Do We Need Superfoods In Our Diet?

What Are Superfoods?

Famous for their nutritional density, superfoods or rawfoods are usually rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Incorporating these into your diet is easier than you might think. Here are our top superfood suggestions.

Spirulina

Superfoods have been around for a very long time. Even the Aztec civilisation called upon spirulina for its health benefits. (3) Spirulina contains an abundance of plant protein and is rich in essential amino acids and minerals, most notably Iron. Iron contributes to normal immune and cognitive function. (4)

Wide-ranging research has concluded that spirulina plays an effective role in lowering cholesterol levels in our blood (5). These cholesterol-lowering properties, teamed with spirulina’s anti-inflammatory effects, (6) have led to researchers suggest that supplementation of this raw superfood reduces the risk factors of heart disease. (4)

Maca

If you are looking to enhance endurance (7) or reduce fatigue, maca is the place to start. (8) Famous for its impact on memory (9) and bursting with food state micronutrients, Maca is rich in vitamin C, an essential immunity nutrient. (8) The human body cannot produce or store vitamin C, so it’s essential to consume it regularly in sufficient amounts. (10)

You can now purchase Maca Tablets and Spirulina Tablets in a bundle, a truly winning combination.

Cacao

Comprised of neurotransmitters associated with feelings of happiness and wellbeing, cacao is a natural mood enhancer. (11) Cacao is also rich in Polyphenols. This plant compound are linked to numerous health benefits including lowering blood pressure. (12)

Why not try creating a delicious hot drink with Myvitamin’s Organic Raw Cacao Powder. Mix it with hot milk and reap the benefits of this Amazonian superfood. If this doesn’t take your fancy, try baking the cacao into a brownie or adding to a protein shake.

Turmeric

Turmeric is another nutritional powerhouse. Containing the active compound curcumin, it has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties. With chronic low-level inflammation believed to play a role in heart and degenerative diseases, turmeric could have an important role to play. (13)

Myvitamin’s Turmeric Capsules are strategically paired with black pepper, which helps increase the bioavailability of curcuminoids by 2000%. (14)

Goji Berry

Packed with antioxidants (15), goji berries are being hailed for their numerous benefits. One promising branch of research has explored their role in eye health. Data shows consumption of goji berries could protect against the advancement of macular degeneration. (16) This could, in part, be due to its high Zeaxanthin content, a natural plant pigment shown to protect the eye against damage. (17)

Taking a multivitamin is beneficial, but consuming raw superfoods can take your nutrition to the next level. It is always important to remember that we should all be consuming a well-balanced diet alongside these incredible raw foods.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4272645/
https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/91/5/1461S/4597424
https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/424464
https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling_nutrition/claims/register/public/?event=search
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26433766/
Remirez, D., Gonzalez, R., Merino, N., Rodriguez, S. and Ancheta, O. (2002) Inhibitory effects of Spirulina in zymosan- induced arthritis in mice. Mediators of Inflammation, 11: 75-79.
http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/2648/1/A%20pilot%20investigation%20into%20the%20effect%20of%20maca%20supplementation%20on%20physical%20activity%20and%20sexual%20desire%20in%20sportsmen.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30902313/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115300162
https://academic.oup.com/advances/article/5/1/16/4616647
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23810791/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28439881/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12490960/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9619120/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6343173/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6010398/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4698938/

Anna Redmayne-Porter (ANutr)

Writer and expert

A Registered Nutritionist and Product Developer, Anna is passionate about working closely with clients to bring nutrient-dense and unique products to market. She also enjoys writing content for health and wellness brands.