Haskapa

Mindful Nutrition with Superfoods

Female hands holding a green apple

Embarking on a Journey of Mindful Nutrition with Superfoods
When it comes to nutrition, it's easy to get lost in a sea of information and trendy diets. But fear not! We're here to help you navigate this complex terrain and shed some light on the secrets of mindful eating and the superpowers of superfoods.

Why Does Mindful Eating Matter for Wellness?
Try to imagine eating as more than just a routine. Mindful eating encourages you to savour each bite, tune in to your body's hunger cues, and promotes healthier food choices. It's like having a deeper connection with your meals, which can help you:

  • Understand the nutritional value of what you eat.
  • Manage your emotions related to food.
  • Avoid overeating and the health issues it can bring.

Some practises in mindful eating include:

  • Considering the wider spectrum of the meal: where the food came from, how it was prepared, and who prepared it.
  • Noticing internal and external cues that affect how much we eat.
  • Noticing how the food looks, tastes, smells, and feels in our bodies as we eat.
  • Engaging all senses. Noticing the sounds, colours, smells, tastes, and textures of the food and how you feel when eating.
  • Savour small bites, and chew thoroughly. These practices can help slow down the meal and fully experience the food’s flavours.

What are superfoods, and why are they significant?
Let's demystify superfoods. These are not just a marketing gimmick; they are foods dense in nutrients and bioactive compounds, which can have health benefits beyond basic nutrition. They're heroes of the food world, packed with nutrients that go above and beyond, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, promoting overall physical and mental health, and supporting body functions at the cellular level.

Key superfoods and their unique benefits:

  • Berries (such as Blueberries and Haskap berries): They're loaded with antioxidants and anthocyanins, which are linked to cognitive benefits and reduced inflammation. Haskap berries, in particular, are like a supercharged blueberry with three times the antioxidants and four times the anthocyanins.
  • Turmeric: This golden spice is more than just a curry ingredient; it's rich in curcumin, known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
  • Chia Seeds: Despite their small size, these seeds pack a punch with fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and they're a complete protein source.
  • Kale: This leafy green is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins A, K, and C, as well as powerful antioxidants.

Superfoods for a Healthier You

Incorporating superfoods into your daily routine can have some remarkable effects:

  • Happy Gut: Foods like kefir and sauerkraut bring probiotics to the party, supporting digestion and gut health.
  • Heart Health: Omega-3-rich foods, like flaxseeds and walnuts, are great for your cardiovascular system.
  • Strong Immunity: Superfoods like ginger and garlic have natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • And don't forget the Haskap berry, which stands out due to its exceptionally high anthocyanin content, promoting a range of potential health benefits from improved brain function to better heart health.

How to make superfoods a part of your life

If you're looking to embrace superfoods in your diet, here are some tips:

  • Stay Informed: Keep up with reliable sources like Nutrition Facts or Healthline for the latest updates.
  • Add Variety: Aim for a rainbow of superfoods to ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients.
  • Choose Quality: Opt for pure, high-quality products like Haskapa that offer the best of superfoods without any unnecessary additives. 

In conclusion, mindful nutrition isn't just about choosing the right foods; it's about understanding how these choices impact your health. By introducing a variety of superfoods into your diet and focusing on quality, you're not just feeding your body; you're nourishing your overall well-being. If you're interested in supercharging your diet, take a look at Haskapa, offering all-natural Haskap berry products, designed by a doctor and backed by clinical research. Let's eat, enjoy, and thrive together! 

References:

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/mindful-eating/

Desai, G. (2018). Superfoods: Health benefits, uses, and risks. Medical News Today.

Ahles S, Joris PJ, Plat J. Effects of Berry Anthocyanins on Cognitive Performance, Vascular Function and Cardiometabolic Risk Markers: A Systematic Review of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Intervention Studies in Humans. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jun 17;22(12):6482. doi: 10.3390/ijms22126482. PMID: 34204250; PMCID: PMC8234025.

Rupasinghe, H. V., et al. (2015). Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Haskap Cultivars is Polyphenols-Dependent.

Menon, V. P., & Sudheer, A. R. (2007). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. The Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Uses of Curcumin in Health and Disease.

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/chia-seeds/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22744944/

Parvez, S., et al. (2006). Probiotics and their fermented food products are beneficial for health. Journal of Applied Microbiology.

Del Gobbo, L. C., et al. (2015). Ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Biomarkers and Coronary Heart Disease: Pooling Project of 19 Cohort Studies. JAMA Internal Medicine.

A pilot dose–response study of the acute effects of haskap berry extract (Lonicera caerulea L.) on cognition, mood, and blood pressure in older adults. Bell, L. & Williams, C.M. Eur J Nutr (2018)

Arreola, R., et al. (2015). Immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic compounds. Journal of Immunology Research.