Superfoods

We’re hearing the term superfoods a lot lately but what are they and
why are they so good for us? Read on!

Our bodies need many nutrients to thrive including carbohydrate,
protein, fats, vitamins, minerals and co-factors. In order to process
and absorb these, our bodies use the very calories and nutrients
contained within the foods being digested. In other words, some
of the vitamin B in your whole grain cereal will later be used to
produce the energy required to digest the salad you eat at dinner.
With this fact in mind it’s easy to understand why eating foods with
high nutritional content makes sense. When we eat a donut or pack of
chips which contain very few vitamins or minerals, our bodies have to
use more precious nutrients to digest them than those foods contain!
Conversely, when we eat nutrient-dense superfoods we’re getting a lot
more than our bodies are using in the digestion process. These extra
nutrients can be used instead for exercise, immunity, cell repair,
anti-aging, and general energy and well-being.

In addition to this, superfoods contain special phyto-nutrients to
protect against degenerative diseases. Including these foods in your
daily diet is one of the easiest and most natural things you can do for
your health. So pick your favourites from our selection and join the
SUPERFOOD REVOLUTION!

Acai: This little miracle berry from South America is extremely high
in anti-oxidants.

Avocados: Rich in protein, magnesium, Vitamin A, E and polyunsaturated
oils, avocados are easily digested and very versatile.

Bee Pollen: contains more than 96 different nutrients in small
amounts, especially B-vitamins and protein. It’s a natural energizer,
slows down the aging process, and lowers cholesterol levels; it relieves
discomfort from PMS, prevents prostate problems, improves sperm
count, boosts the immune system, and detoxifies your body. It alleviates
allergies, improves endurance, strength and mental clarity. It promotes
weight loss: the rate at which your body burns fat and it reduces cravings.
It regulates your mood and helps control stress in your life.

Blueberries: Packed with anti-oxidants and vitamin C, ½ a cup of
blueberries a day are also anti-inflammatory making them useful in
conditions such as arthritis and asthma.

Broccoli: all the members of the cabbage family have been found to be
rich in anti-cancer nutrients but dark green broccoli is the most nutritious
being very high in calcium, vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin K.
Chia seed: a great source of complete protein, Chia helps stabilise
blood sugar and regulate bowel function. They are easily digested and
high in essential fatty acids.

Chlorella: Similar to spirulina, Chlorella is also a great bowel detoxer
and chelates heavy metals.

Cocoa: Yes! Our prayers have been answered. Chocolate is now
officially a superfood! Organic, raw chocolate with 70% or higher
cocoa content is full of flavonoids, magnesium and enzymes so you
can feel good about including a small piece every day.

Coconut oil: Unique among saturated fats, coconut oil is comprised
of medium chain fatty acids which are absorbed directly and used
immediately for energy. Coconut oil has also been found to benefit
diabetes, chronic fatigue and digestive disorders, thyroid imbalances,
and viral, bacterial and fungal infections.

Goji Berries: Also known as Wolfberries, Goji, native of Tibet, are
extremely rich in anti-oxidants which help protect the cells in our
bodies from diseases like cancer. They’re also an excellent source of
Vitamin C and soluble fiber. They have more amino acids than bee
pollen, more beta carotene than carrots, more iron than spinach and
21 trace minerals. Goji Berries are 13% protein! They are also powerfully
anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.

Green Tea: substances in green tea extract may promote fat oxidation
and weight loss. It is a potent antioxidant that lowers cholesterol,
reduces the risk of stroke, protects against cancer, prevents teeth
cavities and has anti-inflammatory action.

Hemp seed: has the perfect balance of Omega 3 and 6 for sustainable
human health. It’s a high quality, complete raw food protein and has
a massive trace mineral content. Unfortunately it is unavailable as a
whole food in Aotearoa, but the oil can be bought here.

Maca: contains important nutrients such as trace minerals, EFA’s,
amino acids and vitamins. It increases stamina, energy, libido and
fertility by balancing hormones. Maca can raise low blood pressure
and lower high blood pressure as needed. Maca boosts immunity and
increases the body’s overall vitality.

Noni: The leaves, fruit, and seed oil of this Pacific tree are a natural
remedy for parasites, infections, cancer and degenerative conditions.
Full of antioxidants, Noni strengthens the immune system and
improves digestion.

Nuts:
Almonds; packed with protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin E
and more, they protect from heart disease and lower cholesterol.
Brazil; just 2-3 of these a day provide all the super anti-oxidant
Selenium we need!
Walnuts; high in Omega 3’s for brain function and anti-oxidants for
healthy cells.

Spirulina: A whole food on its own, spirulina is the easiest to digest
of all and contains the highest concentration of nutrient of any food
including protein and essential fatty acids.

Shitake mushroom: Used in China for longevity, Shitake and Reishi
mushroom are powerful immune boosters and natural antibiotics.
They also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Wheat grass/Barley grass juice: contains most of the vitamins and
minerals needed for human health. They contain well absorbed, complete
protein and about 30 enzymes. They are up to 70% chlorophyll
(which detox’s the blood) and are excellent sources of calcium, iron,
magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. The fresh juice helps
detox heavy metals and works well during fasting and cleansing diets.
Wheat and Barley grass contain no gluten and are safe for Coeliacs.

Yoghurt: For people without a dairy allergy, organic yoghurt is an
easily digested protein full of helpful bacteria for gut health.

-Kate Wylie