Diet & Nutrition
July 12, 2022

The superfoods you haven’t heard of and their benefits

Introduction

There are many reasons why you might be interested in eating healthy. Maybe you're trying to lose weight, or maybe you just want to live a little longer. Whatever your reasons for wanting to eat well, it's hard not to get excited about superfoods like kale, chia seeds and flax seeds. But what if there were even more foods out there that could help improve your health? Here are six superfoods that aren't all that well known but can still have a profound impact on your health:

Baobab fruit

One of the most nutritious and delicious superfoods you can eat is baobab fruit. It’s rich in vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and other nutrients. Baobab fruit also contains fiber, calcium and antioxidants that are good for your heart health.

The fruits have a tangy-sweet taste to them—similar to a mix between watermelon and pineapple—and they make an excellent addition to smoothies or eaten on their own as a snack.

Goji berries

Goji berries are a superfood native to Asia. The plant itself is actually a type of shrub, but the fruit it bears also goes by “goji berry” or "wolfberry." These little red-orange fruits have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to increase energy, improve vision, and even treat diabetes and cancer.

While goji berries aren't as popular here in America as fruits like strawberries or blueberries, they can be found at most health food stores or online grocers like Amazon. They taste like raisins (with a slightly tart aftertaste) and are often added to trail mix or yogurt parfaits as well as smoothies because they're high in antioxidants that fight off cell damage caused by free radicals.

Maca powder

Maca powder is a root vegetable that has been used for hundreds of years in both Peru and Bolivia. It’s high in protein, calcium, iron, vitamin B12 and other nutrients that are beneficial to your health. Maca can be added to smoothies and shakes as well as yogurt—and it makes an excellent substitute for coffee!

Goldenberries

Goldenberries are a berry that is rich in antioxidants. They also help to improve your skin, eyesight and heart health.

They contain vitamin C and E which can prevent damage to the body cells by free radicals that lead to aging. They are also known as a blood purifier since they cleanse your blood vessels of toxins, promote healthy skin and hair growth, slow down graying of hair as well as increase energy levels by boosting metabolism.

Cashews

The cashew nut, which is actually a seed, is high in protein and contains good amounts of magnesium and phosphorus. It also has high iron content. It's also a good source of zinc and copper, as well as selenium—all nutrients that are especially important for your health if you're vegan or vegetarian.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, two things that contribute to a healthy diet. Flax seeds also contain lignans, which have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Chlorella and spirulina

You've heard of kale, spinach and chia seeds. But have you heard of chlorella and spirulina? These two superfood algae are high in protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They're great for your immune system, skin and hair.

Cacao powder

You might not have heard of cacao powder before, but it’s a great superfood to add to your diet.

Cacao powder is made by grinding the seeds of the cacao tree and then removing any remaining husks. This process results in a dark, bitter-tasting powder that can be used in many ways. Cacao powder has been shown to be rich in antioxidants and fiber, as well as providing benefits like:

  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Fiber (helps lower cholesterol)

Be aware of these often overlooked superfoods.

If you're looking for the next big thing, here are some superfoods that aren't as well-known but are worth exploring:

  • Maca powder (maca root) is an adaptogen—that means it helps your body handle stress. It also contains vitamins B6 and C, iron and magnesium. This can be taken in supplement form or added to smoothies for a nutrient boost.
  • Goldenberries are antioxidant-rich berries that contain more vitamin C than oranges. They're also high in fiber and low on the glycemic index (meaning they won't spike your blood sugar levels). You can enjoy them by themselves or mixed into a smoothie with other fruits like strawberries or blueberries. If you want to try something different than berries, look into golden chlorella tablets instead! These algae contain chlorophyll which gives them their golden color—and many people say they feel energized after taking them regularly due to their high chlorophyll content. You can get these at any health food store alongside spirulina capsules if you prefer not having both supplements at once...or just don't know where else they might be sold locally yet!

Conclusion

I hope this article has opened your eyes to some new and exciting superfoods. The truth is, most of us are not eating nearly enough fruits and vegetables in our daily diets. When it comes down to it, it’s important that we all do our best to stay healthy by eating as many whole foods as possible and avoiding processed foods whenever possible (or at least minimizing their intake). By incorporating these superfoods into your diet on a regular basis, you will be giving yourself the best chance at living longer while also keeping your body strong enough to fight off disease or illness wherever they may come from (like pollution).

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