Nature has provided us with an abundance of natural energy-boosters – we just have to know what to look for. There are certain foods that pack a better nutrient punch than others. These foods are called Super Foods, and they contain a high nutrient value compared to the amount of calories they carry.
WHY SUPER FOODS?
* Improve overall health
* Support the immune system
* Provide optimal amounts of critical nutrients
* Act as buffers against excess amounts of environmental toxins
* Help to alkalize, energize and nourish cells as they balance the body’s pH levels.
We've seen lots of fun new superfood trends take the food and wellness world by storm. From CBD-infused everything to the resurgence of ancient roots, grains, and berries. Here's your guide to the most nutritious, tasty, and versatile superfoods you might want to consider incorporating into your diet this season. To your health!
Asparagus.
This plant was called the “king of vegetables” by the ancient Romans and Greeks, who used it to treat arthritis, toothache and infertility.Today researchers know it contains the potent antioxidant glutathione, which is helpful in the fight against cancer, cataracts, and heart disease.
Blueberries
Packed with antioxidants, blueberries neutralize free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues that can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer.They improve the integrity of the entire vascular system.They work their protective magic by preventing free- radical damage and inhibiting enzymes from cleaving the collagen matrix.
Broccoli
Sprouts, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. Contain the powerful anticancer agents with broccoli sprouts leading the way in cancer-prevention power. It contains another effective antioxidant and potent anticancer agent called quercitin. It is one of the few food substances that helps to block cancer at the earliest stage. Quercitin also protects arteries and discourages blood clots.
Brazil Nuts
Selenium is a potent anticarcinogen and often works closely with vitamin E in the fight against cancer. Selenium can help in limiting the damage done by toxins that enter the body.
Bananas
High potassium foods help protect blood vessels against damage from high blood pressure.
Carrots
The beta-carotene converts to vitamin A in the body which helps improve vision.The vitamin A forms a purple pigment called rhodopsin the eye needs to see in dim light.Not getting enough
vitamin A can actually lead to night blindness. Wow, mom was right! The beta-carotene in carrots is an anti- oxident combating the free radicals that contribute to conditions like cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration. Carrots also contain another anti-oxident called alpha-carotene which support the lungs.
Celery
Many people think of celery as a boring diet food, yet it contains several powerful anticancer agents, such as phthalides and polyacetylenes.These substances render carcinogens harmless, before they have the opportunity to cause damage. Studies suggest celery is particularly effective against stomach cancer.
Ginger
Known for its effective popular anti-nausea properties & for curbing motion sickness.
Garlic
Helps kill bacteria and boost immune functioning while cooked garlic can help lower blood cholesterol as well as help prevent bronchitis.
Legumes
Contain anti-cancer compounds called protease inhibitors that help block the activity of enzymes that can instigate and promote cancer. Additionally, beans have been found to be effective in lowering blood cholesterol and regulating insulin and blood sugar levels.
Millet
Millet is highly nutritious, non-glutinous and like buckwheat and quinoa, is not an acid forming food so is soothing and easy to digest. In fact, it is considered to be one of the least allergenic and most digestible grains available and it is a warming grain so will help to heat the body. It act
like blotting paper as it mops up toxins too! It contains high amounts
of fiber, B-complex vitamins including niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin,
the essential amino acid methionine, lecithin, and some vitamin E. It is
particularly high in the minerals iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and
potassium. The seeds are also rich in phytochemicals, including Phytic
acid, which is believed to lower cholesterol, and Phytate, which is
associated with reduced cancer risk.
Manuka Honey
Active Manuka Honey contains strong anti-bacterial healing properties. It has been reported to be effective when applied to fungal skin conditions including dermatophytes. While antibiotics can often provide an effective remedy, they are often ineffective at clearing up the fungal infection.
The use of Active Manuka Honey is not restricted to skin applications alone. It is also effective internally.
Papaya
Excellent sources of the cancer-fighting antioxidant vitamin C: mango, 90 percent; papaya, 317 percent. Studies show a 50 percent reduction in the rate of colon cancer among animals fed with pectin.
