Superfoods Part I
Superfoods
What is a Superfood?
Superfoods are natural plant foods which are exceptionally high in nutrition and can therefore provide the body with high amounts of energy. They contain a broad range of nutrients such as enzymes; phytochemicals; vitamins; minerals; chlorophyll and antioxidants. They are more easily absorbed by the body and are generally superior to supplements because they are wholefoods and have not been chemically processed in a laboratory.
In todays world it is easy to add more fruit and veg to your diet , however,as more and more research is carried out it is becoming apparent that much of the mass produced fruit and veg is being grown on mineral depleted soils, or preserved using gasses and air-freighted from foreign countries therefore depleting it's nutritional benefits.
Superfoods can help regulate the body's metabolism and therefore control cravings, they can also help us tune into the body's natural appetite making it difficult to undereat or overeat.
How do I introduce Superfoods to my diet?
It can be hard trying to decide what Superfoods are best for you as they all have unique qualities. The best way to start is with one or two to see what benefits you feel from them, that way you can decide which ones you prefer. It is also best to start with a small amount e.g. a teaspoon and then slowly work it up until you reach a level that you are comfortable with.
Which Superfood is for me?
Goji Berries – Also known as Wolfberries, Lycium Berries and Gou Ji Zi berries. In traditional Chinese medicine Goji berries are used to assist the liver and kidneys, enhance the immune system and improve eyesight. They are a valuable protein source, containing 18 out 22 amino acids and including all eight essential amino acids.
Pound for pound they contain more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots and are a good source of B vitamins and antioxidants. The seeds of the berries contain significant amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 oils.
Potential medicinal benefits have been shown in studies regarding it's antioxidant properties, including possible protection against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, vision related diseases, having neuroprotective properties and as an anti-cancer agent.
Pollen – Used by the Ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks for its many benefits and valued by Hippocrates as contributing towards a long life. It is one of the oldest foods on this planet.
Bee pollen contains all of the essential amino acids; 18 vitamins including A, B's, C, D, E, H and K; 59 trace elements; 25 minerals including calcium, iron and potassium; 11 enzymes and is rich source of Essential Fatty Acids. It is an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and tastes sweet and rich like honey and is easy to sprinkle on cereal or add to desserts. It gives you energy so perhaps avoid taking it just before bedtime!
Bee Pollen is also claimed by many to be the best treatment for allergy relief, in particular, hayfever if taken 6 weeks before the hayfever season starts. It works like a vaccine by introducing the body slowly to the irritant at low levels, the immune system builds future defences against the harmful substance with the irritant levels causing the damage.
Maca – Indigenous to the mountains of Peru where it has been a highly reputable food since the time of the ancient Incas. It is a root vegetable from the same family of cruciferous vegetables as broccoli and cauliflower, it resembles a turnip and can be processed into a flour –like powder.
Because Maca is a root vegetable it provides steady energy. It is a source of the B vitamin group including B12. It contains 11% amino acids and 18 of the 22 amino acids needed to build protein in the body. It contains 31 different minerals and trace minerals, including significant amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, iron, phosphorous, selenium and manganese.
It is known to increase libido, fertility, general energy and stamina. It can also be used a natural hormone balancer (pre-menstrual – correcting irregular menstruation and menopausal – easing symptoms) for women and can also be used by both sexes to reduce insomnia and acne.
Spirulina - Originally cultivated on an island in the South China Sea. It is a single celled blue-green algae that gets its name from its spiral shape. Spirulina has a 64% protein content, one of the highest forms of digestible protein available. It provides a rich natural source of vitamin B12, C and E.
Spirulina is also a super antioxidant, it is rich in phytonutrients including beta carotene, chlorophyll and phycocyanin. Research has shown that spirulina supports important parts of the immune system including bone marrow stem cells, white blood cells, and the spleen and thymus glands. It also shows that immune defence cells increase in number, become activated and provide a more effective defence against viruses and bacteria.
Wheatgrass – Contains 20% protein which includes a balanced blend of twenty amino acids, and nearly the double the amount of beta-carotene found in carrots. It is one of the best sources of chlorophyll available and contains 92 trace minerals if grown in organic soil, including an extremely high magnesium content which is needed to restore hormones.
Wheatgrass balances the blood sugar so you're less prone to mood swings which in turn mean that you're less likely to reach out for junk food when you have a blood sugar dip.
Look out for part 2 of our Superfoods article in order to find out more about
Cacoa;
Chlorella;
Kelp;
Lucuma and
Mesquite and some recipes in which you can use them. Or find out more in our superfoods booklet - here's
the link to it online