The superfoods YOU should be eating

There are just some foods more super than others. For example a fresh organic banana is more super than a banana lolly but then again, is a highly processed sugary lolly even classed as food?

What is a superfood?

By definition superfoods are “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and wellbeing.” To break it down even further superfoods are nutrient powerhouses that pack large doses of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals.

There are a certain foods in the food chain that stand out because they are by default defined by the description above. They are super because of the enormous nutritional benefits they offer.

Main health benefits of superfoods

• Increase antioxidant levels which aid in neautralising damaging free radicals
• Help to regulate metabolism and burn body fat
• Protect the organs from toxins
• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure
• Prevent or reduce inflammation in the body
• Prevent heart disease and some cancers
• Promote digestive health
• Boost energy levels

Super SUPERfood list

Activated Charcoal

Activated Charcoal is fast becoming the new big thing in whole body detoxifying as it plays an increasingly significant role in maintaining, restoring and enhancing health.

Activated Charcoal is the most adsorbent material in the world, and safe to use both internally and externally on people of any age. Add a small amount to your morning smoothie, latte or combine with lemon water for an alkaline morning zesty juice.

Acai Berries (ah-sigh-ee)

Acai berries are grown in clusters near the tops of palm trees that are found growing in the Amazon rain forest. Acai berries are considered one of the top superfoods due to their antioxidant properties as well being packed with amino acids, fibre, essential fatty acids, and contain as much Vitamin C as blueberries. They are also a good source of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and E as well as a good source of calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper.

Acai berries help increase your antioxidant levels, boost our energy levels, support your immune system and help promote a healthy digestive system.

These berries have to be freeze dried within 24hrs to keep their nutritional profile intact and is available in powder and frozen juice.  Add to cereals, smoothies and juices.

Camu Camu

Camu Camu is fruit mostly grown in the flooded areas of the Amazon rainforest and is becoming increasingly popular for its antioxidant properties amongst other things. This superstar fruit naturally contains more than 60 times the Vitamin C of oranges making it one of the world’s best sources. Its also contains potassium, iron and niacin.

Potential benefits include strengthen the immune system, natural energy booster and assists with inflammation. Include it in your diet in tablet or powder form.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have the highest known plant source of omega-3 with 7.5x more than salmon per ounce. They are a complete protein with an impressive nutrient profile including zinc, iron and calcium containing five times as much calcium as milk.

They can absorb up to 30 times their volume in liquid helping not only regulate blood sugar and maintain hydration they can help prevent obesity. Add to salads, porridge, smoothies and baking goods or drink daily in gel format.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseed is one of the most concentrated plant sources of omega-3 fats, rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, fibre, potassium and protein.

The seeds from the flax plant can be used whole, ground to make a meal or used as an oil and are added to salads, smoothies, breakfast cereals and baking goods. If using the whole seeds remember to bruise the prior to eating to release the nutrients.

Flaxseeds can help better cardiovascular health, lower risk of cancer, and help suppress inflammation.

Goji Berries

Goji berries are considered both a fruit and an herb and are growin in both Asian and European countries. They are a small berries but don’t be fooled by their size, they pack quite the nutritional punch.

They are sweet with a slight herb like aftertaste and you can eat them raw or soak them in hot water to soften them up.

They are an excellent source of antioxidants, low in calories, fat free and packed with fibre and have been known to help boost the immune system and help with eye health due to their high beta-carotene content. They are also high in vitamin C and vitamin A and they are a complete protein.

Add to trail mixes, breakfast cereals, salads, and baking goods or eat them covered in dark chocolate for that extra antioxidant kick!

Maca

Maca is a root vegetable that grows in the highest altitudes of the world, in Peru and benefits include a positive effect on hormone balance, energy levels, and a health booster.

A rich source of vitamins, minerals and amino acids including both essential and non-essential Maca helps boost your overall health in a number of ways. Commonly available in powder form, Maca is added to smoothies, non-dairy milkshakes, and porridge and baked goods.

Spirulina

Spirunlia is one of the richest whole food sources found in nature containing around sixty percent complete, highly digestible protein and contains every essential amino acid. It is rich in B vitamins, minerals, trace elements, chlorophyll, and enzymes.

Spirulina is 31 times more potent than blueberries, 60 times more potent than spinach and 700 times more potent than apples, 300% more calcium than whole milk, 2300% more iron than spinach, 3900% more beta-carotene than carrots and 375% more protein than tofu. Commonly available in tablet or powder form perfect for smoothies breakfast bowls or morning green shots.

Confused?

It can be a little confusing to identify the superfoods you should be investing in but if you are going to add any superfoods to your pantry, we highly recommend starting with the above list.

To find out more about key plant-based foods you should be eating, click here.