Food has played a significant role in human civilization. Since the beginning of humankind, food has played an integral role in socialization, tradition, and healing. Before modern medicine, healthy food was the source people turned to for healing. Though healthy food is not as prevalently used for healing in today’s society due to modern medicine and food being processed, there are still many healthy foods that have tremendous healing properties and health benefits. These foods are known as super foods.
Four Must-Have Super Foods
1. Blueberries
Contrary to popular belief, super foods are not the stereotypical ultra health foods that require people to hold their nose when consuming them to avoid tasting a pungent taste. The sweet taste is not the only characteristic that makes blueberries such as a beloved food of many people.
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which help prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and dementia. They are also rich in phytonutrients, which help counteract the effects of toxins that cause aging and cell damage.
2. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the oldest super foods. It was a prominent remedy in ancient folklore. Organic apple cider vinegar is the true superfood because it contains strands of proteins, enzymes, and healthy bacteria, which are called “the mother”.
Apple cider vinegar is beneficial for immune health, weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, reducing cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of developing heart disease, and reducing the risk of developing cancer. Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar is the most recommended organic apple cider vinegar.
3. Kale
Americans tend to shy away from green vegetables because they are traumatized from their mothers forcing them to eat unsavory green vegetables such as spinach or broccoli as children. Kale is the supreme green vegetable among all other green vegetables because it has superior taste and even more significant health benefits.
Kale is a phytonutrient in itself that decreases the risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and many other cancers. Scientists believe kale is effective in preventing cancer because the phytonutrients cause the liver to produce enzymes that counteract carcinogens.
The most delicious ways to consume kale is in smoothies, homemade kale chips, and stir-fried in olive oil.
4. Salmon
Seafood-lovers will be very pleased to learn that a seafood is one of the most powerful superfoods. Salmon contains selenium, which prevents cell-damage. Salmon also contains several forms of Vitamin B.
Salmon’s most significant nutrient is omega-3 fatty acids, which are very effective in healing the body by increasing circulation, reducing inflammation, balance the amounts of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol, and significantly decreasing the chance of developing cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids are not naturally produced by the human body, so salmon is the easiest source for people to receive omega-3 fatty acids.
Food as Medicine
Ann Wigmore said, “The food you eat can be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison”. Eating super foods is a way for people to make the food they eat the “safest and most powerful form of medicine”. Though it may be tempting for them to choose a McDonald’s cheeseburger over salmon for a Saturday night dinner, choosing to eat a superfood will serve them the best in the long-term by rendering them long-term health benefits.
