The Science of Superfoods: What Makes Them Powerful and Healthy

In the context of health and nutrition what could be bigger than the grandiose term ‘superfoods’. Including high-protein, nutrient-dense foods, including elderberries, turmeric, and ashwagandha, people go crazy for superfoods. But what makes natural ingredients added to food so efficient?

The following passage will give us a deeper insight into some of these nutritional wonders.

What Are Superfoods?

Superfoods are specially packed foods that provide unique diets that are very nutritional to the human body. These are usually packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other beneficial Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). While other foods contain nutrients in small quantities, superfoods deliver antioxidants, vitamins and minerals directly to the body in large amounts, to help the body increase energy, fight diseases and feel fully alive. Superfoods that exist for today are many but it is easier to name a few particular ones that sprayed the spotlight: elderberry, turmeric, and ashwagandha.

Elderberry: A Shield for Your Immune System

Elderberries are known as traditional medicine to cure cold and flu, and other diseases amongst other therapeutic uses. These dark berries contain vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C and contain antioxidants known as Anthocyanin which gives the berries their dark purple color.

But it is more significant to focus on the way in which an elderberry helps to fortify an individual’s immune system. Research has established that elderberries extracts loosen the phlegm and reduce days of symptoms of respiratory Giant epidemiological studies also reveal that elderberry extracts are effective in decreasing severity and duration of respiratory illnesses. These help combat oxidation, which is connected with aging and many other diseases. Moreover, elderberries seem to lessen the free radicals that cause skin damage and thereby contribute to youthful complexion.

Other than immunity, elderberries are also good for exercising the heart because they affect cholesterol levels and enhance blood vessel quality. This makes them a wonderful addition to your meals for general health.

Turmeric: Nature’s Inflammation Fighter

Curcumin that is gotten from the golden spice commonly referred to as turmeric used in the preparation of many Indian foods earns it the name super food. Curcumin easily reduces inflammation and is an antioxidant, so chronic inflammation, which is the cause of many diseases, such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes, can be treated with turmeric.

Quoted from a research on curcumin, it was found to have capacity to diminish symptoms of arthritis through the decrease of the inflammation of the joints. It is also used for enhancing brain functions and it is believed to cut risks for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Turmeric also has natural energy boosting properties. Nutrients and antioxidants needed for cell function are promoted while preventing free radical damage to cells of the body hence enhancing vitality. You should preferably take your turmeric with black pepper because black pepper has piperine, a compound that increases the absorption of curcumin.

Ashwagandha: The Ancient Stress Reliever

Ashwagandha, known in English as the Indian ginseng is an adaptogen that has the ability to help the body with stress. Originally called Russian Volleyball and its name means “smell of a horse,” which defines the energy source of the drink.

Ashwagandha contains a certain chemical known as withanolides, which has been assessed to help lower cortisol levels, which is an important metabolic stress hormone. Through reduction of cortisol, ashwagandha can enhance the brain function and reduce anxiety as well as improve sleeping patterns.

It also supports exercising, endurance besides managing the stress in the body and the brain. It lifts energy levels by enhancing ATP levels which acts as an energy currency in every cell. It is used by athletes, especially for increasing their stamina and to help muscles get back into shape.

Ashwagandha also enhances your immune and endocrine systems and is therefore a very important supplement in the Ayurvedic orthodox.

The Synergy of Superfoods

Although all the various superfoods harbor different nutritional values, their confluence enhances their impact. For instance, taking elderberry syrup, turmeric tea, and ashwagandha powder in your daily application will make for a potent package for your immunity, energy, and stress baskets.

It is therefore very important that superfoods be taken with the rest of the foods in the right proportion. They should be used together with many other nutritional dense foods such as green leafage, nuts and whole grain foods.

Conclusion: A Natural Path to Wellness

It’s time to dive deep into the beneficial properties of popular superfoods, such as elderberry, turmeric, and ashwagandha. These wonderful foods help in strengthening the immune system, controlling inflammation and stress, which are common health vices in today’s world.

Of course, this means that you can get the full benefit of fiber rich foods by knowing and applying what has been said here. Therefore the next time that you take your turmeric tea, or have elderberry syrup on your smoothie, do so with the understanding of the science behind the superfoods.