What Makes Superfoods Super?
Mascari, Brooke. September 9th, 2024
Superfoods are nothing new. If we look at ancient cultures worldwide including South America and the Middle East, we see that superfoods have been used in healing practices for thousands of years.
Superfoods are nutrient-dense foods that contain powerful micro-nutrients that aid in protecting and improving our health. Superfoods are often sourced from regions where they naturally grow to maintain their nutrients.
When we purchase or order superfoods, they should arrive in a state where they have been freeze-dried or naturally dried immediately after harvest so the nutrients are preserved when we receive them. Many superfoods are also made into powders where they can be easily incorporated into our daily lives.
Superfoods have a rich history. For example, chia seeds date back to 3500 BC and were a staple in the Aztec diet. Aztecs were known to use chia seeds to enhance their strength, stamina, and endurance. The Aztecs believed a tablespoon of chia seeds could sustain a warrior for an entire day. They also used chia seeds as medicine to treat wounds, sore throats, sore eyes, and joint pain.
The Mayans also valued chia seeds for their nutritional and endurance-boosting properties. The word "chia" means "strength" in Mayan which makes sense as chia seeds are a good source of protein! They are also full of antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
There are so many of these powerful superfoods out there, but let’s discuss just a few for now:
Shatavari root originates from India and is a powerful root to supports hormone health. It helps to balance hormones and has been used for thousands of years to enhance fertility and has also been shown to help with PCOS and aid in PMS symptoms. Shatavari root produces antioxidants including asparagamine A, racemofuran, and aerosol. Antioxidants can help prevent damage and disease in your body and cells and are the best way to reduce and reverse aging. Shatavari also has antiviral properties and can be used to treat or prevent viral infections.
Turmeric has been used for centuries and dates back to 2500 BC. Turmeric has become pretty well-known in the past several years, but perhaps you do not know how powerful it truly is! Turmeric contains something called curcumin. Curcumin is a very powerful antioxidant and contains anti-inflammatory properties and is great for both brain and heart health. Turmeric has also been found to reduce the risk of many cancers. Curcumin in the turmeric is also beneficial in treating mood disorders. Its positive effects on the brain include boosting the brain neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, reducing inflammation, and encouraging brain plasticity.
Ashwagandha! Ashwagandha is an incredibly important adaptogenic herb. It is a small plant and the root of this plant is used to reduce anxiety. It has many calming effects and is wonderful at aiding in stress management, as well. It can be very useful to take before bed because of its relaxing properties and can be combined nicely with turmeric.
You might be wondering how superfoods can fit into your own life and where to start.
The answer is this:
These powerful foods are one of the easiest ways to uplevel your life daily with the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients your body needs to thrive. Superfoods are so healing and potent that just a teaspoon goes a long way. For example, just a teaspoon of superfood berry powder can be equivalent to over one handful of berries.
The most important question when it comes to adding superfoods to your life is deciding, “What does my body need and what helps me feel my best?”
Are you working to build your immune system?
Are you having trouble balancing your hormones?
Are you looking to improve your skin health?
Are you wanting to increase mental clarity?
Are you wanting to boost your energy naturally?
Are you wanting to reduce the effects of aging on the body?
Figuring out what area you want to support or improve can help you figure out which powerful superfood ingredients will be most helpful and effective for you.
See if you can begin incorporating small amounts of superfoods into your meals daily. Perhaps one spoonful in a morning smoothie? Or a turmeric latte before bed? Whatever you decide to try, enjoy the process, and know that sometimes it can take a couple of weeks or up to a month to notice a difference in how you feel.
Small and consistent changes and adjustments to your diet and life will gradually cause you to feel better and better daily.
As you add superfoods to your life, don’t forget to continue to maintain a well-rounded diet with healthy fats, proteins, whole veggies, and whole fruits when you can. Diversity in diet and in the natural colors of your food help to diversify and strengthen gut microbiome and overall health, well-being, and physical resiliency.
Start small and slowly build from there. Healing is a beautiful process; enjoy it! Nearly all of our daily processes can be a source of healing. Especially our meals.
Blessings on your journey to perfect health, and remember! Food is medicine.
