Healthy Foods Part 1: Superfoods!

To get this blog off to a flying start, I'm going to post a multiple part series to give everyone an idea of what they can be eating in their daily diet to feel good and look great from the inside out! First up SUPERFOODS!!!

The Rise And Rise Of Superfoods

In terms of weight loss, superfoods are the new kids on the block, and yet have tried and tested properties to help with the process. Superfoods actually contain large amounts of antioxidants, which defines each one as a superfood, and antioxidants actually strengthen the cells within the body as a result of eliminating free radicals that roam around attacking cells. Weight loss is aided by this process because it actually makes the cells more efficient, allowing them to work harder and thus burn more calories.

The concept of superfoods is relatively new, mainly because superfoods have largely come about as a result of modern research. Unlike the rest of the dieting fads that seem to be getting a lot of attention, superfoods have a laboratory tested seal of approval for people wanting to lose weight, as well as having extra benefits that can keep aging at bay. Laboratory tests have proved that including superfoods in your diet can actually make your entire system more efficient because, thanks to the antioxidants, the cells remain healthier for longer.

There are many different superfoods, but the main known ones are blueberries, raspberries, russet potatoes, broccoli, salmon, oats, beans, spinach, nuts, turkey and soy. The majority of foods do contain a certain amount of antioxidants. In fact, the only foods that don’t tend to contain antioxidants are junk foods and red meats, but only the foods with the highest amounts in them make the superfoods list!

Antioxidants actually attack and neutralise free radicals that are floating around your body. As previously stated, free radicals attack cells, thus damaging them. This can hamper some of your bodily functions, but if you eat foods with antioxidants then they take care of the cells, maintaining their health and ensuring that no lasting damage is inflicted by the free radicals. Healthy cells can actually metabolise at a greater rate than those damaged over time. That, in turn, burns more fat from the stored reserves.

Some superfoods actually suppress appetite as well as having properties that speed up your metabolic rate. Bee pollen is a perfect example. It helps to speed up the metabolism because it contains enzymes and phytochemicals that help to break down stored fat. It also contains lecithin, which is well known for flushing toxins out your system thus making it more efficient, and phenylalanin, which suppresses the appetite. Blueberries also do exactly the same in terms of your metabolism. The fructose contained within blueberries is slower than other sugars to release and thus speeds up your metabolic rate, and the fiber within the blueberries can also help you to stave off hunger.

Superfoods are packed full of goodness, whether you want to lose weight or get and stay healthy. However, if your intentions lie with the first option then you could do far worse than to superfood your diet! Superfoods have so many positive points that it would be foolish not to! If you get the balance of superfoods in your diet right then not only will you look better, but feel better from the inside out too!