I consider these my top Superfoods because of their powerful characteristics of proteins, essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants. How many have you tried?

QUINOA

The perfect complete protein. Most commonly considered a grain, quinoa is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard. It has a fluffy, creamy, slightly crunchy texture and a somewhat nutty flavor when cooked.

Native to South America, quinoa was once called “the gold of the Incas,” who recognized its value in increasing the stamina of their warriors. Not only is quinoa high in protein, but the protein it supplies is complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. And not only is quinoa’s amino acid profile well balanced, making it a good choice for vegetarians concerned about adequate protein intake, but quinoa is especially well-endowed with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair.
In addition to protein, quinoa features a host of other health-building nutrients. Because quinoa is a very good source of manganese as well as a good source of magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus, this “grain” may be especially valuable for persons with migraine headaches, diabetes and atherosclerosis and a wonderful source of energy.

SEEDS

Seeds such as pumpkin, sesame, sunflower and flax are all mineral dense and packed with energy and essential fatty acids which support brain health. These seeds are also high in tryptophan. Sunflower seeds especially are named because the large yellow flower is representative of the sun. They reach toward the sun and soak up the light, which is then stored in their seeds. You then, in turn, get that energy when you eat them.

Most seeds are easy to add to any meal. They can be stirred into cereals at breakfast, or sprinkled on yogurt or toast. You can add them into bread or muffin mixes. Top off a sandwich with them, or toss them into a salad or stir-fry. Nuts and Seeds are the best snack for a quick energy boost!

GOJI BERRIES

They have been used in Asian herbal medicine for over 5000 years and just recently burst on the scene in the US market, promising youthfulness, good health, cancer-fighting abilities and an increased sex drive.

The goji berry is usually used in a dried form and is one of the most nutrient dense foods on earth. And the biggest anti-oxidant out there. Goji berries have more vitamin C than oranges, more beta carotene than carrots and more iron than steak. Goji berries are also a good source of B vitamins and antioxidants, which protect against harmful free radicals that damage cells in your body. They’re also rich in polysaccharides, which aid the immune system, have 18 kinds of amino acids, and are a rich source of potassium. And, as if protecting your heart, skin and immune system weren’t enough, beta carotene and antioxidants are thought to help fight cancer. In fact, the claim that goji berry producers frequently refer to is the fruit’s supposed cancer-fighting power. This ability, they say, stems from goji berries’ high antioxidant content.

You find them in granola bars, dark chocolate, juices, teas, snack items and they are even thinking of making wine out of them. They taste like a cross between a strawberry and cranberry. You want a boost, add goji berries to your protein drink every morning and your eyes will be open for the rest of the day.

ACAI

The acai berry is an inch-long reddish, purple fruit that comes from the acai palm tree, which is native to Central and South America. It is a relative of the blueberry and cranberry. The Acai contains several substances called anthocyanins and flavonoids.The word anthocyanin comes from two Greek words meaning “plant” and “blue.” Anthocyanins are responsible for the red, purple, and blue hues in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Flavonoids are a group of plant metabolites thought to provide health benefits through cell signaling pathways. Anthocyanins and flavonoids are both powerful antioxidants that help defend the body against life’s stressors. But the acai berry, most commonly found in juice form will also give you a huger boost of energy, so drinking it as your morning juice, you will reap the benefits for the rest of the day.

MACA ROOT

The maca root is mainly found in Peru (like quinoa) and is from the radish family. It contains over 55 naturally occurring, beneficial phyto-chemicals. A phyto-chemical is a chemical compounds, such as beta-carotene, that occur naturally in plants. The term is generally used to refer to those chemicals that are the essential nutrients that affect our health. Maca works broadly to contribute to overall well-being. It actually works in tandem with the body’s natural rhythms. It nourishes and calms the nerves, it helps to rebuild weak immune systems, it stimulates the appetite and aids in digestion and at the same time it supports the adrenal glands so they don’t have to rely on damaging cortical to fuel the body. I also use it in my protein drinks. After eating it, most people feel their mood and energy levels lift in an instant.

CHIA SEEDS

Chia, is familiar to most of us as a seed used for the novelty of the Chia Pet, clay animals with sprouted Chia seeds covering their bodies. We now know of the seeds tremendous nutritional value and medicinal properties. For centuries this tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the Indians of the south west and Mexico. Known as the running food, it was used as a high energy endurance food and has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It was said the Aztec warriors subsisted on the Chia seed during the conquests. The Indians would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a 24 hour march. Indians running form the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the Chia seed for their nourishment.
If you try mixing a spoonful of Chia in a glass of water and leaving it for approximately 30 minutes or so, when you return the glass will appear to contain not seeds or water, but an almost solid gelatin. This gel-forming reaction is due to the soluble fiber in the Chia. Research believe this same gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the stomach when food containing these gummy fibers, known as mucilages, are eaten. The gel that is formed in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. In addition to the obvious benefits for diabetics, this slowing in the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar offers the ability for creating endurance.

BLUE GREEN ALGAE

Spirulina is a natural “algae” (cyanbacteria) powder that is incredibly high in protein and a good source of antioxidants, B-vitamins and other nutrients. When harvested correctly from non-contaminated ponds and bodies of water, it is one of the most potent nutrient sources available. It is largely made up of protein and essential amino acids, and is typically recommended to vegetarians for its high natural iron content. It is also often touted for its high B-12 content. I add ¼ tsp. of the powdered form to my smoothie each day.

RAW CACAO

Raw cacao is actually chocolate in its original state. Raw Cacao has more antioxidant and flavonoids than any food looked at so far, including blueberries, red wine, and black and green teas. In fact, it has up to four times the quantity of antioxidants found in green tea. All chocolate is made from the raw cacao bean! But when looking for the superfood, don’t look at Hersheys! You want to find raw cacao in powder or nib form (use it in smoothies or to make brownies etc. And when choosing a candy bar, aim for a more natural one with a % of 50 or greater of raw cacao.

By incorporating these Superfoods along with a healthy balanced diet that includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, fish and healthy fats, you will experience more energy, a boosted immune system, improved cardiovascular health and better overall health. But most importantly, you need to remember that just eating these along with a poor diet will give you unrealistic expectations thinking they could protect you from chronic disease and other health problems. So enjoy these Superfoods but also try to eat a balanced diet every day!