Real food

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We've forgotten what food is for. Food can be delicious, cheap, entertaining, fun, quick, delicate, comforting, hardy, fragrant, beautiful, artful, and even downright sexy, but none of these characteristics should be mistaken for what food should be for. Food is for fuel, to keep our bodies running and running well as we pursue our goals and dreams in this short life we’re given.

If you want to live that life to the fullest, give your body what it needs, not just what tastes good in the moment. I’m not saying you have to sacrifice flavor and satisfaction in your meals just to live a little longer. You can still indulge that side of yourself now and again, but a slight sacrifice isn’t too much to ask for in return for more energy, less stress, less risk of disease, and a myriad of exciting colors, textures, and flavors.

Microalgae – These tiny little plants are the basis of almost all life in the sea, the lowest part of a chain that feeds krill, fish, and even the great whales that dominate the ocean. Microalgae are rich in omega 3 along with omegas most people haven’t even heard of, like omega 5 or omega 9. They also contain a very special carotenoid, like those found in carrots, called astaxanthin that has more antioxidant effect than vitamin C, vitamin E, or CoQ10. Omegas and astaxanthin fight inflammation and pain while protecting the heart, skin, eyes, joints, and brain from damage.

Sprouts – Sprouts are one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. Seeds contain a lot of nutrition, just waiting to spring to life. Many of these nutrients are locked away or kept from being digested by special compounds and enzymes, but once the seed sprouts it must quickly access these nutrients to push its way out of the ground and grow as fast as possible. The nutrition is unlocked, the inhibiting compounds removed, and everything is ready to be absorbed and put to use by our bodies.

Microgreens – Sprouts and microgreens are often confused with one another. Microgreens are allowed to grow longer, usually at least two weeks before harvesting. Sprouts include what remains of the seed while microgreens are the stem and leaves without the seed or root. Microgreens also get sunlight and soil. These little greens are full of the same nutrients as the adult versions, but more concentrated and potent, making them a delicious and healthful addition to soups, salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish.

Kale – Dark leafy greens in general are some of the best foods to eat. They come stocked with chlorophyll, iron, calcium, vitamin A, fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, copper, vitamin K, and plenty of antioxidants. Kale also boasts sulfur-rich phytonutrients that have been linked to fighting inflammation, cancer, heart disease, and microbial infections. Kale is also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, compounds that promote eye health. Kale has been linked to lowering cholesterol too.

Moringa – The leaves of this tree are gaining a lot of attention throughout the world as a way to combat malnutrition in third world countries. It grows easily and provides a lot of protein, fiber, healthy carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more in each bite.

Raw Almonds – Nuts are very good for you in a moderate amount. They are pretty caloric dense, but the fats in nuts are the healthy monounsaturated kind that lower cholesterol, protect against inflammation, help the body use fats to slim down, and aid in the absorption of many beneficial nutrients. These healthy fats are also vital to brain function, boost energy, and keep the skin young, hydrated, and blemish free.

Avocados – Avocado is a fruit that is also full of amazing good fats along with plenty of potassium, fiber, vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and a slew of carotenoids. Avocados help the heart stay healthy, lowering cholesterol and protecting against inflammation damage. It also has been linked to cancer prevention, blood sugar regulation, and stroke prevention.

Coconut Oil – Coconuts, like avocado, got a bad name for years due to the fat content. Turns out the fats in coconut oil boost energy levels, combat inflammation, promote weight loss, lower cholesterol, and fight cognitive decline including dementia and Alzheimer’s. It has hundreds of benefits both internally and externally. Coconut oil can be used as moisturizer, toothpaste, or chapstick and it is one of the best oils to cook with.

Quinoa – Quinoa is a grain-like seed that has a nutty flavor. It can be used in place of rice or pasta in many dishes and there are plenty of good reasons to do so. Quinoa is rich in protein, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, and manganese. It contains the amino acid lysine that is often lacking in other grains. It’s also gluten free.

Chia – Chia seeds were a staple of the Aztecs. Their warriors and messengers would carry pouches of these nutrient rich seeds that allowed them to run long distances with little other food. Chia seeds are an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, protein, essential fatty acids, and more. Chia seeds lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, boost energy, aid in healthy weight loss, reduce inflammation, and help the body remove toxins.

Broccoli – Broccoli has been the brunt of healthy food jokes for forever, but it remains one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat. It is rich in vitamin C, iron, vitamin A, folate, potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, and calcium. It keeps bones and teeth healthy and strong, helps regulate blood pressure, bolsters the immune system, fights cancer, and keeps the heart healthy.

Berries – Berries are a fairly low calorie, low sugar fruit thanks to their small size, water content, and amount of fiber. Berries are also one of the richest sources of a multitude of antioxidants that protect against cancer, clean up free radicals, and prevent cellular aging. Blackberries, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, grapes, and raspberries are the ones you may be familiar with. Also look for camu camu, goji, and acai berries.

Cabbage – Cabbage is rich in sulfur compounds that have been linked to preventing cancer, maintaining heart health, and defeating microbial infections. Cabbage is a rich source of vitamin C and several other phytonutrients that act as antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamin K, and many essential minerals. It also protects the brain against cognitive decline, boosts immune function, aids digestion, and protects the eyes.

Cacao – The bean that chocolate comes from kale is an extremely antioxidant rich little seed. Chocolate becomes unhealthy as we add sugars and animal fats to them, but the original raw seeds are super healthy. They contain protein, good fats, carbohydrates, fiber, iron, zinc, copper, calcium, and magnesium. They stimulate endorphin's and neurotransmitters that let us feel good and calm. Beside the antioxidant benefits, cacao is good for hair, skin, and nails.

Kiwis – Kiwi is one of the richest sources of vitamin C with fiber and potassium. Vitamin C is used throughout the body to maintain tissue health—including the elasticity of our skin—prevent cancer, protect DNA from damage, support immune function, and keep up respiratory health. The fiber helps remove toxins, maintain digestive health, and lower cholesterol too.

This is in no way a comprehensive list. If you want to learn more about super foods and where to find them, check out our other articles on the subject. Try 45 Superfoods to Add to Your Diet.

Learn more about Charlie Pulsiphe

www.bodybynature.co.uk