Lately, everyone is going natural, and that's because you can register immense benefits by embracing a natural lifestyle. Part of the natural lifestyle is adopting healthy eating habits; going green!
As the famous saying goes ‘you are what you eat.' What you eat can affect you now and days to come.
You would not want to take in foods that impair your digestive system, reduce your energy and affect your general wellbeing. You would want foods that pump up your energy levels and enhance your disease-fighting abilities.
Natural Foods & Drinks
There are millions and millions of natural food varieties out there. Some options can be eaten alone while some of them have to be combined to create delicious mixes. These foods are laden with supplements, vitamins, minerals and plant-based proteins.
Vitamins
Natural foods do more than filling your stomach; they provide essential vitamins which are essential for the proper functioning of the body. These vitamins also have immune boosting properties which underscores their importance to the human body. Why opt for over the counter supplements when you can get them in your daily diet?
You could start eating some nutritious meals with high vitamin content.
Vitamin A – this is a fat-soluble nutrient which strengthens bones, enhances skin appearance and helps with the development of tissues. Besides preventing night-blindness, it also wards of bacterial infections and keeps hair and nails healthy. Carrots, cantaloupe, apricots, winter squash, sweet potatoes, kale, and spinach, are rich sources of this vitamin. Spices like paprika, cayenne, and chili powder also contain vitamin A
Vitamin B – vitamins B-9, B-12, and B-6 are essential for nerve functioning, red blood cells formation, and DNA synthesis. These vitamins also increase metabolism. You can derive Vitamins B-12 and B-6 from eating meat, fish, poultry, seafood, eggs, and milk. Leafy green vegetables and fish are good sources of folic acid (Vitamin B-9)
Vitamin C – it is also known as ascorbic acid. This vitamin protects cells due to its antioxidant properties. Furthermore, it is not only essential for healthy gums but also helps your body resist infections. Citrus fruits the best sources of this vitamin.
Vitamin D - this vitamin is unique because the body can synthesize it from the sunlight that hits your body. It is vital for calcium absorption and strengthening of bones. It is said to lower the risk of getting colorectal cancer. Although sunshine is the main source, you could include the following foods in your diet; shiitake mushrooms, milk, eggs, and seafood.
Vitamin E- with potent antioxidant properties, it protects cells from damage. It also works hand in hand with Vitamin K to repair muscle cells. Asparagus, bell peppers, almonds and sunflower seeds are good sources of vitamin E
Vitamin K - it is critical for blood clotting and maintaining healthy bones in adults. Asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, and parsley are particularly rich in this vitamin.
Organic Supplements
As the name suggests, natural supplements come from food sources. The body may react favorably with natural supplements as compared to supplements with artificial components. Thus your body readily absorbs all the ingredients. One good example of natural supplements is organic vitamins. Natural mineral supplements also exist.
Minerals
Natural foods have different minerals that are useful for the body. Dairy products have high levels of calcium which is necessary for the development of bones. You also need calcium to fortify your teeth, muscle functioning, cell communication and secretion of hormones.
Iron is another vital mineral that is found in natural foods. It is essential for haemoglobin formation. Animal foods such as red meat contain heme iron while the non-heme iron is found in plant sources such as beans and lentils.
Magnesium is a fundamental mineral that the body uses for several biochemical reactions. It helps keep bones healthy, maintain a steady heart rate and enhance muscle functioning. Wheat bran contains the highest amounts of magnesium.
Other equally important natural food minerals include potassium, sodium, selenium, and zinc.
Plant-Based Protein
You can derive lots of protein from eating natural food. It's a common misconception that plant-based diets do not provide enough protein. On the contrary, most natural sources of proteins contain enough proteins. Most animal sources of proteins include complete proteins. That means the protein has all the nine essential amino acids. Proteins derived from animal sources are easily digestible to the proximity of the genetic makeup of human beings and animals. That does not mean you cannot get complete proteins from plant sources. Soy is one plant that has all the amino acids and is especially popular among vegans. With vegan proteins, you get phytonutrients, vitamins, and fiber on top of proteins.
