Discover the Best Superfoods for Optimal Health and Nutrition
Here at Pure Green, our philosophy is simple. Our mission is to build healthier communities around the globe by connecting people with superfoods.
When discussing the best superfoods, it’s essential to highlight that these are foods exceptionally high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients beneficial for health. Some of the top superfoods include leafy greens like kale and spinach, which are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and iron. Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and acai berries, are packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect the body from free radicals.
Seeds like chia, flaxseed, and hemp are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health. Other superfoods like quinoa, almonds, and avocados are not only nutrient-dense but also provide healthy fats and proteins. Including a variety of these superfoods in your diet can contribute to overall health, boost energy levels, and may help prevent chronic diseases.
At Pure Green, we incorporate these powerful ingredients into our products, ensuring that each item we offer is not only delicious but also packed with the nutritional benefits of the best superfoods available.
We’re constantly striving towards this goal, and our superfood smoothie blends and range of healthy cold-pressed juices is a reflection of this commitment. But just what is a superfood? And what are some of the best ones out there? Read on to get all these answers, and more…
WHAT ARE SUPERFOODS?
A superfood is basically what it sounds like. These are the cream of the crop (without the cream) – the healthiest of healthy foods. There are a lot of different superfoods out there, and each has different benefits to offer. What brings them all together under the superfood umbrella is that each is packed full of essential nutrients, vitamins or minerals imperative for your body’s health and wellbeing.
WHY ARE SUPERFOODS SO IMPORTANT?
Superfoods are wonderful ingredients that help keep your body functioning at its best. You can think of them as natural medicines to prevent and aid in the fight against disease and illness. That’s why it’s important for each of us to consume superfoods every day.
Sounds difficult? It really isn’t. Superfoods are easy to incorporate into your diet, and our superfood smoothies just go to show how simple it really is. Each of our smoothies and juices have been carefully designed to be nutritional powerhouses, formed with superfood ingredients selected for their healthy benefits. From kale to cayenne, here we’ve listed the top 10 Superfoods that you can find in your next Pure Green juice or smoothie.
1. KALE
Kale is the king in the superfood realm. This curly green leaf is undeniably a vitamin powerhouse. The numbers speak for themselves. One single cup of kale contains:
- 206% daily dose of Vitamin A
- 134% daily dose of Vitamin C
- 684% daily dose of Vitamin K
- 3g protein
As if those numbers weren’t impressive enough, a cup of kale also contains:
- 0% fat
- 0% cholesterol
- Only 33 calories
Kale also contains good amounts of calcium, fiber, iron and potassium. There’s a reason why many refer to kale as the healthiest food in the world. For the same reason kale is one of our favorite superfood additions. It also juices well and gives a gorgeous green color that just screams healthy.
2. GINGER
Ginger is a spicy, sweet root native to Southeast Asia. We all know that ginger is delicious, and you are probably familiar with its culinary uses, but who knew ginger had powerful medicinal properties as well?
Ginger root, and ginger juice has actually been used for centuries as a natural restorative and key component in ayurvedic medicine, and is now being lauded by modern day scientists for the plethora of health benefits it brings. Let’s have a quick look at some of the main ones here.
Improves Digestion
Ginger was used by the ancient Greeks as a digestive aid, and for good reason. Ginger performs miracles when it comes to digestive health. Consumed regularly, ginger boosts metabolism to ensure your digestive system is running smoothly. In the short term, it also has been shown to help combat acid reflux, bloating and constipation.
Boosts Immunity
In the fight against cold and flu season, we all know that ginger is the number one go-to superfood. Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory with antibacterial properties. This combination naturally aids the body’s defense mechanism from the inside out to help boost natural immunity.
Joint Pain
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger also have proven effects on the treatment of joint pain. Osteoarthritis sufferers may find it helps them in both pain management, as well as reducing swelling and inflammation.
3. LEMON
Lemon is one we should all be familiar with. Native to Asia, the versatility of the humble lemon has led to it finding its home in kitchens around the world.
We use this bright, tart fruit to bring life to fruit salads, in cooking, in cold-pressed juices and savory meals. But did you know lemon was actually a superfood as well?
Lemon is perhaps best known for containing large quantities of Vitamin C. In fact, depending on the size, one lemon contains 139% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. All for only 22 calories.
Healthy Benefits of Vitamin C
So, what’s all the fuss about Vitamin C, anyway? Well this little understood vitamin is actually what helps your body grow and repair itself. This means it is responsible for quite a lot of body processes, so let’s just go through them quickly here:
- Boosts collagen growth, combating wrinkles and aging.
- Supports immune functions, to fight diseases.
- Fights against free radicals decreasing inflammation
- Body tissue repair, aiding healing and wound repair
- Strengthens tissues ensuring strong bones, teeth and cartilage
4. TURMERIC
Belonging to the same family as ginger, turmeric is another root vegetable in the superfood squad. While you may be more familiar with turmeric in it’s dry powdered form, turmeric actually starts it’s life as a small, bright orange, strange looking tuber-like root. But don’t be deceived, turmeric has shot to superfood status in recent years.
Scientists have discovered large amounts of phytochemicals in turmeric called curcuminoids. One of these, called curcumin, is a powerful, natural antioxidant, and shows promise in the fight against inflammation and other inflammatory diseases.
It doesn’t stop there though. Scientific study into this interesting ingredient is relatively new. There’s also ongoing research as to the potential hope of curcumin as a safe, natural player in the fight against alzheimers, among other neurological diseases.
