Superfoods – What are they?

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SUPERFOODS – WHAT ARE THEY?

1. AÇAI

Acai prevents wrinkles and inflammation, renews your cells, and contains up to 30x more anthocyanins than red wine. It may surprise you to discover 80% of the acai berry fruit comprises of its seed.

Found in: Health Discovery

2. AMARANTH

This super “not-a-grain” is actually a seed with about 30 percent more protein than rye or rice. It’s loaded with protein and high in lysine, an essential amino acid that helps the body absorb calcium. Amaranth also contains magnesium, Vitamin E and polyunsaturated fats making it a great grain alternative for soups and stews.

FOUND IN: Bakery On Main

The Aztecs’ “alligator pear” is a North American superfood. 70% of the oil in an avocado is made up of healthy fats, the kind best suited for reducing cholesterol buildup on arterial walls. Avocados are rich in B vitamins and some C and E, and contain 60% more potassium than the banana.

 

4. CACAO

Cacao is of one of the world’s best sources of theobromine, an alkaloid. Alkaloids are similiar to human neurotransmitters like serotonin and acetylcholine, which have a positive effect on your mood and memory. Cacao also relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels, which can help lower your blood pressure.

5. CHIA

The seed used by the ancient Mayan empire (chia is the Mayan word for “strength”) as a kind of protein-rich endurance fuel. These tiny seeds are full of essential fatty acids, have 2x the protein of any other seed or grain, 5x the calcium of milk, 2x potassium of bananas and 3x more iron than spinach.

FOUND IN: Health Warrior 

6. COCONUT

Nearly no other food in the world has the unique antiviral and immune boosting properties found in coconuts. Coconuts are also an excellent way to get protein and natural fiber. Coconuts are a perfect superfood that have zero starch, and provide the brain-healthy nutrient choline, which can increase your focus and mental clarity.


7. GOJI BERRIES

Is there anything this “wolfberry” can’t do? One of the most complete superfruits in the world loaded with B vitamins, vitamin E, carotenoids, 500 times the vitamin C of an orange, eighteen different amino acids, and 21 minerals… and is a weight loss aid, menopause reliever, antioxidant… liver function enhancer, anti-aging miracle, vision sharpener…

8. HEMP SEEDS

These nutty and delicious seeds are huge immune system boosters… are full of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids which make them an excellent source of protein. Let’s not forget these seeds contain all of the essential amino acids.

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9. INCA BERRY

Like most superfoods, incaberries are high in antioxidants, even more so than apples, broccoli, pomegranate juice, and even goji berries. These antioxidants are held in the tiny seeds that can be found inside of the fruit. Dried incaberries also contain an extremely high amount of fiber, having the highest of all dried fruits.

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10. KALE

We consider kale our best friend with benefits. Kale is one of the few vegetables that contain all of the essential amino acids your body needs to build protein. Low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat, this veggie is great for aiding in digestion and elimination because of its high fiber content. Include it in your diet to detox to keep your body and liver healthy. Some of our favorite varieties are: dinosaur kale (lacinato) and curly kale.


11. MATCHA

Has a greater health benefit than green tea because when you drink matcha you ingest the whole leaf, not just the brewed water. One glass of matcha is the equivalent of 10 glasses of green tea (nutritional and antioxidant level wise). It’s known as a cancer-fighter, energy booster, calorie burner and a great daily detoxer.

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12. QUINOA

A seed crop grown and harvested from the goosefoot species of plants, quinoa is loaded with protein, fiber, minerals, and best of all, doesn’t contain any gluten. This popular “superfood” is pronounced: KEEN-wah. There are three main types… white, red and black. Quinoa contains two powerful flavonoids, quercetin and kaempferol that reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

 

Source: Daily Super Food Love & Eluxe Magazine

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