A super-food is defined as a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. While I still believe that organic fruit and veg are the best superfoods you can put into your body, the following “superfoods” are nutrient dense, provide amazing health benefits and are easy to include into your everyday meals. Let me give you a quick rundown…
Cacao
Raw cacao contains an impressive list of vitamins and minerals including magnesium, iron, chromium, manganese, zinc, copper, vitamin C, phosphorus and calcium. In addition, it also provides 14 times more antioxidants then red wine, 21 times more than green tea and helps raise levels of serotonin in the brain- acting as an anti-depressant. Use raw cacao powder anywhere you would normal cocoa powder. Make a hot chocolate, in chocolate baking recipes, raw desserts or make your own chocolate.
Maca
Maca is a South American root used for libido, fertility, and strength. It’s adaptogenic, meaning it helps the body deal with stress. It also provides an energy boost without overstimulating the body. Maca is especially great for women experiencing fertility issues or irregular menstrual cycles. Add a teaspoon of Maca powder to your morning smoothie.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant. Among it’s many health benefits it has been found to inhibit the growth of cancer, is a natural liver detoxifier and helps to reduce the severity of bacterial and viral infections. Add turmeric to any curry, scrambled eggs and omelettes or add ½ a teaspoon to a mango smoothie.
Coconut Oil
The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, cholesterol level maintenance, weight loss, boosted immune system, proper digestion and regulated metabolism. These benefits can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid and it’s respective properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial and soothing qualities. I use coconut oil for cooking everything!!!
Spirulina
A high quality protein that contains all the essential amino acids and will provide you with a rich source of essential Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B9, D, E and K. Spirulina also contains high concentrations of calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, zinc and bioavalible iron. Spirulina is also extremely high in chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the blood and boost the immune system, making it excellent for detoxification. Take spirulina as a tablet or power mixed with water. I recommend Green Nutritionals products.
Article by Kavisha Jega
Holding a Masters degree in Wellness, Kavisha works to promote optimal health and well-being by teaching people how to move away from processed foods and towards a more nourishing whole foods diet. Her educational seminars and cooking workshops draw on her knowledge of whole food cooking and passion for wellness to show everyday people that healthy eating can be easy and attainable. A lover of all things food and travel, Kavisha also has a wellness travel practice, which focuses on connecting health savvy travellers with good food by showcasing local, organic and whole food experiences all over the world.
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