Nourishing Superfoods for Movement Therapy

Everyday we are offered food that negatively affects our stress levels, wallets, and waistlines. What we need is something to combat the onslaught of unhealthy food. Superfoods are just the ticket; they are the latest trend to being healthier on a whole new level. These foods can heal, reinvigorate, and even prevent diseases. Eating these foods can also help with movement therapy, as they can relieve inflammation, and detox your system. We did some research and found the best ones that you can add to your diet today!
Turmeric
Turmeric is the spice that gives your curry or rice a vibrant yellow color, but it also gives you a little something extra. Curcumin is a powerful active ingredient and makes up about 3% of turmeric by weight. This superfood has been proven to help with joint pain and arthritis; it also can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and fight Alzheimer’s. The best way to maximize curcumin’s effects is by combining it with a slightly fatty meal seasoned with pepper. Pepper contains piperine, which increases curcumin absorption by up to 2000%. Adding fat to your meal is important because curcumin is fat-soluble and it will further help with absorption.
Lucuma
This one is for all the sweet tooths out there, Lucuma is the superfood you need in your lives. This South American subtropical fruit is special because it has a very low glycemic count while keeping a sweet caramel flavor. In addition to being the perfect sweetener, lucuma contains fiber, iron, beta-carotene, and zinc. Armed with these nutrients, your body can heal wounds faster and lead to better skin. Try lucuma as your new additive for coffee and smoothies.
Dragon Fruit
At first glance, this highly unusual fruit is pink and green on the outside, and white and black on the inside. But don’t be put off by appearances! This fruit is full of probiotics. Dragon fruit contains antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B, good fatty acids, iron, and phosphorus. The benefits are realized in a number of ways, primarily by a strengthened immune system, easier digestion, and a healthier heart. Toss it in a fruit salad to make the most of its visual appeal!
Kumquat
Kumquats are the unsung hero of the citrus family; this superfood does boasts benefits few other citrus can. For starters, you can eat this mini-orange peel and all! It’s made up of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, healthy fats, and a wide variety of good oils. These nutrients provide a comprehensive boost to many of our body’s functions. Kumquats can also help with anti-aging, digestion, energy levels, preventing diabetes, and weight loss.
Each of these fruits and roots yield amazing health benefits to everyone that consumes them. Remember to always eat superfoods in moderation, as overeating can lead to a harmful build up of nutrients and can make a problem worse.
If you have additional questions about how to integrate healthy diet choices into your movement therapy treatment, contact your local Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy clinic today.