Superfoods are more popular than ever, with many people already enjoying their benefits; but if you’re not sure what they are, why they are important and how to eat them, our ultimate superfood guide is here to help.
Superfoods are a diverse collection of nutrient-rich natural foods such as berries, seeds, grains, algae, vegetables and fruits, which can have a positive effect on your body. They contain a large percentage of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and antioxidants. Unlike most healthy foods, which normally contain two or three particular nutritional properties, superfoods often have 12 or more.
Why are superfoods important?
The modern diet is often not as nutritious as it should be. There is an abundance of unhealthy foods available, which are often easier to prepare and quicker to eat than their healthy counterparts. However, unhealthy eating is not good for your body, your skin, your hair and your immune system - it even impacts your emotional state. Whereas a daily diet that includes superfoods gives your body everything it needs to run smoothly and stay healthy.
The benefits of superfoods
Each superfood has its own specific characteristics and offers some typical health benefits. Improving physical and mental health, strengthening the immune system and increasing resistance to disease are some of the basic qualities of superfoods. They provide energy and help make you feel better about yourself. Superfoods are also known for burning calories, because they improve your metabolism. Also, the rejuvenation of the skin is another advantage of superfoods, thanks to the antioxidants and vitamin C that they contain. They also help reduce the risk of cancer and protect your heart.
Defining superfoods
The name ‘superfoods’ has come over from America, This collective name for these foods makes it easy to put them under a single heading – super healthy foods. In the European Union only products whose positive characteristics - vitamins, minerals, good fats, enzymes - are proven may carry the name ‘Super Food’. The list of superfoods is extensive. To keep things simple, they are divided into 4 different categories. In each category you will find the widest possible list of the healthiest (and best known) superfoods!
Green superfoods
These are the green vegetables, which contain high concentrations of vitamins, proteins, minerals and healthy bacteria, such as wheat grass, barley grass, spirulina, chlorella, and green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale and winter purslane. Leeks, broccoli and legumes (for example peas, beans and lentils) also belong here.
Fruits & nuts superfoods
Many fruits and nuts have beneficial properties that help in killing (bad) bacteria. The main ones are acai berries, blueberries, cranberries, goji berries, mulberries, pomegranate, maqui berry, maca, almonds, walnuts, raw cacao and coconut.
Herb superfoods
Among these superfoods you can find healthy herbs which are packed full of vitamins. Moreover, many have special medicinal properties such as nettle, aloe vera, echinacea, ginseng, devil's claw, ginger, ginkgo biloba, marigold, turmeric, anise and basil.
Other superfoods
Products derived from bees, such as bee pollen, honey and royal jelly are among the other superfoods. There are also a wide variety of seaweeds that are considered superfoods.
Superfoods available at Pajé store
We currently have a selection of 15 superfood powders available at Pajé. Check them out, including a brief description of the health benefits of each one, at https://www.pajepowder.com/superfoods