Optimize Your Health With These Superfoods

The standard American diet is not good. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 42.4% of U.S. men and women were obese as of 2017 to 2018. In many cases, refined white sugar and fructose may be to blame. How is white sugar affecting our health and our waistlines?

• Too much sugar leads to heart disease. “High-sugar diets have been associated with an increased risk of many diseases, including heart disease, the number one cause of death worldwide,” according to Healthline.
• Sugar is linked to weight gain. Sugar-sweetened drinks — and particularly those containing fructose like soda and juice — have been linked with weight gain. These beverages do not satiate hunger, which leads to excess consumption.
• Refined white sugar may increase cancer risks. Too much white sugar can lead to obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance, all factors that increase your risk of getting cancer.
• White sugar is tied to low energy and depression. Dramatic shifts in blood sugar levels and insulin levels may lead to short “sugar” spikes of energy followed by low energy levels and inflammation.

With a few simple adjustments, Americans can seize control of their health and combat the negative impacts of obesity and refined sugar. Include these superfoods in your diet to optimize your health.

Raw Cane Sugar

Swap refined or processed white sugar for raw cane sugar. Unlike its processed or refined counterpart, raw cane sugar is a naturally occurring sugar that is relatively healthy. According to Live Strong, “When raw, sugarcane is a naturally low-cholesterol, low-sodium food that contains no saturated fats.” Health experts realize it may take a little more convincing to purchase raw cane sugar in bulk.

While raw sugar packs fewer health risks than refined sugar, health-conscious men and women may be interested to learn that there are marked benefits to consuming raw sugar cane. Raw sugar acts as a diuretic, promoting healthy kidney function and preventing kidney infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Interestingly, raw sugar cane has a much lower impact on glucose levels, making it an ideal sugar substitute for diabetics. Finally, the rich mineral content of sugar cane can help combat bad breath and tooth decay — another perk of buying raw cane sugar in bulk instead of traditional refined sugar.

Turmeric Powder

Turmeric may very well be the antithesis of table sugar. Turmeric decreases inflammation, lowers cancer and heart disease risks, and promotes healthy brain function. The medicinal herb contains curcumin, the compound that is ultimately responsible for many of its health benefits.

Inflammation ultimately results in bigger problems, like heart disease and cancer. Turmeric and its critical compound curcumin and act as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, ultimately keeping these problems at bay.

According to Healthline, a small study compared the effects of turmeric and the effects of the antidepressant Prozac. Patients taking turmeric experienced fewer symptoms of depression — equivalent to those taking a prescribed antidepressant. Finally, researchers believe that the curcumin compound present in turmeric may buoy serotonin and dopamine levels. Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters are both linked with feelings of well-being and happiness.

Banana Flour

Those purchasing raw cane sugar in bulk may want to consider supplementing their diets with turmeric and banana flour. What is banana flour?

Like raw cane sugar and turmeric, banana flour can help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels and curb serious health conditions like obesity. In addition to curtailing these risks, baking or cooking with banana flour also adds potassium and fiber to whatever meal or treat you are making.

Buying raw cane sugar in bulk is just one way to look after your health. Avoid the risks of processed foods and refined table sugar by supplementing your diet with cane sugar, turmeric, and banana flour.