Superfoods: the term itself brings on visions of tiny molecules, adorned with superhero capes, flying through your system while battling the renegade cells, free radicals and all other foreign “invaders” in your body. It’s no surprise that superfoods sell well. I myself have fallen prey to the promises and clever marketing of many super foods. From goji berries to maca root powder, marine phytoplankton to bee pollen, I have tried them all. And although I still believe there can be a place for these powerhouses in our diet, my approach has become a bit more balanced.
What brings good health and wellness is a balanced, wholesome, real food diet coupled with exercise, sufficient rest and relaxation, stress management and awareness. Having said that, most of us need a little extra help: mineral – and vitamin deficiencies are common. Diet plays a big role in this, especially if a large portion of what we eat is made up of processed foods or if we follow low fat diets. But even if we try our hardest and eat the healthiest diet on the planet most of the fruits and vegetables aren’t what they used to be. We are dealing with depleted soil, indoor living, lack of sunlight and a toxic environment which puts a lot of additional stress on our bodies.
Superfoods, when added to a healthy diet can be used to occasionally add a power punch of antioxidants and essential nutrients and provide support in key areas when needed. Here is a list of 6 so-called super foods from around the world that I like to use from time to time to give a boost to my health and well-being.
1. Chlorella
What: Chlorella is a single celled, micro-algae that grows in fresh water. It is processed and made into tablets or liquid extracts. In order for it to be absorbed properly the tough outer cell wall has to be broken so make sure you buy the Broken Cell Wall variety.
Why: It is a powerful natural detoxification tool. There is no question that we are continuously exposed to toxins in our food, water, in our environment and in the air we breathe. Chlorella has the unique natural ability to bind to heavy metals, chemicals and some pesticides found in our digestive track and eliminate them from your body. I like to think of it as strengthening my own personal defense mechanism against the bad stuff. On top of this, chlorella is a rich source of chlorophyll, amino acids, healthy fats, fiber, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins and has been shown to have many other great health benefits.
How: I use it to assist the natural cleansing process a few times a year, for example during spring time.
2. Super Greens Powder
What: Super Green Powders are a mix of different dried and powdered vegetables, cereal grasses such as wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa, algae and depending on the brand other fruits and vegetables such as berries etc.
Why: Green vegetables pack a maximum punch in terms of phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. They (like chlorella) assist in the detoxification process and help reduce inflammation. As I mentioned above, supplements like these can never take the place of fresh, whole foods. However, there are times when you might not be able to get all the nutrition you need into your diet, for example when traveling.
How: I use it to add to smoothies , Berry Banana Breakfast Bowls or I drink it plain with water a few times a week just to make sure I get all the green goodness anyway.
3. Goji berries
What: Goji berries (also known as wolfberries) are bright orange-red berries native to China. They are most commonly available in dried form. Make sure you buy organic berries from a reputable source.
Why: They are one of the most nutritionally dense fruits on this planet. Although they have become popular in the rest of the world relatively recently, they have been known for their health benefits and ability to improve strength and longevity in China and Tibet for thousands of years. Goji berries have a huge amount of anti-oxidants, contain all essential amino acids, are loaded with vitamin C, carotenoids, fiber, iron, calcium, zinc, selenium and many other important trace minerals.
How: I add goji berries to my fruits salad or smoothies (after soaking them first). They can also be eaten as a snack, sprinkled over muesli, granola and porridge and used in desserts.
4. Raw Cacao Nibs
What: Cacao nibs are cacao beans that have undergone a natural fermentation and drying process at which stage they are ready to be roasted, removed from their husks and used for processing into chocolate bars. The raw nibs are removed before roasting and crushed into small pieces that are crunchy in texture, slightly nutty and bitter in taste with a hint of chocolate flavor.
Why: The benefits of chocolate are now well known. The darker the chocolate bar the better as it gets higher and higher in beneficial flavonoids. However, most of these chocolate bars are still heavily processed and lose a lot of the chocolate bean’s nutrients and antioxidants in that process. Unprocessed and raw, the beans contain a wealth of antioxidants as well as essential vitamins and minerals and food for the beneficial bacteria in our gut.
How: I sprinkle a tablespoon of cacao nibs over my fruit salad and use them in desserts and smoothies.
5. Hemp seeds
What: Hemp seeds are the edible seeds of the hemp plant. And no, they don’t give you a “high”.. Although they have seen their share of controversy coming from the same species of plant (Cannabis Sativa L) as marijuana, they have been tested for TCH content and found to be safe for consumption.
Why: Of all seeds, hemp seeds have the most well rounded and balanced nutritional profile. They contain all 20 amino acids including the 9 which our bodies can’t produce. They have essential fatty acids in a balanced ratio of omega 3 : 6, fiber, vitamin E and trace minerals. Moreover, they taste great.
How: I like to sprinkle hemp seeds over my breakfast. (By now I am sure you can begin to imagine the true power of my morning meal!) It can also be added to smoothies or eaten plain out of the bag as a snack.
6. Acai Berry
What: Another super berry. This one is a long reddish purple fruit from the Acai Palm Tree, native to Central / South America. In other parts of the world it is mostly sold in dried, powdered form or in frozen, pureed form.
Why: I love acai berry bowls for breakfast. I was first introduced to them at Bhakti Fest, an amazing annual yoga festival in California, and I continued making them at home with the frozen, pureed form (aka “Smoothie Packs”) to make a thick smoothie topped with fresh berries, nuts, seeds and granola. A good reason to love these berries is that they have a super high anti-oxidant content. As you probably know, all dark, purple fruits (such as red grapes (red wine!), (Java) plums, blueberries are well-known for their health benefits due to the anthocyanins and flavonoids present in their skin. These compounds fight free radicals in our system and help prevent diseases associated with oxidative damage such as heart disease and cancer.
How: They can be used in smoothies, acai berry breakfast bowls and desserts
There are, of course, many more different super foods out there. These are just the ones I love and that work for me. Go see what’s out there and experiment. As always it is important to tune into your body to see what works for you. Have fun!
