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Are Superfoods Super Good or Super Fad?

superfoodsAnything that sounds fancy won’t necessarily benefit our health. Lately, the word “Superfoods” must have appealed to you all. Well, what exactly are Superfoods? Why do we call them Superfoods? Though there’s no scientific definition, as per the dictionary, the definition of superfoods is “a food considered exceptionally good for one’s health and for boosting the immune system owing to its naturally high content of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, or omega-3 fatty acids”. So basically, superfoods offer a dense concentration of nutrients with small quantities of food. 

Are Superfoods a Fad? 

Superfoods are largely plant based and the high amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in them can prevent many chronic diseases, autoimmune diseases, ward off inflammation and have huge health benefits. It can be taken by everyone including children. However, there is no specific list of superfoods yet, it includes a wide variety of food and every now and then, there is a new addition to the list. Though Superfoods are coined by marketers, as they are all natural and incorporated just as a supplement to our daily balanced diet, they cannot be considered as a fad. But always and as with everything else, superfoods need to be consumed in moderation. Anything that’s healthy can work against our body if it is taken in large quantities. Do not over do with any one variety of superfoods. It is good to take in varieties for maximum benefits while getting a wide array of vitamins and minerals too. Researching or consulting a nutrition expert or health coach would be ideal before trying any new superfood you come across. 

What Are The Best Ones? 

  • Nuts and Seeds like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, flax seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, watermelon seeds, etc. provide proteins, fibers and unsaturated fat
  • Quinoa: is an ancient grain, a very good alternative for animal protein especially for vegetarians and also good source of iron, zinc, vitamin E, and selenium
  • Avocados: are a rich source of monounsaturated fat (Good fat) with 20 different vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients too. They can be made as a healthy spread on sandwiches instead of mayonnaise. 
  • Olives and extra virgin olive oil: Both Olives and Olive oil are very high in vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants. They are also rich in monounsaturated healthy fats that can protect our heart, prevent cancer and osteoporosis
  • Moringa: Moringa leaves are rich in antioxidants and iron. Apart from these, they have 15 times more potassium than bananas and 7 times more Vitamin C than oranges! They are also packed with many vitamins and minerals and protect cell damage and boost immunity.  
  • Dark Leafy greens: Spinach, Amaranth, beet greens, Dill, Fenugreek, Kale, Mustard, etc. are excellent sources of minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, zinc. They are also rich in Vitamin A, C, K and folate with a lot of fiber
  • Broccoli: Having high calcium and collagen content, broccoli helps in making strong bones. 
  • Seafood especially salmon: provides Omega 3 fatty acids
  • Berries: All type of berries including strawberries, blueberry, black berries, cherries are robust in antioxidants along with vitamins and minerals
  • Beans and Legumes: are loaded with fibers, vitamins, minerals, including B-vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium. 

How to Choose Superfoods? 

If you observe the list of superfoods, most of them are least processed and plant based. Keeping this point in mind, make sure you avoid food that is processed and marketed as superfoods. It is better to look at the food label before you buy and read the label for its nutritional facts, ingredients like sugar content, sodium and other chemicals which can do more harm than good. Choose something that is natural and least processed but remember, just adding superfoods to your diet may not make you healthy. Having them in the right quantity, with a balanced meal, right exercise and healthy lifestyle habits are equally important. 

Certain superfoods may not be suitable to everyone due to allergies, such as allergies towards nuts or seeds. People with any acute or chronic health conditions need to consult their dietitian before they try any new food. Healthy people can always include one or two superfoods daily to enjoy optimum health! 

We hope this article helps you. For more on nutrition, check out Healthy Reads. To get more information on superfoods, how to choose them and what to eat, speak to a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalised health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr 

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Tired All The Time? Start With These Superfoods

superfoods

Do you feel tired all the time? Do you wish for sleep or rest more often than you should? There are a wide range of causes that trigger tiredness and these include medical issues such as a thyroid disorder, heart disease, diabetes, etc. The lifestyle related causes include alcohol or drug abuse, lack of regular exercise, exertion, jet lag, large meals et al. Thankfully, there are few superfoods that can help us to overcome it.

Which Superfoods Can Help With Tiredness? 

Superfoods are high in nutritional density and provide a substantial amount of nutrients with low calories. They are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can re-energise you. Try these superfoods to overcome tiredness! 

