Superfoods, the real stars of the modern diet, are sold to us as foods with 1001 virtues. But what is really true about these foods with super powers? Are they real assets for our health or just a magnificent marketing campaign?
Que signifie « super-aliments » ?
Superfoods are 100% natural foods that enrich the diet with micronutrients. They contain vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential amino acids and fiber, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. As a supplement to your diet, they help fight against premature aging of cells, against certain diseases, they improve your health and increase your energy level.
The term "superfood" was coined in the United States and came from marketing to highlight certain products. However, let's not overlook the value of some of them.
Supers-aliments : qui sont-ils ?
These trendy foods are quite varied: 100% natural products, they belong to several families such as fruits, seeds, nuts, roots, herbs, algae and vegetables. You have probably already heard of spirulina, chia seeds, goji berries, aloe vera, ginseng, turmeric... Each of them has its own virtues, but their common point is their nutritional richness and their beneficial effect on health. Below, we will detail some of them. Focus on some superfoods :
Les baies de goji
Originating from Tibet, goji berries are extremely rich in nutrients. They contain 18 amino acids, 21 trace elements and are an excellent source of vitamin C. Goji berries strengthen the immune system, slow down cellular aging, prevent cardiovascular diseases and protect the liver and kidneys.
Les graines de chia
Native to Mexico, chia seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, fibers, minerals and omega 3. Antioxidants, they protect the cardiovascular system and slow down cellular aging. They also fight against osteoporosis, facilitate intestinal transit and increase satiety.
Cranberries or cranberries
Native to North America, cranberries are small berries rich in antioxidants, allowing them to fight against the actions of free radicals and slow down cellular aging. They prevent certain diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. They also protect the mucous membranes and protect the urinary tract and bladder against bacterial attacks. Another benefit of cranberries is that they help lower bad cholesterol levels.
La spiruline
To learn more about this freshwater algae native to lakes near Ecuador, please see the following article:
Les baies d’açaï
Native to South America, acai berries are known to lower bad cholesterol thanks to the presence of omega 9. Powerful antioxidants, these berries are also rich in potassium, fiber and vitamins. They help increase your energy level and fight against cardiovascular diseases.
Le ginseng
Native to Asia, ginseng is a stimulating plant that has a tonic effect and helps fight against physical and intellectual fatigue. It allows the body to increase its resistance to various sources of stress. The ginseng It also stimulates the immune system, notably by fighting against respiratory infections. It is an excellent regulator of our metabolism by increasing or decreasing the body temperature or blood pressure according to the needs, by stimulating or calming the nervous system, ... It is also used to treat various sexual disorders.
L’aloe vera
In order to learn about the benefits of aloe vera, do not hesitate to consult the article published on our website and dedicated to the virtues of aloe vera and its
Le curcuma
Native to Asia, turmeric is a root that is quite used in our countries, and this, for some years already. Its active ingredient, curcumin, gives it many virtues. Powerful anti-inflammatory, fight against osteoarthritis, cancer prevention, beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases, prevention of Alzheimer's disease, fight against intestinal disorders, powerful antioxidant, ... we no longer count the benefits it can bring to our bodies. For sportsmen or some sick people, it is also used to relieve joint pains.
Le maca
Native to the Andes, maca is a root that helps fight against anemia, depression, joint pain or discomfort related to menopause. It is also used to relieve sexual disorders and fertility problems.
As you can see, these superfoods are well named because of the many health benefits they can provide. However, it is important not to believe in miracles. Use these foods as a complement to a balanced diet and you will see many benefits.
These superfoods are not a substitute for medical treatments, whether allopathic or natural, but they are a real boost if consumed regularly. You will also find that they are present in many naturopathic treatments. This is the case, among others, of turmeric and ginseng. In order to know their virtues and the benefits that you could get from them for one or the other pathology you suffer from, it is recommended to contact a naturopath who will be able to propose you an appropriate treatment. You can also use these superfoods in a preventive way but note that the best prevention remains a balanced, varied and seasonal diet.