The human body consists of trillions of cells; they are critical to life. And, we hear a lot about stem cells and cell regeneration. Why are they so important?
Stem cells can become any cell the body needs. The main job of stem cells is to replace old, damaged, or dying cells. We all wish to live a happier, longer, and healthier life, right?
So, if the process starts with stem cells, how do we urge the body to produce more? How does the body keep up with production? The answer is with food.
Yes, food, but not just any foods. We need to consume more whole foods to regenerate cells. The foods we mention in this article help prepare the body and eliminate the obstacles that might impede cell regeneration.
Whole Foods are the Ticket to Aid Cell Regeneration
Let’s be clear; foods don’t actually regenerate cells. However, research shows certain “superfoods” contain properties essential for cell generation.
According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of superfood is “food (such as salmon, broccoli, or blueberries) that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fiber, or fatty acids) considered beneficial to a person’s health.”
But make no mistake, these superfoods are whole foods. Unfortunately, you won’t find an aisle in your local supermarket labeled “Superfoods.”
When we go grocery shopping, we are surrounded by canned, boxed, and packaged processed foods. Look at the listed ingredients of these processed foods. You are likely to find a plethora of multisyllabic words we can’t even pronounce, let alone identify.
Much of those ingredients are chemically enhanced preservatives, artificial sweeteners and flavors, and synthetic trans fats. The added chemicals transform real food into something else, which becomes unhealthy and no longer real food.
However, whole foods are minimally processed. They are foods that are the closest to their natural form. Whole foods also retain much of the nutrients our bodies need.
Be honest with yourself when you transition to whole foods; it won’t be easy initially. For most of us, it’s unrealistic to think we can eliminate processed foods from our diet 100%. But cutting way back is doable.
Shopping for Whole Foods to Aid Cell Regeneration
Now, you’re in the grocery store on your whole foods mission and feel lost. You aren’t sure which foods are going to give you the most benefit for cell regeneration.
Ideally, you want to choose foods with anti-inflammatory properties, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. You want to avoid foods with a mile-long list of ingredients.
Let’s discuss some options for whole foods you can include in your daily diet and get a delicious jump start on regenerating cells.
Fatty Fish & Seafood
Omega-3 fatty acid is the main thing you’re looking for in fatty fish and seafood. Wild herring, salmon, and mackerel have more than 1,500 mg of omega-3 fatty acid per 3 ounces cooked!
Wild and farmed oysters, wild swordfish, and canned tuna are boasting a 500-1000 mg range of omega-3 fatty acid content. In most cases, darker meats provide higher omega-3 content. Cod, tilapia, crab, and shrimp are the least potent, offering less than 200 mg of omega-3.
Mushrooms
Shiitake and maitake mushrooms are excellent at protecting the liver. If you’re unfamiliar with the necessity of liver health, then consider your liver as the “inspection station” of your body. Among the liver’s 300 or so functions, it also fights inflammation and filters out toxins.
Nuts & Berries
Great for times when snack cravings are intense, nuts and seeds provide a nice healthy dose of protein and energy. Additionally, we should mention the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid in almonds, walnuts, hemp, and chia seeds.
Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries contain potent antioxidants that promote liver health. These fruits are also included in a heart-healthy diet. The anti-inflammatory properties make these little gems a superfood. They are great as a snack, in a salad, or a sweetener for cereals.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another anti-inflammatory food that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. If eating broccoli as a snack isn’t your thing, you can make it a family-friendly favorite by adding it to salads, stir-fry dishes, or even making broccoli fritters.
Ginger Root
Most recognized for calming an upset tummy, ginger root fights inflammation, allowing cellular strengthening, repair, and regeneration. This versatile root can be used fresh, dried, or powdered.
Ginger root has a robust and zesty flavor, so a little goes a long way. You can make a nice, hot cup of ginger tea or add a little to a stir-fry recipe.
These are a few foods you can introduce into your diet starting today. You can also add to this list seeds, asparagus, apples, herbs, and more.
Your diet is one of the few things you have total control over that directly affects your overall health and wellness. We can’t change DNA, but we can change our diet; we can specifically include whole foods to aid cell regeneration.
These foods pave the way for a longer and healthier lifestyle.
This website may contain affiliate links and we may receive compensation for purchases made through these links. This in no way affects your purchase price. More importantly, we strive to recommend products & services that will benefit you regardless of any benefit to us.
What Say You?