Registered Holistic Nutritionist & Fitness Consultant

Superfoods for Super Health! Wholesome Foods that Nourish Your Cells.

Tuesday 22 March 2011

These nutrient packed foods are disease combating and can easily be incorporated into your daily diet to promote optimal health and longevity.  Superfoods are a group of wholesome, plant-based foods that are packed with powerful health benefits that can help you live a longer and healthier life. What makes them “super” is their exceptionally high level of nutrients and antioxidants compared to the amount of calories per serving.  In the book, Superfoods, by David Wolfe, some of the top superfoods are discussed.  In order to get the maximum benefits of these foods, it is best to consume them raw. 

Goji berries

The Chinese hold a strong belief that this fruit can significantly extend life.  Elderly people in China are generally more active, healthy and vibrant compared to their counterparts in Western countries.  Goji berries are the key ingredients in their healthy diet. If part of your purpose is longevity and vitality, these antioxidant packed berries are for you.  Since the beginning of history, people have used them to make tea, soup, and wine, or simply chewed them like raisins. Goji berries may be used, like other dried fruit, as snacks or mixed in smoothies and other recipes. 

Cacao

These beans are the source for all chocolate and cacoa products. Raw cacao has gained popularity as a nutritious superfood.  It is incredibly rich in magnesium and other essential minerals.  Cacao also contains more antioxidants than any other food tested, including blueberries, red wine and green tea.  It has more than twenty times the antioxidants of blueberries!  Cacao can be enjoyed on its own, or added to shakes, smoothies and hot chocolates, with your choice of nut milk.  It can also be used to make the best desserts! 

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are a gluten free superfood rich in omega-3, protein, both soluble and insoluble fibre, antioxidants and an impressive array of vitamins and minerals, all of which are essential for a healthy, well-nourished body and mind.  These seeds have a mild, nutty taste and can be added to just about any food or beverage without altering the original flavor.  You can enjoy them in salads, cereal, yogurt, dressings, and of course, all your sweet treats.

Hempseeds

Hempseeds are the most nutritionally complete seeds on the planet.  In addition to containing an excellent source of the three basic macronutrients, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, they contain a high content of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  If not enough, they are also rich in omega fatty acids, which support a range of important physiological functions. Hempseeds are a form of quality, complete protein, including the 8 essential amino acids that your body cannot produce. They have a delightful nutty flavor and can be added to just about any meal or snack, like salads, casseroles, smoothies, shakes, cereal and much more.   

Coconuts

These tropical delights are one of the greatest gifts of nature!  Every part of the coconut, including its water, milk, flesh, oil and cream, has an endless list of beneficial properties.  It can save lives!  Coconut products improve digestion and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and amino acids.  They are valuable to your immune system as they contain antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial saturated fatty acid, a rare and important building block of every cell in your body.  All coconut products can be consumed internally, or used topically on your skin, hair and nails.  They can be used raw, as well as to cook and bake, since the coconut oil is heat stable. 

Kelp

Like all sea vegetables, kelp provides iodine, calcium, magnesium and other trace minerals that may be lacking in our depleted soils.  This seaweed is the most abundant, iodine-rich, sea vegetable.  Iodine helps restore thyroid function, allowing you to improve your metabolism and lose weight. Its rich alkaline mineral content increases the minerals in your blood and organs, allowing them to function more effectively. Kelp adds a wonderful flavor to many dishes, including rice, lentils, quinoa and soup.

In theory, you shouldn’t need anything else but “regular” foods.  It’s the depletion of our soils, the importation, and the widespread use of chemicals, preservatives and additives, which you have consumed at one point in your life, if not now, at least in your youth. Nobody living in an industrial society today can say that his diet is, or has been perfect.  Eating these superfoods can give you that extra boost of nutrients needed. 

Tobago rain forest and organic green fig picking.

Organic cacao fruit straight off the tree.