5 Plant-Based Superfoods to Boost Your Health
Do you know what you eat has a massive impact on your health?
Poor eating habits, such as eating foods lacking in nutrition, can cause various diseases and a shortened lifespan.
On the other hand, consuming nutrient-rich food items have various health benefits, including increased energy and improved brain health.
Experts believe that 50% - 70% of the diseases can be eliminated by having nutritious foods.
Superfoods are foods that offer maximal nutrition with minimal calories.
Let’s understand more about them.
Why Adding Superfoods to Your Diet Helps?
Superfoods are nutrition-dense foods. This means they provide a significant amount of nutrients with exceptionally few calories.
As mentioned above, superfoods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
You may already know that minerals and vitamins are essential for health. Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances that neutralize harmful radicals. The free radicals are byproducts of energy production, which are responsible for many diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
Many herbs and spices such as cinnamon have a powerful anti-diabetic effect. They are potent antioxidants and help to fight inflammation.
Antioxidant molecules reverse the effects of these molecules, protecting you from the mentioned health conditions:
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Immune deficiency
- Parkinson’s disease
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Respiratory diseases
- Emphysema
Five Common Plant-Based Superfoods
Here are some plant-based superfoods that are seen to promote health and energy levels.
1. Leafy Greens
Leafy vegetables, including parsley and coriander leaves, are an excellent source of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, fiber, zinc, iron, and vitamin C.
They also aid in lowering the risk of long-standing diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disorders.
Greens are also rich in carotenoids — anti-inflammatory compounds — that protect you against various cancers.
Some greens are bitter. You can make them palatable by adding healthy herbs and spices.
2. Garlic
This plant food is a rich source of vitamin B6, C, fiber, manganese, and selenium.
While garlic is a well-known culinary ingredient, it is also used for its health benefits.
Many studies have shown that garlic is effective in managing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also boosts your immunity.
Sulfur-containing compounds in this spice may also help in preventing certain cancers.
3. Ginger
This root is rich in antioxidants known as gingerol, which are responsible for its health benefits.
Ginger is effective against inflammatory conditions, nausea, and pain. It also reduces your risk of dementia, certain cancers, and heart diseases.
4. Turmeric
The bright spice closely resembles ginger and is commonly used for cooking and health benefits.
Curcumin — an active compound in turmeric — is potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
It is seen that turmeric is effective against chronic health conditions, including diabetes and heart disorders. Turmeric also aids in pain reduction and wound healing.
5. Broccoli
It is again an excellent superfood with various nutrients and antioxidants and is low in calories.
Broccoli is rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, helping to prevent various health conditions.
Final Thoughts
Adding superfoods to your diet is an excellent and easy way of boosting your health. But It should be paired with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle for optimal benefits.
