5 superfoods for lowering blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and more
Superfoods are given this catchy name due to the fact that they are some of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world. Adding superfoods to your diet is a great way to get more nutrients, reduce inflammation, increase antioxidants, and further balance the alkaline/acidity in the body.
Here are our top 5 superfoods
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is high in saturated fats, but they are not harmful to our bodies. In fact, coconut oil helps lower cholesterol levels and reduces inflammation throughout the body. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These fatty acids help reduce insulin resistance and improve blood sugar levels.
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease triglyceride levels and increase HDL cholesterol. Fiber is great for digestion and flushing toxins out of the system. Protein is necessary for building muscle mass and repairing damaged cells. Vitamin E is good for brain function and protecting the eyes. Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals that cause damage to DNA and other cellular components.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are loaded with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also a great source of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), and phytosterols. Fiber is great for digestive health and chia seeds are known to aid in weight loss. Protein is necessary for maintaining lean muscle mass and helping build strong bones. Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E are all present in chia seeds.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are packed full of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also a good source of iron, zinc, copper, manganese, phosphorous, selenium, and magnesium. Iron is important for red blood cell production and proper oxygen transport throughout the body. Zinc is necessary for the immune system and wound healing. Copper is necessary for bone formation and maintenance. Manganese is necessary for normal thyroid function and proper hormone regulation. Phosphorous is necessary for bone and tooth formation. Selenium is necessary for detoxification and antioxidant activity. And magnesium is necessary for muscle contraction and nerve conduction.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is packed full of protein, iron, iodine, zinc, and B12. Iodine is important for thyroid function and B12 is necessary for the nervous system. Iron is necessary for hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transportation. Zinc is necessary to maintain healthy skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. B12 is necessary for proper neurological functioning and nerve transmission.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice is a natural diuretic and laxative. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Aloe vera juice is also a potent antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. It is also a great moisturizer and healer for burns, cuts, scrapes, sunburns, and rashes.
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