6 Reasons to Include Functional Foods in Your Everyday Diet

organic and functional food

 

What are Functional Foods?

A healthy diet should consist of NUTRIENT-RICH functional foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Functional foods are foods that offer HEALTH BENEFITS extending beyond their nutritional value. Some types contain supplements or other additional ingredients designed to improve health.

Benefits of Functional Foods

Functional foods contain several POWERFUL and nutrient-rich VITAMINS, MINERALS, and PROBIOTICS.

They not only prevent nutrient deficiencies but they also protect against disease and promote proper growth and development.

What are the benefits and the best examples of functional foods that just about everyone could use? Take a look at this list of 6 ESSENTIAL BENEFITS of functional foods and learn which foods qualify as functional.

Acai

Antioxidant Support

Maqui berries, Goji Berries, Acai Berries, Elderberries, and Raspberries are an excellent source of VITAMIN and MINERAL support.  


 Maqui: The Maqui berry is rich in anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants that have been linked to a healthier heart.

 Goji: Goji berries have been used in traditional medicine to prevent illness and infection.

●  Acai: Acai is incredibly rich in antioxidants, boasting three times the amount found in blueberries.

●  Elderberry: Elderberries have 10 grams of fiber per cup, which is about 36% of the daily value.

●  Raspberry: The fiber in raspberries can also help manage or even prevent heart disease.

Learn more about Antioxidant supports + Chocolate Fighters 

Ginger

Immune Support

Turmeric, ginger, and lemon oil are powerful natural ingredients containing  ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIBACTERIAL, and ANTIFUNGAL properties.
 Turmeric: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a bright yellow spice that has been used throughout Asia for centuries.Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
 Ginger: Ginger is a tropical flowering plant that originally grew in Southeast Asia. Ginger has beneficial effects on the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase, essential for digestion.
 Lemon Oil: Lemon oil is extracted from the skin of the lemon, commonly used for aromatherapy. Lemon oil can perk up your mood and boost your brainpower.

Learn more about Immune supports + Chocolate Immunity
Coffee-Beans

Energy Support

The powerful combination of Maca Root and coffee increases physical ENDURANCE, MEMORY, CONCENTRATION and REDUCES STRESS and FATIGUE, and for hopeless romantics, sexual desire.


 Maca Root: Maca is the root of a vegetable native to the Andes region of Peru and is said to boost energy and libido. Maca root powder is high in carbs and rich in several nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, and iron.

●  Coffee: Brewed from the roasted seeds, or "beans," of the coffee plant, coffee breaks down body fat, making free fatty acids available to act as fuel.

Learn more about Energy supports + Chocolate Boost

 

hibiscus-sabdariffa-or-roselle-fruits

Mood Support

Hibiscus, rosehip, and 5-HTP raise the serotonin levels in your body, giving you a naturally happy “high” and PREVENTING symptoms of DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, and other body stressors.

 Hibiscus: Hibiscus plants are known for their large, colorful flowers with medicinal uses to help treat various conditions. Hibiscus may help people with hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

●  Rosehip: Rose hips are the round portion of the rose flower just below the petals that contain the seeds of the rose plant. Rosehip can normalize blood sugar levels and keep cholesterol in check

●  5-HTP: 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a chemical that the body makes from tryptophan, an essential amino acid that you get from food. 5-HTP is thought to treat depression by increasing serotonin levels.
 

lavender
Sleep Support

Lavender, chamomile, and melatonin are the perfect trio to LET GO of DAILY STRESS and ANXIETY so you achieve a deep and restful sleep.

●  Lavender: Lavender is a well-known and fragrant plant with gray-green foliage and upright flower spikes. Lavender contains linalool with anti-inflammatory components that help with pain relief.

●  Chamomile: Chamomile is an herb that comes from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. Chamomile can protect against diarrhea, stomach ulcers, nausea, and gas, due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

●  Melatonin: Melatonin is the "sleep hormone" and is a central part of the body's sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is most commonly used for insomnia and improving the overall quality of sleep.

 

cup-of-tea-of-birch-chaga-mushroom

Adaptogen Support

Adaptogens are plants, such as mushrooms, that help REDUCE the effects of STRESS on your body. Lions Mane and Chaga are the mushrooms responsible for PROTECTING the BRAIN and body’s central nervous system neurons and enhancing memory.  

●  Lions Mane: Lion's mane (Hericium Erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom long used in traditional Chinese medicine. Lion’s Mane contains compounds that stimulate the growth of brain cells and protect them from damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
●  Chaga: Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a mushroom that grows mainly on birch trees in northern Europe, Asia, Canada, and the northeastern United States. Chaga contains many antioxidants that may reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called “bad” cholesterol.


Chocolate Boost - energy support - functional chocolates
Besides enjoying a variety of these HEALTHY WHOLE FOODS, you can include more of these fortified foods in your diet to fill any nutritional gaps and SUPPORT BETTER HEALTH.

Introducing Our FUNCTIONAL CHOCOLATE BITES Southeast Edibles’ Master Chocolatier values the ultimate chocolate bliss experience. And because our chocolate contains ALL NATURAL HEALT PROPERTIES, that experience is now enhanced to improve the overall quality of your life.

Created with your wellness in mind, our mission is to offer the highest quality chocolates that help nourish your mind, body, and soul.

Learn more about Functional Chocolate Bites!
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