Superfoods Part 2
In part one we introduced you to Goji Berries; Pollen; Maca; Spirulina and Wheatgrass, read on to find out more about Cacao; Chlorella; Kelp; Lucuma and Mesquite.
Cacao – Cacao is an evergreen tree that grows from 10 – 30 feet in height and is native to the tropical regions of the American continents. The fruit of the cacoa which is known as the cacoa pod, ripens to a yellow or orange and weighs about a pound. Inside it are lots of seeds which are the cacao beans.
Raw cacao is roughly 400% higher in antioxidants than blueberries and cacao nibs are rich in good fat and minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron and potassium. It also has a natural byproduct that is very similar to caffeine. Cacao is one the highest dietary sources of magnesium and sulphur.
Cacao nibs taste chocolatey and nutty and can be picked at in the same way as you would pick at granola or they can be sprinkled in a smoothie.
Chlorella – Chlorella is named because it has an exceptionally high cholorphyll content. It is a single celled algae which is high in antioxidant properties which can help to reduce blood pressure and accelerate wound healing. It can also enhance immune functions.
Chlorella is a complete protein containing carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids, minerals (including calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium and phosphorus), fats, calories and fibre. Because it has such high levels of vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll it has been shown to protect against and help remove toxic chemicals which makes it a good supplement to take whilst detoxing.
The high fibre content is good for intestinal health.
Kelp - Kelp is a variety of seaweed. It contains over 70 minerals and trace elements, growth hormones, vitamins, enzymes and proteins which include iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron.
Some of the main benefits of kelp include increased energy levels; improved liver function; lowered cholesterol levels; an aid to poor digestion and can be used to treat thyroid problems. It can also be used as by people wishing to lose weight as it boosts energy levels due to it's high iodine content, stimulates the metabolic rate and therefore helps the body to burn excess weight.
Lucuma – Lucuma is a delicately flavoured fruit native to the cool highlands of coastal valleys in Peru. It is considered to be a healthy alternative sweetener as it gives a sweet taste to recipes but is very low in sugars whilst high in naturally occurring beta-carotene, niacin (B3) iron and fibre.
Lucuma can be used as a substitute for maple, butterscotch or toffee flavours in desserts; mixed into tea for a creamy texture or sprinkled on granola.
Mesquite – Mesquite flour has been used in baking for over 200 years. Mesquite trees grow in sem-arid regions of North and South America, Africa and southern Asia. It comes from the same family as carob and can therefore be used as a carob substitute in recipes.
Mesquite does not affect insulin levels as the sugar in mesquite is in the form of fructose which does not require insulin in order to be metabolised. The flour is an excellent source of fibre.
Mesquite contains lysine as well as 17% digestible protein; calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc.
How Can I Introduce Superfoods to my Diet?
Choose one superfood and add a teaspoon to a smoothie / cereal / juice and see how you feel. Some you might really like, some you might not. Increase the amounts until you get to a point where you feel comfortable. You can eat as many different superfoods as you want.
Recipe
Maca Root Smoothie
Ingredients:
Blend in the blender for 2 minutes.
Chlorella Pesto
Ingredients:
1 bunch fresh basil
Instructions;
Put the Chlorella, basil, garlic and olive oil in a blender and puree. Lightly toast the pine nuts in olve oil. Add cheese, lemon juice and pine nuts to the puree. Stir into hot pasta and enjoy!
Serves 4 - 6