The Mighty Science Behind Super Foods
Muscle and Fitness Hers South Africa|February 2022
"The fruits, vegetables, and grains your body needs to help fight cancer, curb inflammation, boost cell health — to live your best life right now"
By Cat Perry
The Mighty Science Behind Super Foods

THERE ARE 30 TRILLION cells in THE ADULT BODY.

Repeat, 30 trillion. Tack on another 40 trillion estimated bacteria in your digestive tract and it’s not a stretch to say that what goes on inside your body may surprise you.

We all want to know what role clean nutrition plays in our health, and we hope that our clean-eating choices will pay off. Spoiler alert: You are on the right track. Besides the importance of exercise, the science is clear that a well-balanced diet of macronutrients (protein, carbs, fat), vitamins, and minerals is at the centre of peak performance. But look beyond the food label of macros and vitamins and you’ll find that phytonutrients — in fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, teas, and whole grains you consume — are the unsung heroes in your healthy living quest.

what are PHYTONUTRIENTS?

These compounds help protect plants from germs, fungi, and more. When consumed by humans, the plant powerhouses take on even more importance: They emerge as the active mechanisms in your favourite superfoods that help increase your energy, fight inflammation and heart disease, reduce cancer risk and muscle loss, curb ageing and neurodegeneration, and even influence your genetic response to cell damage. Yet, because they’re technically not essential for your body to function, they are sadly overlooked. After this deep dive, though, you’ll never underestimate another celery stick, or humble radish again!

Flavonoids

ANTIOXIDANT, ANTI-CANCER, ENERGY-BOOSTING DYNAMOS

This story is from the February 2022 edition of Muscle and Fitness Hers South Africa.

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This story is from the February 2022 edition of Muscle and Fitness Hers South Africa.

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