Raw superfoods are foods which are unaltered and uncooked as well as high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phyto-nutrients. Examples are raw blueberries, spinach, almost any brightly colored fruit or vegetable. Superfoods are also generally low in calories, "bad" fat, and cholesterol.
Research has shown that raw superfoods may be healthier than those which have been cooked. This is primarily because heating foods destroys some of the nutrient and vitamin content, thus downsizing the positive effects. Nearly anyone can benefit from eating raw, organic, superfoods throughout the day. While most fruits and vegetables are healthy, those that are the most vivid in color are generally the most packed with health benefits. For instance, spinach is full of chlorophyll, iron, phyto-nutrients and antioxidants while iceberg lettuce, which is much paler in color, contains less of these things.
Sometimes it is not advisable to eat raw superfoods, as some foods can contain bacteria or parasites which much be killed during the cooking process. Salmon, for example, is full of omega-3 fatty acids and is full of nutrients and “good” fats. It is not always appropriate to eat without being cooked first, however, although some suggest that fish products are much less likely to harbor dangerous bacteria than many other meats.
One of the best way to take advantage of raw superfoods is through juicing them using a juice extractor. This allows one to maintain the health benefits, except for fiber, while allowing more of the food to be consumed at once. It would be very difficult to eat five cups of blueberries in a single sitting, but they can be juiced and drunk easily. This can also be done with nearly any fruit or vegetable, although some foods can have parts which are not suitable for juicing.
The health benefits of eating or drinking raw superfoods are numerous. They can help slow down the aging process, prevent a host of health complications and diseases like cancer and diabetes, and may also prevent obesity since they are typically low in fat and calories. It is also possible to eat specific foods tailored to a health issue one is trying to prevent. For instance, blueberries are excellent for immune support and cancer prevention while carrots may help prevent macular degeneration.
Another great way to get your daily nutrients is with super greens powders that you can easily mix into your drink or smoothie. Most greens powders are densely packed with high superfood nutrients with each serving. However, the taste can be concerning, considering the natural bitterness of greens powders. This super greens review highlights the ingredients you should look for and ways to maximize the benefits of taking superfoods in powder form.
As always, anyone who believes they have a medical condition should seek treatment from a doctor. While raw superfoods are typically important for anyone's diet, it is generally best to eat any food in moderation. Before drastically changing one's diet, a health care professional should be consulted.