  1. Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with nutrients. They are a good source of Omega -3 fatty acids, protein, iron, calcium and fiber. They are an excellent source of antioxidants. When soaked in water, they absorb water and expand 10x their size and help us feel full for a longer time. We can add it to smoothies, shakes or have it with water.
  2. Fruits: such as Watermelon contain 90% of water, have vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that combat dehydration – one of the reasons for tiredness. It also has amino acid L-citrulline which can help reduce muscle soreness. Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin B, vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients. They provide ample amounts of energy. Avocado as well, is a powerhouse of energy with vitamins such as B, C and E, minerals like folate and potassium, monounsaturated fats and help keep a control on blood sugar spikes as well. 
  3. Kale: This leafy vegetable is a storehouse of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is a good source of iron which carries oxygen to our tissues and cells – much needed for us to thrive. It is an amazing source of calcium, folate and vitamin B. Kale is a low density food which aids weight loss and obesity that are linked to tiredness.
  4. Almonds: are a good source of protein, fiber and healthy fats. Almonds have vitamin B, which helps convert food into energy. It also contains magnesium which helps us fight muscle fatigue. A handful of almonds are a good mid-meal.
  5. Dates: are excellent sources of energy. They are high in carbs which provide instant energy. It is packed with fiber, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron. It’s an amazing source of antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acid. It’s sweet in nature so can be used as a sweetener.
  6. Spinach: is a powerhouse of nutrients, It contains vitamins like C, K B6, B9 and E, minerals like potassium, magnesium, folic acid, iron and calcium. Adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals are essential for energy production. Low levels of iron can cause fatigue.
  7. Egg: Do you remember the slogan “Sunday ho ya Monday Roj khao ande”? It’s actually true, as an egg is an excellent source of high biological value protein and healthy fats which can keep us energized. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals which are vitamin D and B12, iron and choline. 
  8. Dark chocolate: is a great source of iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and flavanols. Is a rich source of theobromine which is a stimulant that works the same as caffeine. Polyphenols in dark chocolate have positive effects on serotonin levels which helps us to lift up the mood and energy levels. 
  9. Quinoa: It’s a grain crop which is high in carbs, protein, fiber, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, iron, zinc and folate. It is also a good source of vitamin B and E, and various antioxidants. Although quinoa is high in carbs, it has a low glycaemic index, so it releases energy slowly and sustains for a longer time.
  10. Sattu: It is generally made by Bengal gram (Chana), which means it is high in protein. It is a low cost, so-called poor man’s protein. It Is rich in fiber, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium and low in sodium. It provides instant energy with a cooling effect. So it’s best consumed during summer. 

Try these foods in your diet especially in morning hours to boost your energy levels and fight tiredness. With these we need to focus on 20 to 30 min regular exercise, balanced meals, adequate sleep, proper hydration and stress management. Do consult your doctor before trying any of these superfoods. 

For more on nutrition, check out Healthy Reads. If you want to know more about superfoods, nutrition or get a meal plan for a health goal, speak to an expert by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce 

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Is Quinoa Really Worth The Nutritional Hype?

quinoa

With the rise in awareness about the right food for good health, people are changing what they eat. New foods or superfoods specifically, are added to the everyday routine foods to get an add on benefit. One such highly popular or highly trending food is “Quinoa” (pronounced as keen-wah)

What is Quinoa?

It is a pseudo-grain but because of its nutritional resemblance to grains, it is considered as a grain. If we look at its source, it is a seed available from the Chenopodium Quinoa Plant. It was widely produced only in South America and the Incas used to call it “the mother of all grains”.

In the year 2013, it was named “The International Year of Quinoa” by the UN because of its valuable qualities and potential to fight world hunger.

Is It Really Worth Including In Our Meals? 

The answer is yes and there are several reasons for it. 