5. FLAXSEED
The Flax was first grown in Egypt, but has since spread around the world. With it went the flaxseed, a nutritional powerhouse in the form of a teeny tiny small brown seed, also known as linseed.
Flaxseed, like other nut and seed superfoods, is high in omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also full of fiber, as well as being rich in compounds called lignans. Let’s see how each of these can help you.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
flaxseeds super food
These important fats are also found in walnuts and salmon. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are called ‘essential fats’ – because unlike other less desirable fats these can’t be made by the body, and must be consumed in the form of food. These good fats are important, among other things, for creating and maintaining the very structure of your cells!
Fiber
Fiber is just one of those essential compounds of foods, and a miracle worker for gut health. Fiber regulates bowel movements and keeps your digestive system working smoothly. It also fills you up, promoting weight loss and weight maintenance.
Lignans
Are you asking yourself what in the world is a lignan? This fascinating compound forms naturally in flaxseeds. While research into Lignans is relatively new, it is believed to have cancer-fighting properties and have particular benefits in regards to breast cancer and estrogen regulation.
Remember, in order to get the benefits from flax seeds it’s important to consume them ground rather than whole. You can use a coffee grinder, or a good old mortar and pestle works too. Don’t have time to grind your own flaxseeds? Don’t worry – just blend some up in your next smoothie to get the same effect.
6. CHIA SEEDS
This tiny, edible seed comes from the plant salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family. The origins of this plant come from central Mexico, but these tiny seeds have taken the world by storm in recent years. These seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch. Just one single one ounce serve contains:
- 11g fiber
- 4g protein
- 9g fat (5g of these being omega-3 essential fats)
- 18% daily recommended intake calcium
- 30% daily recommended intake manganese
- 30% daily recommended intake magnesium
- 27% daily recommended intake phosphorus
They are also high in vitamin B1, B2 and B3. Chia seeds not only provide a great texture to juices and smoothies, but their superfood status means they are a great complement to any diet. They have been linked to a decreased risk of diabetes and heart disease, as well as being great for digestive health. They are also great for weight loss, as their gelatinous state helps keep your tummy fuller for longer.
7. STRAWBERRY
Everybody’s favorite childhood fruit, strawberries are the taste of summer. They are also super flavorful, and work well in pretty much any superfood smoothie blend or cold-pressed juice combination.
This little red berry is not only one of the tastiest fruits out there, it’s also actually super healthy. Strawberries contain:
- No fat
- No sodium
- No cholesterol
- Low calorie
They also have been shown to aid in some key areas of physical health. Read on to find out more.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Strawberries are high in something called flavonoids, which are also present in other fresh fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants, which help fight against free radicals. This compound is linked to improved cardiovascular health. Strawberry intake has also been shown to reduce cholesterol and promote overall heart health.
Protect Against Cancer
These antioxidant properties have also been demonstrated to help defend against the growth of cancer cells. In conjunction with their high levels of fiber, as well as other essential nutrients like Vitamin C, potassium, and flavonoids like anthocyanins, strawberries prepare your body to inhibit the development and growth of cancer.
8. BEETS
The history of the beet or beetroot is none too clear, but we know they were cultivated by the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The beet as we know it today is a globular root vegetable, distinctive by it’s characteristic red hue and earthy taste. But did you know a bunch of beets also has a bunch of healthy benefits?
Beets are a great plant source of copper, iron, Vitamin B, magnesium and potassium. These nutrients are all key players in the fight against several main diseases, like diabetes, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar, as well as reducing the risk of stroke.
Think you don’t like beets? While it can be a strong taste for some, beets actually juice really well, and balanced well are a delicious nutritious combo in cold-pressed juices. Give the Rockin Beet a go, made with other superfoods like lemon and ginger, then decide how you really feel!
9. BROWN RICE PROTEIN
Struggling to find animal free sources of protein? Look no further, brown rice protein powder is here to save the day!
This modern day superhero, I mean, superfood is made from – you guessed it, brown rice! The brown rice is carefully treated to separate the protein away from the carbohydrate part of the rice. The carbohydrates are then discarded and what you are left with is pure brown rice protein.
As it is a plant based protein, it is naturally lower in cholesterol than traditional protein sources. It’s also great as, being soy free, it is gentler on tummies and a better source for those intolerant to soy.
It’s also super high in amino acids, which are important for building muscles. It just goes to show, brown rice protein really is a superfood!
10. CAYENNE PEPPER
One of the hottest superfood stars is cayenne pepper. This spicy superfood contains:
- Capsaicin
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Riboflavin
This impressive array of essential vitamins and minerals packs a punch as strong as it tastes – so don’t worry, you don’t need to eat a plate full to get the benefits cayenne pepper has to offer! Even just a pinch provides your body with all these important elements. Let’s check out some of those benefits now:
Improves Digestion – Cayenne kick starts digestion and helps get your metabolism into gear.
Pain Relief – Capsaicin has been lauded for its pain relieving qualities.
Helps Detoxification – This potent spice stimulates circulation to help detoxify the body.
Clears Sinuses – You’ve probably noticed this effect before! Cayenne pepper naturally clears congestion.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it, 10 of the top superfoods out there. What’s more, all of them are available to try at your local Pure Green Franchise! You can read more about superfoods here, or come visit us in store. Which superfood combo will you choose?
