a happier and healthier life.
To achieve this ambitious News Year’s resolution – superfoods are here to help! There are several definitions of superfoods and sometimes this term is overly used, however what remains are the undeniable benefits of superfoods that provide tremendous results! Superfoods are vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients rich foods that offer lots of health benefits, increase energy levels and the overall well being as well as prevent and ease many chronic conditions.
The simplest way to get quick benefits of superfoods is to incorporate some into the daily meals, and here I am not talking about wheat grass shorts or spirulina goji berries smoothies that may taste weird. For those living in the 4 season climates especially with cold winters I would like to recommend to go back to more traditional foods that worlds best grandmothers used in their kitchen for centuries, at the same time using the wisdom that comes from the East where for centuries people enjoyed strong health and longevity.
Here is the list of my favorite superfoods:
- Nori – a seaweed, an algae specie that became very popular since sushi and Japanese foods became mainstream. Nori is not only delicious but also mineral and vitamin dense and is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), vitamin K, niacin, pantothenic acid and phosphorus so important for multiple system and body functions. Nori is an incredibly good source of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, copper and manganese. Arguably some studies suggest Nori contain good levels of B12 – Cobalamin, so important to humans.
- Beans (chickpeas, kidney beans, aduki beans, lentils) When cooked properly, together with whole grains worlds most ancient foods, are a great source of protein, known to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol levels they deliver a powerful combination of B vitamins, calcium, potassium and folate to help you maintain a healthy brain, plus they deliver an excellent source of sugar-free energy through much of your day
- Brown rice – is the worlds healthiest food like most whole grains is rich in fiber. The nutritional value of brown rice is incredible it contains essential minerals such as manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorous, calcium, selenium, magnesium and potassium which support your bones, digestive and nervous system. B group vitamins such as vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6, folate, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and vitamin K, so important for great skin, hair and nails. It is a great source of protein, and has naturally occurring oils.
- Berries (blueberries, raspberries, aronia berries, mulberries) – Most berries are phytonutrient rich which helps fight inflammation and are a packed with powerful antioxidants not to mention are delicious.
- Leafy green vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, pak choi, green cabbage, spinach) green vegetables are world most powerful foods, packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals they are low in calories, yet deliver a powerful boost of vitamins.
- Walnuts Just a few walnuts a day will deliver a healthy dose of omega-3’s, alpha-linoleic acid, melatonin, copper, manganese and the hard-to-find gamma-tocopherol form of vitamin E, which helps protect your heart and brain.