How Super are these foods exactly?
Many of us have heard of the term superfoods, and here at All Kurma we often mention the great health benefits of date fruits why they are considered a superfood.
Nutritionally and medically speaking, there are no set criteria for food to come under the label of superfood. The term itself was popularized and used to classify foods that were nutritionally dense, which contained a high and wide range of important nutrients that were good for the body.
Generally, a food can be considered a superfood when they contain a wide array of nutrients, mainly vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, antioxidants, amino acids, healthy fats and have other health promoting properties to help reduce the risk of certain diseases or improve any aspect of physical and emotional health.
What is considered a Superfood?
The list comprising under superfoods can be rather extensive; they are mostly plant-based but also include some fish and dairy. Overall, there are a few main categories where you can also find a long list of healthy food.
Fruits superfood
Typically, regular consumption of fruits can boost your health, but not all fruits are the same. Those that make it into the superfood list are usually vitamin and mineral dense fruits that are proven to contain a wider variety of nutrients, which are extremely beneficial for health.
There are many types of fruits, especially the berries that are proven to be nutrient-rich and aid in eliminating bad bacteria. The main ones on top of the list are acai berries, blueberries, cranberries, palm dates, raisins, grapefruit, avocado, mulberries, pomegranate and goji berry.
Beans, Grains and Nuts Superfoods
Nuts and seeds contain high levels of minerals and healthy fats. Some of the well known nuts superfoods are almonds, walnuts and pistachio, just to name a few.
Beans, grains or seeds are typically a source of low-fat protein and contain insoluble fibre, which lowers cholesterol; soluble fibre, which provides a longer feeling of fullness; and loads of vitamins and minerals. They are largely found in Millet, Flax seeds, Chia seeds, and the rawest form of cocoa beans, chickpeas and lentils.
Quinoa is not a grain, but it cooks up like one, and is also a remarkable source of protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants.
Green superfoods
These are the green vegetables, which contain high concentrations of vitamins, proteins, minerals and healthy bacteria, such as wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina, chlorella, and green and leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale, broccoli and legumes like peas.
