Superfoods – like chia seeds, avocado, and blueberries – are gaining popularity among millennials. But what makes these foods “super”? As it turns out, the science behind superfoods is quite fascinating. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at the molecular makeup of some of the most popular superfoods, and discussing why they are so beneficial for our health. And remember – if you’re really serious about superfood consumption and optimising your diet, consider arranging Intuitry nutrition consultations for expert advice.

The Molecules Behind Superfoods

The molecules that give superfoods their nutritional value are known as phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants that help protect them from disease and environmental stressors. They also contain antioxidants which are molecules that help to reduce inflammation in our bodies and fight off disease-causing free radicals.

Some of the most common phytonutrients found in superfoods include polyphenols, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and anthocyanins.

• Polyphenols are plant-based compounds that have powerful antioxidant properties. They can be found in dark chocolate, red wine, tea, grapeseed oil, blueberries, pomegranate juice, tomatoes, apples, and other fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols have been linked to numerous health benefits such as reduced risk of cancer and improved cardiovascular health.

• Lycopene is a carotenoid (think carrots) found in tomatoes and watermelons that has been linked to lower rates of certain cancers like prostate cancer. Lycopene is also an antioxidant, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

• Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in spinach and other dark leafy greens that may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as well as cataracts.

• And finally, anthocyanins are pigments responsible for giving fruits like blueberries their deep purple colour; these compounds may reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function as well as memory recall in older adults.

Superfood Benefits

Superfoods not only contain beneficial phytonutrients but they’re also packed with vitamins and minerals essential for optimal health, such as:

• Calcium (found in kale)
• Magnesium (found in nuts)
• Folate (found in lentils)
• Potassium (found in bananas)
• Iron (found in beans)
• Zinc (found in pumpkin seeds)
• Vitamin C (found in oranges)
• Vitamin E (found in almonds)

Eating a variety of superfoods can help you ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs without having to take supplements or fortified foods. Eating more plant-based foods has also been associated with better overall health outcomes, including reduced risks of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Enhance your diet today!

It’s clear why so many millennials are turning to superfoods when it comes to healthy eating habits – as you can see, they’re jam packed with all the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for good health. So go ahead and try incorporating some superfoods into your diet today – your body will thank you for it!