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Five Unique Superfoods that can Help Spice Up Your Diet - When you think of the benefits that superfoods offer, it’s easy to understand why so much study and research has gone into the subject. Unlike prescription drugs that can carry potentially undesirable side effects, superfoods offer a natural alternative without side effects that can help to reduce a person’s risk of heart disease and cancer, lower cholesterol, and strengthen the immune system.
The benefits of superfoods don’t just apply to individuals who suffer from poor health either. Even a healthy person could profit from an increased consumption of superfoods as part of their regular diet. Since superfoods work to prevent instead of cure disease, they offer a solid line of defense that everyone could benefit from. While most people are aware of the health benefits of blueberries, spinach, tomatoes, and cranberries, there several types of eclectic superfoods that many people might not know about.
Seaweed
If you try to get an assorted number of fruits and vegetables into your diet, but have quickly started to tire on the standard lettuce and tomato fair, you might want to consider eating more seaweed. A favorite among nutritionists and organic ingredient minded chefs, seaweed contains a variety of minerals that work as detoxing agents in the body. The lettuce of the sea also contains chlorophyll and alginic acid, both natural detoxifiers, and high quantities of iodine, which helps the thyroid function properly.
Sprouts
Often found in Asian cuisine, sprouts come in a variety of forms, but no matter the source, they all contain valuable minerals and vitamins the body needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Due to the variety of sprouts, you are almost certain to find something that agrees with your palate. Different forms of sprout include: plant seeds (alfalfa), grains (spelt), legumes, (lentils), and oilseeds (sunflower).
Umeboshi
An obscure fruit probably not found in most corner grocery stores, umeboshi plums originate from Japan, and come from the apricot family tree. In order to make umeboshi plums edible, the fruit must ferment for at least a month in sea salt brine. Obviously that much time in salt give umeboshi a decidedly harsh, salty flavor. What the fruit lacks in flavor, however, it more than make up for in healthy effects. Umeboshi plums help easy digestive problems, increase immune system efficiency, and purge toxin from the body. Look for umeboshi puree at health food and organic grocery stores if you feel like trying this exotic superfood.
Tempeh
A great addition to the diet of any vegan or vegetarian, tempeh contains high amounts of protein. A relative of tofu, tempeh is made using soymilk curds that are infused with mushrooms, and left to ferment until mold begins to grow. While this might not sound particularly appetizing, tempeh has a similar texture as tofu, but contains much more flavor. Unlike tofu, however, fermented soy, such as miso and tempeh, is easier for the body to digest, which means you’ll pull even more nourishment from tempeh than from eating tofu.
Amaranth
A South American plant that the ancient Aztecs and Incas used to cultivate for its seeds, amaranth is a gluten free super grain that contains massive amounts of calcium, protein, and iron.
The benefits of superfoods don’t just apply to individuals who suffer from poor health either. Even a healthy person could profit from an increased consumption of superfoods as part of their regular diet. Since superfoods work to prevent instead of cure disease, they offer a solid line of defense that everyone could benefit from. While most people are aware of the health benefits of blueberries, spinach, tomatoes, and cranberries, there several types of eclectic superfoods that many people might not know about.
Seaweed
If you try to get an assorted number of fruits and vegetables into your diet, but have quickly started to tire on the standard lettuce and tomato fair, you might want to consider eating more seaweed. A favorite among nutritionists and organic ingredient minded chefs, seaweed contains a variety of minerals that work as detoxing agents in the body. The lettuce of the sea also contains chlorophyll and alginic acid, both natural detoxifiers, and high quantities of iodine, which helps the thyroid function properly.
Sprouts
Often found in Asian cuisine, sprouts come in a variety of forms, but no matter the source, they all contain valuable minerals and vitamins the body needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Due to the variety of sprouts, you are almost certain to find something that agrees with your palate. Different forms of sprout include: plant seeds (alfalfa), grains (spelt), legumes, (lentils), and oilseeds (sunflower).
Umeboshi
An obscure fruit probably not found in most corner grocery stores, umeboshi plums originate from Japan, and come from the apricot family tree. In order to make umeboshi plums edible, the fruit must ferment for at least a month in sea salt brine. Obviously that much time in salt give umeboshi a decidedly harsh, salty flavor. What the fruit lacks in flavor, however, it more than make up for in healthy effects. Umeboshi plums help easy digestive problems, increase immune system efficiency, and purge toxin from the body. Look for umeboshi puree at health food and organic grocery stores if you feel like trying this exotic superfood.
Tempeh
A great addition to the diet of any vegan or vegetarian, tempeh contains high amounts of protein. A relative of tofu, tempeh is made using soymilk curds that are infused with mushrooms, and left to ferment until mold begins to grow. While this might not sound particularly appetizing, tempeh has a similar texture as tofu, but contains much more flavor. Unlike tofu, however, fermented soy, such as miso and tempeh, is easier for the body to digest, which means you’ll pull even more nourishment from tempeh than from eating tofu.
Amaranth
A South American plant that the ancient Aztecs and Incas used to cultivate for its seeds, amaranth is a gluten free super grain that contains massive amounts of calcium, protein, and iron.
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