Superfoods are more than super nutritious. They are antioxidant rich, jam-packed with vitamins and minerals and believed to slow down the aging process. Superfoods are foods that have an extremely high nutrient content in proportion to the amount of calories they provide. Miraculous foods is what we really ought to call them!
At a recent Cooking Demonstration we were asked for a list of superfoods, so we thought what better way to support that request than with a thorough list of the best known superfoods around. Here goes!
Acai Berries
Purple berries from the acai palm boast higher antioxidant levels than all other common berries. Purchase the berries dried, frozen or in a powder form and add them to smoothies, dessert and fruit salads.
Beets
The taproot portion of the beet plant is an often forgotten superfood. The rich purple color should serve as a great reminder–richly colored foods tend to have higher contents of antioxidants. Beets are also an excellent source of folate, manganese and have been used since the Middle Ages as a treatment for indigestion.
Blueberries
Grown in clusters on a shrub, these blackish-purple berries are antioxidant rich, high in vitamin C and are known to neutralize free radicals and promote urinary tract health. They are one of the most common superfoods available and are a tasty addition to smoothies, salads and desserts.
Cacao
From the cacao bean, raw cacao is the healthy equivalent to the better known cocoa powder, found in the baking section of grocery stores. Raw cacao is extremely rich in antioxidants and aids in the destruction of free radicals in your cells, which cause aging. The best part is cacao tastes like chocolate, so I’m sure we don’t have to convince you to eat up!
Chia Seeds
From the mint family, chia seeds were a staple food source for the Aztecs and Mayans. Chia seeds are known for their ability to provide natural energy and have become increasingly popular in the running world. Chia seeds also have very high contents of omegas, necessary to human brain function. They are most easily absorbed by the body when in liquid form.
Cinnamon
Derived from the brown bark of the cinnamon tree, cinnamon is common on our grocery store shelves both in it’s powdered and bark (cinnamon stick) form. Just one teaspoon of cinnamon equates to 22% of the daily need for manganese. Cinnamon also offers calcium and fiber and is believed to have antimicrobial benefits. Get your daily dose by adding cinnamon to tea or sprinkling it over fruit and vegetables.
Coconut
The fruit of the coconut palm, coconuts are a staple in the Paleo Diet in oil, fruit, flour, water and dried forms. Coconut is high in fiber, healthy fats and contains the highest natural amount of medium chain triglycerides found in food. Unlike most fatty acids, which are long chain triglycerides, the coconut metabolizes more easily. This means the coconut acts as a good source of quick energy and is great for your skin, hair, heart and brain.
Goji Berries
A member of the nightshade family, goji berries are considered the most nutritionally dense fruit on earth. They have been used medicinally in Tibet for thousands of years as they contain all the essential amino acids, vitamin C, fiber, iron, calcium, zinc and protein. They are most commonly found in their dried form and make a great substitute to the traditional raisin snack.
Kale
The ultimate supergreen, kale is a leafy green, just like lettuce and cabbage, but a whole lot more nutritious. Not only is kale high in fiber, iron, vitamin K, A, C and calcium, it is filled with antioxidants and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Make the switch the kale salads!
Maca Powder
From the root of a radish, maca is known as the Peruvian ginseng. Maca is rich in vitamin B, C and E and provides a great source of natural energy and acts as a mood enhancer. You can find maca powder at most health stores. Get your daily dose by adding it to protein bars and smoothies.
Matcha Green Tea
A premium green tea powder that has been served at Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, matcha has made it’s way to the Western world and is often served both hot and cold in teas and smoothies. Matcha has high antioxidant, amino acid and fiber contents and one single cup of matcha green tea is claimed to deliver the equivalent nutrients as 10 cups of regular green tea.
Noni
A fruit native to Southeast Asia and Australasia, noni is a lesser known superfood that comes in various forms: powder, tea, juice and fruit. Noni is believed to be one of the healthiest fruits on earth and has been used to treat headaches, depression and hypertension. Rich in macronutrients, noni also boasts antibacterial properties and is thought to support the immune system and improve memory.
Seaweed
A plant from our ocean, seaweed is most commonly spotted in sushi dishes and is often underestimated for its nutrient dense dose of essential vitamins and minerals. Seaweed delivers digestive benefits, detoxifies the body and purifies the blood.
Tumeric
A common herb used in spicy dishes across the globe, tumeric has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, along with high contents of protein, fiber, iron and zinc. Tumeric aids the immune system and provides natural relief for arthritis. Sprinkle tumeric over sweet potatoes, add it to baked dishes or use it as a topical antiseptic.
Stay tuned for tons of recipes that contain superfoods from this list!
Camilla Carboni
@camillacarboni | camillacarboni.com
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