Superfoods 101: What They Are And Why They Matter
The term “superfood” has received a lot of hype and is seemingly used everywhere. You see it in the media, on food packaging, and even on beauty products. Chances are, most of us have heard that superfoods can help us look great, feel great, and generally live a healthier lifestyle. But if you were asked directly, could you actually tell someone what a superfood is, or, better yet, what makes it so super?
If not, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and we’re here to fill in the blanks for you.
What Is A Superfood?
So what exactly is a superfood anyway? Well, this is where things get a little complicated. While the term itself is commonly used, there isn’t actually a certain set of parameters that food has to meet in order to receive the title of superfood. In general, you can think of a superfood as nutritional powerhouses that are considered to be especially beneficial to your health because they are low in calories and rich in nutrients.
These powerful foods tend to be excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that your body needs and can’t produce on its own. With such dense nutrient profiles, including these foods in your diet can help you live a longer, healthier life.
How To Identify Superfood
With such a broad definition, it’s no surprise that new “superfoods” are popping up everywhere. Before jumping on board with the next new superfood trend, remind yourself that not all superfoods are created equal—just because a certain food is being marketed as a superfood, doesn’t necessarily mean it automatically deserves a spot in your diet.
So how do you identify which superfoods are worth the hype? Here are some important characteristics to look for.
- It’s found in nature. Superfoods are natural foods—not ones that are created in a lab. The human body is better equipped to process and utilize natural foods than lab-made foods. When looking for your next favorite superfood, start with foods that can be found in nature.
- It regenerates naturally. Can your superfood grow on its own, or does it require assistance from humans and modern technology? To get the most from your superfoods, look for ones that have the ability to grow naturally without human intervention. This means they are more likely to be organic and as unprocessed as possible.
- It’s dense in nutrients. The super thing about superfoods is that they contain a variety of important nutrients. Look for a superfood that will nourish your body with an array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phytopigments, antioxidants, and fatty acids.
- It’s backed by science. For foods and supplements that are being marketed as superfoods, look for the evidence to back up the company’s claim. Look for scientific evidence that proves that the superfood in question is natural and nutrient-rich. Don’t be afraid to seek third-party validation or email the company for additional scientific information.
7 Superfoods To Try
There are a number of superfoods out there that have proven themselves as superior to others. However, keep in mind that there is no single superfood that is the sole key to a longer, healthier life. Each superfood contains its own unique set of nutrients, and in order to ensure your body is getting everything it needs, it’s important to add a variety of these foods to your diet.
1. Avocados. This modern-day brunch staple is loaded with nutrients including fiber, phytopigments, 20 different vitamins, heart-healthy fats, and important minerals like magnesium.
2. Blueberries. These summertime berries are packed with both flavor and nutrients. They contain nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for your health.
3. Blue-Green Algae. Whether it’s spirulina, chlorella, or Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), blue-green algae is Mother Nature’s original superfood. Blue-green algae boasts a variety of health-benefiting nutrients like essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytopigments.
4. Chia Seeds. These nutrient-rich seeds nourish your body with Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
5. Green Tea. For centuries, green tea has been used as a natural remedy for a variety of health challenges. This is mostly due to the fact that it contains important polyphenols that work as antioxidants to protect your cells from oxidative stress.
6. Mushrooms. One of the most ancient superfoods on the planet, mushrooms have long been used to nourish the body and promote longevity. Not only are they full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but they also contain 3 essential antioxidants—glutathione, ergothioneine, and selenium.
7. Wheatgrass. This low-calorie superfood is growing in popularity, and for good reason. Its rich nutrient profile includes amino acids, multiple vitamins, potassium, calcium, and a number of antioxidants like vitamins C and E.
Enhance Your Diet With Organic Wild Microalgae®
Variety is the spice of life, and that’s especially true for superfoods. To experience the maximum benefits from nature’s most nutritious foods, it’s best to include a number of them in your diet. But if that seems overwhelming, it’s best to start with one and work your way up from there. Our recommendation? Start with Mother Nature’s most ancient and powerful superfood—organic Wild Microalgae.
What is organic Wild Microalgae? It’s a rare form of blue-green algae that has been consumed since the 80s. This near-perfect superfood is bout 60% protein by weight and includes all 20 standard amino acids. Additionally, it also includes 13 different vitamins (including many B vitamins), over 60 trace minerals, antioxidants, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, photopigments like chlorophyll and phycocyanin, and the mental energy activator known as phenylethylamine (PEA). All of these nutrients work together to nourish your body so you can live a long, healthy life.
What’s more? Getting your daily dose of this near-perfect superfood is as easy as taking a few capsules a day or adding a scoop of powder to your favorite smoothie!
The best part is you can put it to the test risk-free with our 90-day money-back guarantee.
At New Earth we are on a mission to positively impact the health of every body and soul we come in contact with. We specialize in producing third-party certified, organic whole food supplements including a variety of probiotics, and digestive support. Our supplements feature a rare, yet highly nutritious superfood, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA). Also known as organic Wild Microalgae®, AFA is a unique type of microalgae that is available in many forms including tablets, capsules, and powders all designed to help you on your journey to holistic wellness. The best part? We offer a 90-day money-back risk-free guarantee on all of our products. Visit our website to learn more.
