It shouldn't be news to hear that superfoods are some of the most sort after foods and should be incorporated into your diet whenever possible. Working in an Organic Health Shop has its benefits (#notsponsored). Over the course of a few months, I have learnt and tested out the best superfoods on the market, that I have had the opportunity to test out for myself. To find out my Top 5 Superfoods, carry on reading.
#1: SPIRULINA. It is a naturally occuring algae, which has inhabited the earth for around 3.5 billion years. It has a green-blueish colour, and can be bought as supplement in either power or tablet form. It can help lower your risk of stroke and cancer, keeps your cholesterol and blood pressure levels in the normal range and supports the growth of good bacteria in your gut. But I will warn you, you need to have a very specific acquired taste to be able to enjoy this. I have heard that some mix it with water and drink straight, but if you're like me and have a weak gag reflex, I’d stick to putting a tablespoon of it in your daily smoothie.
#2: CHIA SEEDS. Surprise, surprise. You already knew that this superfood would be featured. Chia Seeds contain 64% more potassium than a banana. Now thats a whole load-a calcium. Contains 41% of your daily fibre, 32% your daily magnesium and 5x more calcium than cow’s milk. Chia Seeds are loaded with antioxidants and due to the high fibre and protein content, Chia Seeds can contribute to weight loss. Sprinkle this on your morning granola or make some Chia desserts (Check out some Chia desserts here: http://bit.ly/2lhB6dO).
#3: MACA POWDER. It is a member of the cruciferous family, like broccoli and cabbage, but due to it’s unique properties, it is considered to be one of the world’s natural “super foods”. Maca had positive results on boosting menopausal women’s moods and decreasing levels of anxiety and depression (Just what we all need). Men, don't feel left out. Black maca has been shown to have positive effects on sperm production, more than yellow maca and red maca. Everyones welcomed to the Maca bandwagon. Maca also provides a source of over 20 amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids and includes Vitamins B-1, B-2, C and E.
#4: GOJI BERRIES. These shrivelled red berries are said to boost the immune system and brain activity, protect against heart disease and cancer and improve life expectancy. Goji berries contain Vitamin C, Vitamin B2, Vitamin A, iron and other antioxidants. They are considered a "Beauty Food" as can improve skin and nail health. However, don't let their appearance fool you. When I first tried these, I expected a sweet taste... These are dry and bare no taste. I will eat this with granola or as a cheesecake topper. If y'all eat this as a snack, I'll pray for you.
#5 Last, but not least, Manuka Honey. Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the native manuka bush, so its not just any regular honey from Tescos, but instead can cost upwards of £10 a jar. Hydrogen peroxide is a component of honey, which gives most honey its antibiotic quality, but some types of honey, including manuka honey, also have other components with antibacterial qualities. The major antibacterial component in manuka honey is methylglyoxal. Methylglyoxal is a compound found in most types of honey, but usually only in small quantities. While raw unfiltered honeys already contain a well-balanced and nutritious profile, Manuka honey is said to contain 4x the nutritional content of conventional honeys. If you're feeling wild, I'd get a jar of Manuka Honey 30+, but for a low-manintenence girl like me, I'll stick to my 10+ for the time being.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Coconut Oil; Incorporate into your diet in small amounts.
Flax Seeds; Haven't tried out yet so is the next superfood on my list!
Bee Pollen; Mother is a avid fan of Bee Pollen but haven't tried out yet!
Camu Powder; I've heard a handful of beneficial properties of this powder, but again, haven't tried out yet!
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