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Adding Super Foods to Your Daily Routine

super foods macro greens with healthy benefits

Life Super Foods Micro Greens

Superfoods are a recent classification of foods that are nutritionally dense, with many health benefits. The classification began with the holistic healing movements as companies started using the term for foods, usually micro-greens, as supplemental nutrition. As it turns out, these types of foods are nutritionally dense, usually requiring a very small amount to enjoy the massive benefits. Some micro greens include spirulina, wheatgrass and barley grass and are often used by health-conscious folks to make green drinks and smoothies, which are easily incorporated into a daily health regimen.

Today the term super foods is used more broadly as science discovers more foods that are nutritionally superior to others. Some of these are berries, beets, pomegranate and even green tea. They may be included in green drink powders, smoothies, or superfood protein bars to boost nutrition levels for extra energy and even weight loss. Check out this superfoods list used in the top supplements today:

  • Alfalfa
  • Beet powder
  • Barley grass
  • Bilberry
  • Blue Green Algae
  • Blueberries
  • Cranberries
  • Greet Tea
  • Kale
  • Moringa
  • Spirulina
  • Noni
  • Pea Protein
  • Mangosteen
  • Maca
  • Wheat Grass
  • Pomegranate
  • Wolfberries

This list is not complete, but covers most of the top foods that have a wide array of health benefits. These foods are often used by top athletes and health  professionals alike, because they know that a busy life, loaded with stress, requires superior nutrition. Let’s check out some of the health benefits of some of these amazing superfoods.

Super Greens and Micro Greens are foods that many people would not normally include in a diet, as blue green algae and barley grass may not sound all that appetizing. But these definitely would be found in a Super Greens drink, and for good reason; they are loaded with nutrients. In fact, microgreens can be up to nine times as nutritious as their full-grown counterpart while grasses and algae contain more protein, chlorophyll, antioxidants, iron and potassium than leafy green vegetables.

Fruits and berries have always been known to be good for you. Many contain loads of Vitamin C, antioxidants and plenty of fiber for all around health. But some fruits and berries stand out for their superpowers, like blueberries, pomegranates and papayas. For example, blueberries are touted as being some of the best fruits heart health, pomegranates offer benefits for the circulatory system and papayas are rich in enzymes that stimulate metabolism for healthy weight management.

There are other superfoods in this category that are not so well-known including; bilberries may assist with healthy blood pressure and have excellent anti-aging properties, cranberries to boost your immune system and elderberries which are excellent antioxidants. And keep in mind, all of these superfoods help promote and health inflammation response.

Vegetables are a favorite of any nutritionist because they contain a wide array of nutrients that overall health benefits such as healthy weight management and even keep our metabolism in check. Some of the more potent vegetables include kale, broccoli and yams. In fact, kale is known to be one the most nutrient-dense foods on this planet! It is loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants for immune support, as well as fiber to maintain the digestive system. While many people believe we need dairy to fulfil our calcium needs, broccoli alone can fill this need. It contains not only 43 milligrams in a single cup, but also comes with enough vitamin K to help our bodies absorb it.

Supplemental Foods are part of many health-conscious people. These types of foods include fiber for digestive health, maca root for the endocrine system or goji berries to stabilize blood sugar.

When combined, all of the foods on our superfoods list make a complete and well-rounded nutritional supplement. Working out, stress and a busy lifestyle require higher amounts of nutrition, and utilizing the combination of a superfood greens drink can help you get all the nutrition you need.

Cindy Papp

Cindy Papp

Author

Body Cleanse and Detoxification Specialist with over 22 years experience; Bach.Science in Holistic Nutrition, C.C.T. Colon Hydrotherapist, Cert. Holistic Health Practitioner, Spiritual Guide, Energy Work, Reiki, Author, Holistic Health Researcher

For more information on Cindy visit https://www.springclean-cleanse.com/ 

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Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin the Better Way

Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin the Better Way

Vitamin B12

If you have issues with fatigue, weakness or even less than adequate moods, you could be deficient in certain nutrients, including many of the B vitamins. In fact, Vitamin B12 can be difficult to obtain by vegans and vegetarians or hard to absorb for those with compromised digestion and immune problems.

Deficiencies in B12 come with a host of health problems from fatigue to anemia and damage to the nervous system. Our bodies are not able to manufacture it, so we rely on food as our source of this all-important nutrient. Some of these food sources include meats, eggs, poultry and fish. Some breakfast cereals are fortified with B12, but this may not be a good source if it is not a high-quality version.

Natural or Synthetic?

Cobalamin, or Vitamin B12, is a water-soluble vitamin that we must consume from external sources. Our bodies then use it in DNA synthesis and to help manufacture red blood cells. It also seems to play a role in brain health, and deficiencies are correlated with poor learning skills and memory. (1) Vitamin B12 also stimulates serotonin production, a compound associated with well-being and happy moods. 

Vitamin B supplements come in many forms like pills, injections, and oral liquids. The form that is taken will determine how quickly it works and how many benefits will be recognized. In addition, there are two types of supplements sold; natural and synthetic. When it comes to B12, choosing the right version will give you better results.

Methylcobalamin and Cyanocobalamin

Vitamin B12 may be sold as the synthetic form called cyanocobalamin, or the natural form as methylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin consists of carbon and hydrogen, while cyanocobalamin contains carbon, hydrogen and cyanide. Even though only a small amount of cyanide is used and not generally considered harmful, your body still must detoxify and eliminate this compound before it can convert it into the usable methylcobalamin.

Needless to say, methylcobalamin is the most preferred form of this supplement. While some studies show the body might absorb the synthetic version a little easier, the result is the body eliminates more through the urine leaving a deficit; a trait not seen in the natural version. Because of this, methylcobalamin is considered to be the more usable form of B12.

 

Health Benefits of Methylcobalamin

Vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin is a healthful source of this nutrient and widely studied for its benefits. Research shows it aids in visual acuity, and allows your eyes to quickly shift their focus. It seems to help with sleep as it normalizes the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. B12 also helps the body detoxify to protect itself from free radical damage and can reduce the risk of heart health issues.

Supplementing with B12 is common for many people, and can be done in a number of ways. Some doctors give B12 shots into the muscle to ensure the body quickly absorbs it, especially if digestion is impaired. A liquid vitamin of B12 as methylcobalamin is a very cost-effective and convenient source for those who don’t want to wait for a doctor’s appointment. If you do decide to supplement, find the highest quality and most bioavailable for your money, and your body will thank you

 

References:

 

Köbe, T.,
Witte, A. V., Schnelle, A., Grittner, U., Tesky, V. A., Pantel, J., . . .
Flöel, A. (2016, April). Vitamin B-12 concentration, memory performance, and hippocampal structure in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Retrieved August 18, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26912492

 

 

 

Cindy Papp

Cindy Papp

Author

Body Cleanse and Detoxification Specialist with over 22 years experience; Bach.Science in Holistic Nutrition, C.C.T. Colon Hydrotherapist, Cert. Holistic Health Practitioner, Spiritual Guide, Energy Work, Reiki, Author, Holistic Health Researcher

For more information on Cindy visit https://www.springclean-cleanse.com/