Superfoods
The majority of Americans are operating day to day engaged in the sympathetic nervous system (Fight or flight). We have busy mornings, busy days, and busier evenings. Time can be severely limited for people, therefore making their food choices fast, and often unhealthy. This is where superfoods come in. Superfoods are nutrient-dense foods that are beneficial for overall health and well-being. With our lives constantly shifting and evolving, it’s important that we focus our attention on the foods that will give us the energy and nutrients to not only function, but also to thrive. I have compiled a list of superfoods, including the ones we use at Awakening Barista Bar in Woodlake Market, and their health benefits.
Acai – Immune Support, Healthy Skin, Anti-Aging, Energy, Brain Health – From the rainforests of Brazil, this small, bright-purple berry is one of the most nutritious foods found on the planet. It’s packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and healthy fats. (Acai smoothie bowl at Awakening)
Bee Pollen – Energy, Strength, Endurance, & Workout Recovery – Bee pollen is used throughout the world as a holistic remedy and superfood. It’s the result of the accumulation of flower pollen, nectar, and bees’ salivary substances. It’s rich in amino acids, B-complex vitamins, and folic acid. (Beekeepers Naturals sold in retail at Awakening)
Cacao – Digestive & Heart Health, Stress Management – The cacao bean was first cultivated in Mexico in 1500 B.C. Now people use it to make raw chocolate or cacao powder because of its antioxidants and high amounts of magnesium, fiber, and iron. (Salted Almond Butter Cup Smoothie, Nibs on Bowls, Energy Bites, Cacao Cashew Cold-Brew at Awakening)
Chia Seeds – Heart & Bone Health, Anti-Inflammatory – Aztecs and Mayans used chia seeds to gain strength and stamina starting around 3500 B.C. The nutrients offered by these small, dark seeds include antioxidants, fiber, calcium, and Omega-3 fatty acids. (Energy Bites at Awakening)
Goji Berries – This berry is also known as the wolfberry and is a small red berry known for its high level of carotenoids, which can help boost the immune system and longevity. It has been used in traditional herbal medicine for about 2,000 years. In China they hold a strong belief that this fruit can significantly extend life.
Hemp Seeds – Energy & Heart Health – The hemp plant originated in Central Asia as a food crop, but today it is grown all over the world. Hemp seeds are very high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids and are an excellent source of plant protein. (ABJ Smoothie Bowl and Berry Basic Smoothie at Awakening)
Quinoa – Digestion, Anti-Inflammatory – This seed is very high in protein but cooks up like a grain, making it a great option for those looking to cut back on carbs, and it’s gluten-free. It’s full of antioxidants, fiber, and minerals like manganese and magnesium. Quinoa is famous for being the only plant source that’s a complete protein (has all 9 essential amino acids).
Maca – Usually found as a dried powder, this superfood may support cognitive function, protect from osteoporosis, and help reduce blood pressure. A staple in the Peruvian Andes for thousands of years, this root vegetable helps increase energy, endurance, fertility, and libido. (Can be added to any smoothie at Awakening)
Manuka Honey – Honey has a healing reputation, but Manuka honey has been effective in scientific studies when used on top of wounds. It’s also effective in fighting infection, sore throats, and promoting healing. This honey, native to New Zealand, comes from bees that pollinate the Manuka bush.
Moringa – The leaves of the Moringa tree are thought to be a superfood because it’s one of the world’s most nutritious plant species with more than 92 types of nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. It also contains protein and is a great source of iron — 100 grams of dry moringa leaf contains 25 times the iron of spinach. It’s usually available in powder or capsule form and can be brewed into a tea or added to a smoothie. May support skin/hair health, healthy bones, fights infection and enhances mood.
Sea Vegetables – Found seaside in any part of the world, sea vegetables, like nori, kelp, and dulse, are rich in nutrients drawn in from the ocean and sun. Sea vegetables are full of nutrients, including iodine, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. They may also help support immunity, reduce cholesterol, decrease the risk of cancer, and can be especially beneficial for thyroid and hormone function. (Medical Medium Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie)
Spirulina – This microalgae gets its name from its spiral shape, thriving in fresh and salt water throughout the world. It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants. May reduce blood pressure, anti-inflammatory, improve gut health, and help manage weight and diabetes. (Green Goddess Smoothie at Awakening)
Incorporating 12 superfoods into your daily life can seem daunting and unrealistic. Rather than getting overwhelmed, I challenge you to pick three superfoods you can commit to for the next month. See if there are baby substitutes that you can do to make superfoods more prominent in your life: e.g., how many times you can cook with quinoa versus rice or switching from processed cocoa to cacao. Investigate the ingredients on certain foods and start becoming aware of how many whole foods and superfoods you are bringing into your daily life as opposed to processed chemicals. Start investigating and researching the benefits of the food you are consistently eating daily.
I challenge you to be curious, be intentional, and be aware of the foods you are eating and the effect they have on your body. Remember, everything you eat is either feeding disease or fighting it.
Resources:
Integrative Nutrition Book by Joshua Rosenthal, MScEd
Eat Dirt book by Dr. Josh Axe