Hemp seeds contain 10 grams of complete protein in every 2-tablespoon serving. This plant also contains omega-3 fatty acids. Quinoa is also an excellent gluten-free source of complete plant-based protein.
Green Vegan Superfoods
Green superfoods are incredibly nutritious as they are laden with many nutrients. They are the main ingredients in healthy energy bars, gluten-free cereals, and smoothie powders. They are known as superfoods due to their high nutrient content.
Chlorophyll is one of the nutrients contained in superfoods. It is used by plants to make food and people make medicine out of it. Chlorophyll is said to have cancer-fighting properties because it can combine with molecules known to cause cancer. Chlorophyll can be found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale.
Spirulina is one of the most popular superfoods. It is said to help fight candida, cancer, boost energy levels and stabilize blood pressure. This magic plant has almost all the nutrients; vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, protein, etc. Spirulina was a staple food of the ancient Aztecs. Other superfoods include avocado, chlorella, wheat grass and cruciferous vegetables.
Smoothie & Superfood Blend
Juicing superfoods to come up with healthy smoothies can help you take the needed nutrients. You can use chia seeds or cacao in your smoothie. Chia seeds have a high omega-3 content which enhances brain functioning and fight high cholesterol.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are a great way to reduce cortisol levels. Adaptogens contain certain elements which improve your general health and lessen fatigue. Ginseng is the most potent of the adaptogens which assist in improving mental performance. Taken regularly, adaptogens can strengthen the body over time. These herbs could be taken as tea or solvents.
Here are a few reasons why you should resort to taking natural health food.
Immunity
One of the main reasons for taking natural, healthy food is that it boosts your immunity. This means that your body's ability to fight different kinds of ailments is heightened. There are several natural foods which contain nutrients which are essential for the proper functioning of your immune system.
If you are looking to curb that annoying flu, it's about time you made your visit to your local natural food grocery. Citrus fruits are mainly known to boost the immunity due to their high Vitamin C content.
The other nutrient-rich immunity booster is red bell pepper which has twice the amount of vitamin C that citrus fruits have. Broccoli, garlic, ginger, turmeric, spinach, yogurt, and papaya are also incredible immune boosters
Digestion
A natural health diet could also greatly help with digestion. Natural foods have compounds that are easily digestible hence you'll not have to worry about indigestion.
Foods that are high in fiber play a critical role in improving digestion.
Energy
As compared to processed foods, you might realize that organic foods will incredibly increase your energy levels. Processed foods require the body to overwork to digest them. Natural foods on the hand can be broken down quickly giving more energy.
Metabolism
Natural foods may also help to elevate the levels of metabolism in your body. Eating whole grain foods, for instance, is a good way of enhancing your metabolism rate. Whole grains may help your body to dispose of extra body fat because they require additional effort to digest. Whole foods rich in fiber include oatmeal, pasta, white bread and brown rice.
Stress Relief
Natural food options also help to alleviate stress. The food can check on the production of stress hormones thus reducing stress.
Sleep & Relaxation
If you are having problems sleeping, you might want to start taking natural food. Some foods calm your nerves and help you relax due to their endorphin content. Honey is known to have an element known as tryptophan which reduces anxiety and relaxes nerves. Vegetable soup may also help with relaxation. You could also reach out for a cup of milk if you need some relaxation.
Detoxification
Eating healthy food is a sure way of getting rid of toxins in the body. Raw vegetables whether juiced or eaten raw can help eliminate harmful substances from the body. For excellent results, you could juice the vegetables with oregano, turmeric or garlic.
Body & Beauty
What you eat reflects on your body and skin. Taking carrots, for instance, gives you a glowing complexion. Green tea could also help you get skin that is wrinkle-free and smooth. The antioxidants in the tea enhance blood circulation, ensuring that enough oxygen is transported to the skin thus keeping it flawless.
Kale consists of lutein and zeaxanthin which absorb and neutralize free radicals emitted by UV light. It's more like a natural sunscreen.
