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Superfoods: Why you should eat them and how to get them into your healthy diet
31,May,2012
We hear a lot about superfoods and the stars of the show such as wheatgrass, blueberries, broccoli and the more exotic goji berries. Filling your diet with a wide range of superfoods is essential; each one contains its own little package of health-boosting properties.
Quinoa
- High in complete protein – containing all nine essential amino acids - perfect for vegans or vegetarians to boost protein intake
- Promotes tissue growth and repair
- Protects against free radicals
- High in magnesium, which relaxes blood vessels – this can reduce frequency and symptoms of migraine headaches and promote cardiovascular health
- High in antioxidants
Healthy Recipes :
Dandelion
- Kidney cleanser – can dissolve kidney stones
- Liver cleanser
- Purifies the blood
- Improves digestive system and gastro intestinal health
Eating tips :
- Drink dandelion tea in place of coffee. The tea is best drunk without sweetener but if you wish you can add rice milk or honey to sweeten
Nori Seaweed
- High in fibre and protein
- Free from sugar or sodium
- Promotes a healthy heart
- Cancer fighting properties
- High in vitamin C to allow Iron to have a better impact on your body
Eating Tips :
- Nori sheets make a great snack to replace potato chips. You can add chopped up Nori to just about any fish pie or seafood curry.
Pumpkin seeds
- Good source of zinc, magnesium, iron and protein
- Lower cholesterol
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Can help to prevent diseases such as cancer and osteoporosis
- Protects the prostate against prostate associated illnesses
Eating Tips :
- Pumpkin seeds are available to buy from most supermarkets. You can eat them as a snack or toast them and add them to salads
Acai Berry
- High in antioxidants and vitamin C
- Increase energy levels
- Promote mental clarity
- Helps to combat against premature ageing
- Immune boosting properties
Eating Tip :
- There are some great acai berry juices available on the market. Try this “Superfoods – Acai Blend” added to water, juice or smoothie to give yourself a boost
Cranberries
- Extremely high in vitamin C
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports immune system
- Decreases risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) by strengthening the lining of the urinary tract
- Cancer fighting properties
Eating Tips :
- Dried cranberries make a great healthy snack. Add to salads, porridge, cakes or as a replacement to raisins or any dried fruit in just about any recipe that calls for it! Cranberries add a sharp ‘tart’ flavour that is unique and delicious.
Kale
- Combats free radicals that are responsible for medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer and mental illness
- High in vitamins A, C & K
- Lowers blood pressure
- Promotes a healthy immune system
Healthy Recipes :
As always, eating or drinking food RAW is always the best way to get the most nutrients to your body. A cold press juicer is the best way to extract juice and to also keep the vital living enzymes alive – we call this living juice.
A food dehydrator is a great way to make your own health snacks. You can dry fruit and vegetables, make beef jerky and even healthy biscuits and crackers.