  • Quinoa is non-GMO and a naturally gluten-free grain
  • It is one such plant-based food exception that it is a complete protein: a complete protein means where all the essential amino acids are present which the body cannot produce until we feed it through food. It specifically contains lysine, methionine and cysteine amino acids which generally all plant-based protein food lacks
  • High antioxidant and inflammation reducing capacity: It contains flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol which help in acting as an antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-depressant
  • Fibre-rich grain source: 17-27gm of fibre is found in 1 cup of Quinoa (185gm approximately) which is a lot more as compared to other grains, which helps in reducing the total fat/lipid percentage in the body
  • Helps in Improving Blood Sugar Control: One definitely because of its fibre-protein content and another because it contains compounds that inhibit alpha-glucosidase, one of the enzymes involved in digesting carbohydrates, resulting in the delayed breakdown of carbohydrates and hence slow release of sugar in the blood
  • Because of its high magnesium content (1 cup cooked quinoa can provide one-third of daily requirement), it is recommended to have it often to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
  • Helps in reducing weight: As Quinoa is high in fibres, proteins and has a low glycemic index, it can make one feel fuller for a longer time, reducing frequent hunger pangs
  • The nutritional content of one cup of cooked quinoa is 222 calories and 4 grams of fat; with 39 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fibre and 8 grams of protein

Quinoa also contains few anti-nutrients like saponins, phytic acid and oxalates. However, they do not affect health when cooked properly. It can be used as a replacement for any grain like rice, or can be added to cold salads, soups, sprouts, etc. Click here for some interesting recipes you can try using Quinoa. 

We hope this article on Quinoa helps you! Do share your thoughts in the comments below! To learn more about grains, food and healthy eating in general, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

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9 Foods That Can Help You Prevent Cancer

Prevent CancerThere are certain foods which help us build immunity and strengthen bodily functions. Nature has provided us with many superfoods which are a combination of many vitamins, minerals and fiber. We should try and include such food in our daily diet so that we can keep off deadly diseases like cancer and provide our body with the power to fight these diseases.

9 Foods That Can Help You Prevent Cancer 

Below are some foods that can help you improve your immune system and might even aid in the prevention of cancer.

  1. Garlic: contains sulphur – which gives a good boost to the immune system. You can eat 2-3 cloves of raw garlic early in the morning before brushing your teeth. Chew properly and swallow or  you can add garlic to whatever food you eat
  2. Lemon: Vitamin C increases immunity power and helps the body in fighting any outside infection or problem. It also keeps a check on cancer cell growth. Drink a glass of lemon water daily. No sugar. No salt. You can also squeeze a 1 whole lemon over your salads twice a day.
  3. Broccoli: This vegetable is a superfood! Don’t forget to include this in your diet. Try to eat it steamed/ semi-cooked. Don’t microwave it or fry it. It will kill all the nutrition.
  4. Onion: A diet that includes onions is said to reduce the risk of cancer. Include raw onions in salads or cook them lightly to get all the benefits provided by it.
  5. Apple Cider Vinegar: improves your gut’s functioning. A healthy gut means better overall health! Take 1 tsp daily diluted with 200ml of lukewarm water. You can have it half an hour before eating your lunch or dinner. You can also take ACV diluted in 200ml of water early in the morning on an empty stomach. Mix 1 tsp of cinnamon powder to the mix for extra benefits.
  6. Corn: contains a phenolic compound called ferulic acid, which may inhibit cancer-causing free radicals. Just roast it and go for it! You can also boil and take out kernels and add onion and tomatoes to it to make it a healthy chat.
  7. Dates: are high in polyphenol and Vitamin B6 and fiber which helps prevent many types of cancer. Eat 1 – 2 pieces every day along with your breakfast or else you can have them as a part of your mid-morning snacks.
  8. Green Leafy Vegetables: They contain bioflavonoids, carotenoids and other cancer-fighting compounds in abundance. They also contain indoles, a compound which reduces the cancer-causing potential of the body. Add them to your salads or have them as juices or soups. Don’t strain if possible.
  9. Wheatgrass Powder: Wheatgrass is rich in nutrients such as vitamin A, C and E, iron, calcium, magnesium, and amino acids. Other benefits include removing toxins from the body, increasing production of hemoglobin, improving blood sugar, among many other benefits. Add 1 teaspoon of powdered wheatgrass to any vegetable or fruit juice. It can also be added to your porridge.

Always remember that these are just precautionary steps to prevent cancer. There are many other environmental factors as well as lifestyle factors such as lack of physical activity, improper sleep, stress, smoking and alcohol consumption which affect our health. These foods only help us in reducing any ill effects and strengthening our immunity. You have got to manage and live a healthy lifestyle as well. For guidance, you can always reach out to a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

If you are already suffering from cancer, you can include all these in your daily diet as they will empower you and give you the energy to fight the disease. Don’t stop the treatments at any point in time. Keep continuing them along with these natural remedies. Before you begin any of the above foods, consult your doctor.

#BeTheForce 

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

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