Over the last while it seems that everywhere I turn a new and more potent super food had popped up on my radar. But what exactly makes Super foods so super ? And what credentials must a food possess in order to wear the coveted crown ‘Super food’.
Super foods are a specific category of foods found in nature which can be described as nutrient powerhouses. Most Super foods are a mixture of the below factors.
: Rich in vitamins and minerals.
: Rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
: High in fibre.
: Rich in phytochemicals which may potentially prevent against illness and disease.
: Low in saturated fats, Trans fats, and refined sugars.
: Low in calories.
So now that we have some idea what a definition of what exactly a Super food is lets have a look at some examples.
Acai
This small purple berry is native to South America and has long been touted as a weight loss and anti-aging aid. Acai has high levels of antioxidants (it contains twice as many as blueberries) which can help our bodies fight disease and cancer. Antioxidants are a vital part of our diets as they prevent and slow down oxidative damage to our bodies. Acai is typically sold in tablets, capsules and powder form and so can be easily included in our diets.
Goji Berries
These delicious orange-red berries are absolutely packed full of vitamin C and contain high levels of carotenoids which automatically associates them with visual ailments. They are also high in fibre, iron, calcium, zinc and selenium which leaves us in no doubt as to their nutritional capabilities. They are generally available in dried form making them very convenient to eat as a snack or add them to smoothies or your breakfast porridge. 
Chia Seeds
These tiny super food seeds are a fantastic source of omega 3 fatty acids and fibre, while also containing high levels of protein, calcium, manganese and phosphorus. Interestingly also chia seeds contain tryptophan an amino acid which helps to regulate appetite, sleep and improve mood. Chia is also rich in antioxidants which protect the omega 3 fatty acids from oxidation. Chia seeds also contain anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and provide relief from digestive issues. They can be eaten whole or milled while soaked seeds have a gelatinous texture which can be included in all sorts of baked goods e.g. breads and cakes or simply added to porridge or smoothies.
Maca
This root vegetable hails from Peru and is a great source of calcium, iron and magnesium while also being rich in antioxidants and B vitamins. Maca is a great adaptogen working with your body when it is stressed to help keep you calm. In this respect Maca can be very beneficial to our bodies as a stressed body leads to a compromised immue system which in turn leads to a whole lot more including poor quality of sleep and increased fat around the middle. Maca is also being touted as a miracle food for fertility and libido by helping to balance hormones and increase libido. It can be useful for relieving menstrual and menopausal symptoms such as cramping, hot flushes, anxiety and depression. Maca is fantastic for increasing energy levels and stamina making it a very useful super food for sports people.
Maca is generally consumed in powder or capsule form and is a great addition to smoothies, salads and cooked foods (not too hot in order to ensure it doesn’t lose it health benefits). A definite must have in any kitchen.
A combination of organic green super foods.
While there are lots on the market my particular favourite is Synergy Natural 100% Organic Super greens Powder which offers a fantastic blend of natures most nutrient dense green super foods spirulina, chlorella, barley Grass and Wheat Grass. It provides me with a broad spectrum of nutrients which are highly absorbable by the body. Spirulina a microscopic fresh water plant is the most nutritious whole food known to man. Chlorella another microscopic fresh water plant contains more chlorophyll than any other plant and so is very useful for cleansing and detoxing the body. Barley Grass and Wheat grass are also high in chlorophyll and fibre whilst also containing a vast range of other important nutrients. These highly alkalising green vegetables can help keep our bodies in balance and counter the over acidity of many processed foods and prove a simple and convenient way of contributing towards our recommended 5 a day. Whilst it is also available in tablet and capsule form the powder can easily be added to juice or smoothies.
The list of Super foods goes on and on and I could go on and on but I won’t. Instead I’ll leave you with the above list which are my top 5 Super foods. Please feel free to leave feed back and let us know what your top 5 are or if you feel that there is any particular one which deserves a special mention.
Eimear xx
Optima Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil
Revive Active is the new, improved version of Revive Q10+ and boasts cardiovascular, energy boosting and anti-ageing benefits. It has been formulated by a panel of specialist doctors and scientists. It combines a range of key nutrients including 100mg of CoQ10 and L-Arginine into one convenient sachet. Each Revive Active sachet contains a water soluble powder supplement that when diluted creates a great tasting orange flavoured drink with even greater benefits. More specifically, these benefits include Anti-Ageing, Increased Energy and Vitality, Improved Blood Circulation and the lowering of cholesterol. This new improved version of the Revive Active supplement now contains selenium and Pomegranate extract as well as even more of the important Vitamin D3. It now also contains Vitamin E in natural form, which is easier to absorb.
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