Shitake Mushrooms
The medicinal value of mushrooms is found not in the button variety, but in the more exotic reishi, shiitake,
and maitake. These mushrooms stimulate the T cells in the immune systems, which appear to have effective cancer-fighting abilities. Shiitake contain a powerful antitumor agent called lentinan, while an anticancer agent called beta-glucan has been found in maitake.They can be purchased either fresh or dried for addition to casseroles, soups, stews, stir-fries, and salads.
Brazil Nuts
Nuts are good source of fiber, magnesium, and protease inhibitors. Brazil nuts are rich in selenium. Oleic acid and ellagic acid, which may protect against cancer, are in walnuts. Magnesium is found in almonds, filberts, hickory nuts, and cashews.
Peppermint
stimulates bile flow and the appetite and aids digestion.
Pomegranate
Very strong antioxidant potential. Preliminary studies suggest that pomegranate juice may contain almost three times the total antioxidant ability compared with the same quantity of green tea or red wine. It also provides a substantial amount of potassium, is high in fiber, and contains vitamin C and niacin. Used to treat inflammation, sore throats, and rheumatism for centuries in the Middle East, India, and Iran.
Rosemary
Contains four potent antioxidants, two which are equal to the action of BHT and BHA, synthetic antioxidants used in the food industry to prevent rancidity
Short grain brown rice
The anticancer favorite when compare to white rice. One-half cup of brown rice contains 67 percent of the RDA for thiamine. Low levels of thiamine have been linked with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Rice also is a source of protease inhibitors and fiber.
Seeds
Seeds are the single most important food source for humans. More than 60 percent of the protein consumed in the world comes from seeds.These foods also act as antioxidants. Seeds may look small, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to fighting disease. In fact, each tiny morsel is crammed with a winning combination of hard-to-get nutrients, including plant protein, zinc, iron, copper, selenium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, and B vitamins. Seeds promote good health in multiple ways—by helping to lower cholesterol, stabi- lize blood sugars, reduce risk for colon cancer and improve bowel health.
Pumpkin seeds – Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc and a phytochemical called cucurbitacin, which reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
Sesame seeds – Sesame seeds are a source of two phytochemicals, sesamin and sesamolin, to lower cholesterol and prevent high blood pressure.Also a very good source of calcium and magnesium.
Sunflower seeds – Sunflower seeds contain a potent antioxidant team of selenium and vitamin E to fight c ancer and heart disease.
Flaxseeds – Flaxseeds are an exceptionally rich source of essential omega-3 fatty acids to fight the signs of aging, reduce inflammation and prevent heart disease and cancer.
Poppy seeds – Poppy seeds are a source of calcium and magnesium to prevent high blood pressure and osteoporosis..
Sea vegetables
Fuciodan is the name of the anticancer ingredient in sea vegetables (or seaweeds) that helps prevent the development of cancer and slows the rate of the disease if it is already present. Sea vegetables such as kelp, nori, sea lettuce, dulse and Irish moss can be added to stews, soups and casseroles or rolled around rice to create nori rolls.
Aloe Vera
Contains 75 nutrients, and over 200 active ingredients - and that’s just the ones that we know about. Aloe has adaptogenic properties; that is, the body takes what it needs from the plant, benefiting the area that needs it most.
Aloe is effective in so many different areas because it works on the epithelial tissues, which form our skin, gut lining, bronchial tubes, and genital tract.
A rich source of vitamins, particularly A, C, and E, and one of the few plant sources of B12 & contains more than twenty of the minerals needed on a daily basis,
It is high is enzymes, which are vital for every function of the body to occur. It contains a substance called lignin, which is renowned for its penetrative abilities.
It contains saponins, natural cleansers that are anti-microbial, and effective in the treatment of bacteria, viruses, and yeast and fungal infections.
Aloe contains six natural antiseptics, so is effective in treating infection.
Açaí
Loved by Brazilians, eaten all day long. Anybody who’s been to Rio
in the last 5 years will know how good it tastes; People describe the taste as a mix of chocolate and blueberries... AND it’s really good for you! It’s loved by everybody from surfers to Brazil’s footie players.
