I can probably count on my hands and feet the number of times I’ve been asked the question, “What the heck is so super about superfoods?” Well, my fellow curious cats, let me tell ya!
The word “superfood” has been rolling off the tongues of many health and nutrition experts (ahem, Dr. Oz) for almost a decade now and for good reason. These scrumptious suckers stand out from the rest because their nutrient content is through the roof. In more scientific terms, these foods contain an extraordinarily high amount of phytochemicals, micronutrients, essential fats and proteins with almost nothing that can be considered negative. What’s more, their high nutrient content is packaged into deliciously convenient/small serving sizes making them a treat to eat!
Superfood Superstars
Want to become a more super you? Here’s a sample of staple superfoods that you should be including in your daily diet as you journey down the path to becoming a nutritional superstar:
Goji Berries:
Goji Berries are one of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet (no pressure!). They score a whopping 25,300 on the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC scale)—a fancy way of measuring antioxidant content—while common fruits like apples score just 218. If that wasn’t enough, these superstars contain 18 amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids, meaning they’re one of few plant sources of complete protein! They also contain 21 trace minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium and zinc. From a vitamin standpoint, they are fantastic source of brain-boosting B vitamins as well as antioxidants C and E.
Cacao:
Ladies, contain your excitement. Yes! The delicious seed that makes up chocolate is indeed a superfood. But let me be clear here: I am talking about the raw, unprocessed, unrefined, sugar-free kind. Cacao contains over 300 chemical compounds that support the function of the body. In addition, cacao is an excellent source of magnesium which is vital for keeping our hearts healthy, muscles relaxed and stress at bay.
Maca Powder:
Maca is a powerful adaptogen which means it’s a nutritional superstar when it comes to helping our body deal with daily stress (term paper due in 2 hours? No problem!). Healthy adrenals mean balanced hormones and overall good health for both men and women. Maca is also a powerful energy booster so sprinkle some in your morning shake as a coffee alternative.
Camu camu:
Don’t let the cute name fool you! This Amazonian plant packs a powerful punch of vitamin C. In fact, it contains one of the largest concentrations of vitamin C of any food—up to 50 times more than oranges (yep, take that orange!). Camu camu is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that strengthens the immune system, protects the nervous system from damage (remember those pesky free radicals we talked about earlier?) and supports overall bodily functions. So give this cutie a try.
So, what the heck is so super about superfoods? Now you know!
Sexy, Super Smoothie
Ingredients:
2 cups of liquid (water, coconut water, nut milk)
½ banana
1 handful spinach
½ avocado
1 handful blueberries (fresh or frozen)
2 tsp cacao powder
1 tsp maca
1 tsp camu camu
1 tbsp goji berries
1 tbsp hemp seeds
3 pitted medjool dates
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
What are your thoughts on superfoods and antioxidants? Which is your all-time favorite superfood? Let us know in the comment box below. If you loved this article, why not share it with friends and family using the Facebook and Twitter links below? Cheers to a super you!
Photo by Morgane Bolzer. Click Here to visit their photo stream.
