Liz Robins is a wellness writer and content strategist with a B.S.
in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota.
Superfoods are fruits and vegetables that are especially rich in health-promoting nutrientsvitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more.
Ready to give them a try?
you’re able to find it online, in health food stores, and even in some supermarkets.
Health benefits of maca powder.
Maca is anadaptogen, meaning that it adapts to what the body needs and has a balancing effect.
As a result, it helps to maintain equilibrium and balance stress levels.
As an adaptogen, maca can also support hormone balance.
Research has found that it canreduce hot flashes and night sweats1in postmenopausal women.
It can alsohelp manage PMS symptoms.
How to use it.
Or start your day off energized with a generous sprinkle of maca in your morning coffee.
You may want to avoid maca before bedit can be stimulating in some individuals.
It’s been eaten in Africa and Mexico for centuries.
Once harvested, spirulina is freeze-dried and sold as a blue-green powder available at health food stores and online.
Health benefits of spirulina.
Spirulina is incredibly nutrient-dense.
It’s an excellent source ofvitamin B12 for vegetarians and vegansbecause not many plant foods contain high levels.
Spirulina is also considered a complete protein and is very easy to digest.
organic veggies+
31 powerhouse ingredients in just 1 tablespoon*
The antioxidantC-phycocyanin4lends blue-green algae its unique color.
In the body, it helpsscavenge free radicals5to keep them from damaging the body’s cells and DNA.
- Free-radical damage increases the risk of chronic disease, so we need enough antioxidants to help defend us.
Your heart might benefit from spirulina too.
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Spirulina is a colorful addition to smoothies, like thisbanana spirulina smoothie.
(Sweet fruits like bananas work best to offset the sea-vegetable flavor.)
Its savory taste is ideal for dishes like thisspirulina quinoa salad.
It’s what gives chocolate its distinctive taste, although cacao itself isn’t naturally sweet.
Health benefits of cacao powder.
It’s one optionif you’re trying to cut back on caffeinebut still need an energy lift.
Cacao also contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid associated with emotional well-being and relief from anxiety.
Alas, your average chocolate bar isn’t potent enough to deliver all that cacao has to offer.
But don’t despairthere are plenty of decadent yet healthy ways to incorporate cacao into your diet.
Namely, this naturally sweetenedvegan chocolate mousse, which gets its creaminess and healthy fats from avocado.
Health benefits of goji berries.
Historically, goji berries have been consumed to increase longevity andbenefit the liver, kidneys, and vision14.
These tasty little gems are also taken for their purportedimmunity-enhancing15effects.
Goji berry juiceis refreshing and easy to make by simply blending berries and coconut water.
This tantalizingfour-ingredient carob and goji berry bark recipeis a real winner too.
Goji berries make colorful, nutrient-dense additions to salads, smoothie bowls, and muffins as well.
They were also given as an offering to the Aztec gods in religious rituals.
Health benefits of chia seeds.
How to use them.
Add chia seeds to smoothies, cereal, and juices for a fiber and nutrient boost.
Sprinkle a small number of seeds in your oatmeal, salad dressings, and sauces for healthy thickening.
Look for whole coconuts and related products in health food stores, supermarkets, and online.
Health benefits of coconut.
Plus, this all-natural alternative is lower in sugar.
The flesh provides minerals including manganese and potassium, too.
Coconut milk, cream, oil, and butter are all made from the flesh.
“Studies have foundthat there might beno association betweenhigh total cholesterol and heart attack and stroke risk.”
The jot down of saturated fat in coconut is also important to consider.
Indeed, some studies suggest that coconut oilmight help burn fat18.
And healthy fats in the morning canhelp wake your brain up, says Cole.
Cook up acoconut cream and raspberry tartor somecoconut crepes with coconut yogurt and berries.
Aturmeric golden lattemade with coconut milk and oil is another tasty option to fortify body and mind.
These days, the nutrient-rich seeds and hemp seed oil are increasingly popular in the West.
The seeds are pressed to make hemp seed oil, which (no surprise) is nutrient-rich too.
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Hemp milkan excellent source of protein, minerals, and healthy fatsis also made from the seeds.
Sprinkle hemp seeds in smoothies or on yogurt, oatmeal, and salads.
Or dip fresh veggies into thishemp hummus.
Flaxseed has been used medicinally for thousands of years inayurveda(traditional Indian medicine).
The fatty-acid content of flaxseeds helps explain their ability topromote healthy triglyceride levels and healthy blood pressure19.
Flaxseeds have even been found to helpalleviate menopausal symptoms20.
(Store any extra in the fridge or freezer.)
Like so many superfoods, ground flaxseeds are a nourishing addition to smoothies, oatmeal, and baked goods.
Case in point: this veganquick pumpkin flax bread.
Not to mention, it’s so easy to make flax eggs to use in baking.
it’s possible for you to add flaxseeds to meatballs and other ground beef recipes too.
Their mild flavor means you probably won’t even taste the difference.
And don’t forget about flaxseed oil.
The take-aways.
Of course, these aren’t theonlysuperfoods out there.
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