Looking to live the best version of yourself is something that most people strive to achieve by any means. They may take up a hobby, start becoming physically active, or learn how to be more emotionally mature. One fun and easy way to make life more pleasurable is by incorporating superfoods into your diet.
Superfoods are a “specialized” group of mushroom extracts, pollens, tonic herbs, super teas, and such that seem to outrank the others, but what makes them “super” anyway?
Let’s have a closer look at these and see if they can justify their claim to fame as being a superfood.
What is a Superfood?
There is no clear definition of what a “superfood” is. It is only recently that this term surfaced.
What we DO know about these superfoods is that they are jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Most superfoods are plant-based.
Phytochemicals are natural compounds found in mushroom extracts and tonic herbs. It is what gives its color and scent or smell. These phytochemicals are carotenoids, ellagic acid, flavonoids, resveratrol, glucosinolates, and phytoestrogens. Not all phytochemicals are beneficial; phytoestrogens can be toxic. Our pine pollen contains phytoestrogens instead, which are potentially beneficial to the body’s reparative process. While phytochemicals aren’t listed to be an essential nutrient for humans, there is no doubting their benefits to our overall health.
Antioxidants, on the other hand, come in handy when they help get rid of free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are naturally-occurring byproducts that we need to expel. Its build-up can lead to health issues.
Our wide variety of Chaga mushroom powder is naturally loaded with antioxidants. The Chaga mushroom, for instance, is an effective immune system booster. Some studies have shown that Chaga mushrooms can stimulate white blood cells (the cells responsible for protecting our bodies against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials). More on this and other superfoods in a bit.
A Well-Balanced Diet
While it is certainly easy to see why superfoods have been gaining traction these past few years, it can be misleading to think that simply consuming superfoods will make you healthy. Our bodies operate on a number of different nutrients and it is for this reason that superfoods should be a great addition to a healthy diet. It cannot take the place of other essential food sources, such as protein, fats, and the like.
There is no single food that can provide us with all the vitamins and minerals we need on a daily basis. We need a diverse range of nutritious food to help our bodies cope with everyday living. Always remember that no food can replace your entire diet.
Popular Superfoods and their Benefits
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Scientifically known as Hieracium Erinaceus, recent studies are telling us what traditional Asian medicine has believed for a long time now: lion’s mane mushroom can potentially boost the immune system and even reduce inflammation — both extremely helpful during this pandemic we are experiencing with COVID-19.
Lion’s Mane mushroom can’t be easily bought in Australia, but its extract is readily available here. (link)
Reishi Mushroom
Just like lion’s mane, reishi mushrooms are a staple in Asian medicine because they were believed to increase the immune system’s resistance to bacteria and viruses. It is also known as an “elixir for immortality” because of its high polysaccharide content and antioxidants.
Chaga Mushroom
As we have previously mentioned, Chaga mushrooms are also known to help strengthen our immune system. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Believe it or not, this root has been in use for more than a millennium. Chaga mushrooms were one of the possessions discovered with the Ötzi the Iceman in the Alps.
Pine Pollen
Pine pollen, on the other hand, has anti-aging properties. It contains high levels of vitamins and minerals. Because it also has antioxidants, it helps protect the cells against damages caused by free radicals.
Our pine pollen extracts have been conveniently turned into capsules for easy consumption.
Japanese Matcha Tea
Green tea in itself is already loaded with antioxidants, but matcha seems to have made it into superfood-level ranks because of the way it is grown and prepared. The leaves are pulverized into a fine powder as opposed to regular green tea where its leaves are cut and dried. Matcha has higher amounts of caffeine compared to regular green tea, may improve the way the brain functions, and may even help step up your weight loss journey.
Maca Root
Its other name is Peruvian Ginseng because it grows in the Andes Mountains of Peru. This root has been a staple in Peruvian cooking for centuries but it is only recently that its health benefits are being celebrated. It is rich in Vitamins B6 and C, Copper, Potassium, Iron, and Manganese.
Incorporating Superfoods Into Your Diet
It is always best to consume superfoods in their natural form, but products that have concentrated levels of these superfoods such as tonics, supplements, and powders also work wonders for our health.
For example, try replacing your cup of coffee with matcha green tea or a mushroom extract like our Chaga extract or the 6 mushroom extract for a healthier morning drink. Your spice rack might need an upgrade too: add cinnamon, turmeric, clove, oregano, and ginger. Breakfast bowls become increasingly healthier and more delicious with acai berries.
Start Your Superdiet Today
They say food heals the soul and such words aren’t far from the truth. Being mindful in this day and age about the quality and quantity of the food we eat is important now more than ever. While there is nothing wrong with reaching out for that juicy cheeseburger every now and then, maintaining a well-balanced diet isn’t as hard as it seems when there are delicious superfoods incorporated into it.
Your health is worth investing in. Start living your best life with superfoods!
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