Contributed by: Anjali Sharma
Introduction
Superfoods are also known as “power foods”.
Superfoods are foods that are super rich in nutrition and have very few calories. They are power-packed with a variety of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Antioxidants are biological molecules that are present in certain foods. They help neutralise free radicals in our bodies.
Over the years, superfoods have become popular.
There is ongoing research going on what makes a “superfood” different.
Superfoods, are essentially nutrient powerhouses that provide enormous amounts of antioxidants, phytochemicals (plant-based compounds that give plants their colours and scents), vitamins, and mineral deposits.
Most superfoods are plant-based, although some are dairy and fish-based.
While lipids can reduce the risk of heart disease, antioxidants contained in superfoods can prevent cancer or aid with the negative effects of cancer therapy.
Phytochemicals in superfoods have a number of health advantages, including lowering the risk of developing cardiac illnesses, but fibre can help prevent diabetes and gastrointestinal problems.
Additionally, superfoods help control cholesterol, regulate digestion, soothe inflammation, and protect the organs from pollutants.
It is crucial to remember that while superfoods are good for your health and help supply a lot of the nutrients your body needs every day, they also assist round out your diet in other ways.
Huge amounts of one type of superfood can be unhealthful for your health and hinder your body from getting all the nutrients it needs.
This is why superfoods should be used in addition to a well-balanced diet rather than as a substitute.
Here are some pros and cons that one must keep in mind while consuming superfoods.
Pros of consuming superfoods
Better immunity
Superfoods can help strengthen your immune system as a whole.
Every day, we come into contact with a variety of germs and other creatures that might possibly be harmful to our health.
However, our immune system frequently performs admirably in protecting our bodies from illnesses.
The probability of becoming sick decreases as our immune systems become stronger.
Since superfoods contain plenty of elements known to strengthen our immune system, consuming these foods can be a great way to stay healthy and lower the chances of getting sick.
Increases physical strength
Superfoods not only improve mental health but also boosts our physical health.
A human body can work efficiently if it is provided with ample vitamins and other elements.
Since a variety of superfoods will help your body produce all of those compounds, your physical strength is also likely to improve with time.
In addition, switching to superfoods from harmful fast food will probably make you feel a lot fitter, which will increase your enthusiasm to accomplish your life’s objectives.
Superfood helps in enhancing life expectancy
The average life expectancy of people who consume such superfoods tends to rise since using them can reduce the risk of developing major illnesses.
The transition to superfoods can have a substantial beneficial impact on a person’s life expectancy, which may improve by several years as a result of this change to a healthy diet, especially for those who previously consumed huge amounts of junk food.
Helps in managing obesity
Obesity is a major issue in modern civilization, particularly in the wealthy Western world.
Worldwide, millions of individuals struggle with obesity and its associated negative health effects.
Superfoods can help with this issue to some level because they frequently only have low-calorie counts, which is excellent if you want to lose weight.
People may be able to lose a lot of weight in a very short amount of time by skipping fast food and other calorie-dense meals and switching to superfoods instead.
Cons of consuming superfoods
Superfoods are superhyped
The present hoopla or hyping around superfoods is another problem.
However, it might be difficult because so many individuals will tell you various superfood myths, many of which are simply untrue.
There are many fallacies that are promoted among the general population, particularly when it comes to the treatment of diseases.
This can be extremely hazardous since people may rely only on superfoods to treat major illnesses, which is frequently not a good idea at all.
Too much of superfoods can even hurt your health
Like many other things in life, consuming too many superfoods might actually worsen your health rather than help it.
Superfoods are a terrific method to change your diet for the better, therefore you should attempt to include them in your diet.
However, depending entirely on one type of superfood might be detrimental to your health.
Instead, make an effort to eat as many different superfoods as possible to guarantee the best supply of vitamins and minerals and raise your general health level.
Superfoods have a limited variety
The range of superfoods is still fairly limited, especially in traditional grocery shops, despite the fact that the diversity of superfood items has substantially risen over the past several years.
As a result, it could be challenging to discover all the superfoods you wish to buy in a single store. Instead, you might need to visit speciality online organic superfood shops because they frequently have a much wider variety of superfoods available.
Final thoughts
Superfoods can help you in enormous ways to maintain good health.
Fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, legumes, and nuts should all be included in a balanced, healthy diet. Consumption of salt, unhealthy fats, and refined sugar has to be monitored when consuming superfoods.
A healthy, well-balanced diet can do wonders when combined with regular exercise and physical activity.
There are always two sides to each coin similarly, one must be thoughtful and well-informed while choosing superfoods.
It is not necessary that consuming only one superfood continuously will make you fit suddenly.
You will have to make the balance of various superfoods like berries, nuts, green leafy veggies, cruciferous vegetables, olive oil, legumes and more. Every superfood has a unique health benefit.
Here we have elaborated on the common advantages and disadvantages you must be aware of while consuming superfoods.
Furthermore, you should also undergo preventive health checkups. These health checks give a complete report about your health, allowing you to take necessary precautionary measures to improve your well-being and keep a host of ailments at bay.
Source: HEALTHIANS