Acerola cherry
It’s got 80 times as much vitamin C as Oranges (so tastes a little tart). It’s great in cocktails or smoothies. Mix with freshly-squeezed orange juice for a vitamin C rich smoothy.
Barley Grass
A concentrated source of chlorophyll and supports the immune system. It also contains B vitamins,Vitamin K, minerals and enzymes. A soothing & rebalancing way to get your cholorophyll. More calming & gentle than wheatgrass this makes a fantastic addition to a banana based smoothie. Rich in enzymes, vitamins & minerals Barleygrass is known for it’s anti-inflammatory and germicidal activity. Fantastic to support an alkalising
diet - which is what we all need, particularly those suffering with intestinal & yeast imbalances!
Bee Polen
The perfect accompaniment to a busy life, bee pollen provides the buzz of a bee and all the healing capacity of flower nectar. High in B vitamins it’s perfect for stress (which depletes b vitamins) both emotional and physical. Mix in with cereal or a smoothie or take a handful when you need.
Blue Green Algae
Contains Protein which is 80% assimilated into our bodies (vs 20% from meat) - with an optimal amino acid profile & unusually high mineral levels. Enhances a deep sense of stability & mental clarity. Assists blood sugar balance & weight management by reducing food cravings. Start small and increase as required.The powder form can be added to smoothies drinks or water (1/2 teaspoon to start), the liquid taken as drops from the bottle, and capsule can be taken for convenience as required. Draw on the grounding energy of the deep still calm lake within the earth.
Cacao
Super High in Magnesium - chocolate in it’s rawest form. Have all the luxury with none of the guilt and side effects. Great as an anti-depressant and during/pre menstruation. Combine with dates or agave syrup for a low GI treat, add soaked seeds or nuts to make your own healthy chocolate, or eat in it’s natural form for a bitter high. Why not tr y some recipes from ‘Naked Chocolate’ to make chocolate sauce or scrumptious chocolate deserts.
Cupuaçu
highly prized in the Amazon, it’s related to the cocoa family. It’s used by many as a replacement for chocolate and tastes great in ice creams as well as smoothies.
Camu Camu
With over 80% vitamin c this powder is high in antioxidants and minerals.This pink sherbert like substance is an ideal support for colds and flu, depression, as well as skin and hair care. It is becoming used more frequently to wean the body off pharmaceutical antidepressants.
Guarana
Guarana has a broad spectrum effect that ranges from its use as a builder of stamina and staying power, to its value in calming and soothing the whole body and relieving physical and mental stress. It is thought to stimulate brain function and aids concentration and alertness. It has been found to be helpful for headaches, especially migraines, and is reputed to have aphrodisiacal qualities.Slimmers may also benefit from Guarana as it helps to allay feelings of hunger.
Jerusalem Artichoke (root)
A good source of insoluable fiber and has been known to enhance intestinal health, immunity and improve digestion. Components of the root may improve absorption of other nutrients.
Macu
A peruvian root and staple part of the peruvian diet. Grown at the highest altitude of any known plant in barren soil, high winds and extreme temperatures - this root assists with the strength to take on challenges in even the most extreme of circumstances. It balances hormones and is great for growth and stamina - mental or physical. Has been likened to viagra for virility - except it’s a natural
form. It is also great to strengthen bones and teeth. It is full of magnesium and calcium and can be added to cereal or smoothies. Start
small (1/2 teaspoon daily) and increase as required.
Maracuja
We know it as Passion fruit. Unlike the wrinkled fruit that we know in the UK, Maracuja is bright yellow and full of flavour. The mouth-watering tingle will set your taste buds alight. It’s great to liven up your favourite smoothies and and Zing to your cocktails.
Spirulina
stabilising & grounding, superhigh in protein it boosts energy, strengthens the immune system, improves
skintone, hair & nail growth. With almost no calories It is great for satisfying cravings containing all 8 essential amino acids & 10 non essential amino acids - more protein than any other natural food i.e. meat, eggs, fish, soya, milk, peanuts etc. Includes Iron, Calcium & GLA in it’s spectrum of complete source of nutrients.
Wheat Grass
Rich in protein and contains all 17 amino acids. It helps create an unfavorable environment for bacteria growth.