My Everyday Superfoods
Just how often do you hear the term “superfoods” and think to yourself, what does that even mean?
To put it simply, a superfood refers to a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial to your health, the list of which is long. So instead of boring you with the laundry list of exotic foods that will likely cost you your first months rent, I’d rather focus on those that are easily accessible and (for the most part) affordable.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most amazing super foods out there and can be found pretty much anywhere.
Internally, coconut oil helps reverse and improve Alzheimer’s disease, as well as type 2 and type 1 diabetes. It improves different skin conditions, increases energy, kills candida fungus which intern can effect fertility.
Externally, coconut oil is a great moisturizer, it can provide relief for those who suffer from eczema has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties.
Spirulina
This is hands down one of the most amazing superfoods to have in your diet. It is in the family of nutritional algaes and are usually found in warm and alkaline waters all over the world.
Spirulina contains about 70% of protein and is rich in antioxidants (cell health) and nutrients such as Vitamin E, C beta-carotene and chlorophyll (this helps remove heavy metals). It has abundant B vitamins, essential fatty acids and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc.
This product is quite expensive, but a little goes along way. Best used in smoothies.
Chia & Flax Seeds
If you know me, you know. I incorporate these two things into my diet daily. Not only do these keep me regular but chia seeds (fun fact) were used extensively in ancient Egypt and were considered a primary crop because of their omega 3 fatty acid powers.
When it comes to comparing the two, they are actually quite similar in terms of nutrients. Both seeds can help in managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and even play a role in cancer prevention. Plus, they both provide, iron, magnesium, zinc, and folate (minerals incredibly important during pregnancy).
They come in whole and ground form and can pretty much be used in anything. I’m not the biggest chia seed pudding fan so I prefer to add them to smoothies or any kind of baked good. 1 tablespoon a day will keep the poops at bay!
Raw Cacao Nibs
Cacao nibs are cacao beans that have been roasted, separated from their husks, and broken into smaller pieces. They are a GREAT source of magnesium (good for muscle/nerve function and keeps the heart rhythm steady) and rich in antioxidants (anti-inflammatory).
They aren’t as sweet as chocolate (kind of has a bitter flavour but this is a good things as it means they don’t contain processed sugar) and can best be used in smoothies, in pancakes, in cookies, granola or even in homemade ice cream.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
I know what you're thinking….Ed probably told you to avoid this and buy spray because of the calories content (if you’re in a dieting phase) BUT…. that doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t re-incorporate this back into your diet, or at least make room for it.
So why extra virgin? Simple, it’s the least processed, most flavourful and packed with phenolic antioxidants. These types of antioxidants have shown to help prevent an array of diseases and medical conditions such as:
Alzheimer’s disease
Cardiovascular disease
Cancer ( studies have shown that Mediterranean countries have very low rates of this horrendous disease)
Strokes
Obesity
Bottom line - I can’t say enough good things about evoo.
Blueberries
This tasty fruit contain one of the highest antioxidant levels amongst commonly consumed fruit and vegetables which is why its the one fruit I always suggest you (our clients incorporate into you diet).
Plus, if Ed ever writes you a program that has you crawling to your car, just eat a bowl of blueberries as it can help with decreasing DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)