Whether the old saying “you are what you eat” is true or not, it is clear that what we put into our bodies does have an impact on our health and over-all well being.
With so many new products and recommendations out there though, it can be tough to figure out what foods really do benefit your health.
Of course we know the benefits of foods such as fruits and vegetables and how important a variety of those can be to everyone’s health. But, there are also a few key superfoods that should always be included in your grocery list.
Discover the five superfoods below that are must haves for your home!
1. Spirulina
Spirulina is gaining in popularity around the world, and this is one superfood that can’t be beat.
Recognized by many as one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods in the world, spirulina offers benefits to almost every organ and function of the body.
Packed with chlorophyll and phytonutrients, spirulina is also rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, K, and E. Spirulina is made up of roughly 70% protein and contains all eight essential amino acids that our bodies require.
The amount of protein spirulina provides has made it a favorite amongst vegan athletes and those who follow a vegan diet. Spirulina also has a very high concentration of bio-available iron, which will help combat anemia without causing constipation issues.
- Contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that combats inflammation
- Extremely rich in chlorophyll, which helps to remove toxins from the blood
- Spirulina is extremely high in antioxidants
- Helps boost the immune system
- Contains over 26 times the amount of calcium in milk
How to Incorporate it:
Blend a teaspoon into your next breakfast smoothie for a fun green color and a superfood kick to your morning!
2. Maca Powder
Maca is well known for it’s ability to balance hormones and reverse hypothyroidism. It is considered to be an endocrine adaptogen, which means that it does not provide the body with any hormones, but instead carries all the nutrients necessary to support normal hormone production.
Maca is naturally high in minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, and contains up to 20 essential fatty acids.
A rich source of sterols, compounds found in both plants and animals that promote quick regeneration of fatigued muscle tissue and respond to stress, maca is often recommended for those who suffer with adrenal fatigue as it nourishes them and reduces stress hormones.
Health benefits of Maca Powder:
- Helps to balance hormones, easing symptoms such as PMS and menopause
- Is known to boost fertility
- Naturally boosts energy
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
How to Incorporate It:
Try these Maca Super Bites for a burst of energy!
3. Goji Berries
Goji berries have been used in ancient Chinese medicine for years. In fact, they were given the nickname “red diamond” because of how valuable they are considered.
One of the richest sources of carotenoids of all known foods, goji berries contain more beta-carotene than carrots do.
Considered to be the most nutritious berry in the world, goji berries are very high in antioxidants, minerals, and contain 18 amino acids. Goji berries also contain 500 times more vitamin C per ounce than oranges.
Health Benefits of Goji Berries:
- Considered to be a complete protein
- Are an excellent source of antioxidants, which help fight off degenerative diseases such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and most types of cancer
- Contains 11 essential vitamins and 22 trace minerals, including 24 percent of our recommended intake of potassium, 18 percent of zinc, and 100 percent of our recommended intake of iron, copper and riboflavin
How to Incorporate It:
Sprinkle goji berries on anything – yogurt, oatmeal, cereal or just eat them by the handful!
4. Raw Cacao
That’s right folks, chocolate can be good for you! Most cacao beans are roasted and ground to produce cocoa; and after further processing, eventually become chocolate.
When cacao beans are dried at a lower temperature however, they are called raw cacao beans. These raw cacao beans can be ground into a powder or broken into pieces called nibs.
Cacao beans contain flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that promotes general health and could lower your risk of several diseases.
In a study amongst raw cacao, black tea, green tea and red wine, raw cacao was found to have the highest antioxidant level among them, and thus the greatest potential for health benefits.
Health Benefits of Raw Cacao:
- High level of antioxidants fight free radicals in the body and inflammation which could lead to cancer or heart disease
- Contains essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper, potassium and manganese
- Has vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B9 and E
- Contains essential heart healthy fat, oleic acid
How to Incorporate It:
Use raw cacao in place of your normal cocoa powder in baking!
5. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds, also known as linseeds, are an excellent source of healthy fat, antioxidants and fiber.
The fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, also known as ALA, and linoleic acid are both short-chain omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for human health.
The human body is not able to produce omega-3 fatty acids, so they can only be obtained by eating the right foods.
Flaxseeds also contain lignans, an estrogen-like chemical compound that has antioxidant qualities to help fight free radicals in the body. In fact, flaxseeds are considered to be one of the best sources of lignans.
Flaxseeds are rich in both soluable (dissolves in water) and insoluable fiber (does not dissolve in water). Soluble fiber creates a gel-like substance when it dissolves in water that helps to lower blood cholesterol. Insoluble fiber absorbs water so it adds bulk to the digestive tract, helping to aid in digestion.
Health Benefits of Flaxseeds:
- May help protect against prostate, colon and breast cancers
- Helps to lower cholesterol levels
- Helps to improve digestive health
- Because flaxseed expands in your stomach due to all the fiber, it can help with weight loss by making you feel fuller
How to Incorporate It:
Stir flaxseeds into your oatmeal or blend into your smoothies!
Regardless of if you choose to jump on the next diet craze or bandwagon, don’t be fooled by the empty promises of new “it” foods. Instead, remember that these five spreads listed above can’t be faulted. All of them are packed with nutrients to aid the body, helping it to fight off diseases, recover, and flourish.
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