The list of superfoods keeps changing due to an increasing number of studies and analyses. Here's the latest on this food group. Go ahead believe the hype!
There's a lot of buzz around superfoods and rightfully so. These foods and their extraordinary properties are gaining popularity just in time to point us towards the right direction. With the effects of the Standard American Diet (SAD) on the rise, it's even more important now than ever to eat mindfully and to nourish ourselves with food rich in nutrients. SAD is high in animal fats, unhealthy fats, and processed foods, and low in fiber and complex carbohydrates. For South Asians, who are already predisposed to diabetes and heart disease, the SAD just increases the risk factors for such conditions. Superfoods are a great addition to your diet that will help combat such risk factors. Let’s explore why.
What constitutes a superfood? A superfood is a food that is nutritionally dense and contains many unique properties, not just one or two. A little bit goes a long way. Like David “Avocado” Wolfe, one of world’s leading authorities on nutrition, says, “When it comes to real nutrition, only superfoods can meet and exceed all requirements."
Why are superfoods so good for you? Superfoods are known to strengthen the immune system, detoxify, assist with weight loss, increase energy, increase mental abilities and they are rich in antioxidants (think cancer fighting agents).
What are superfoods? While there are many, I am going to list five of my favourite ones and one reason why they are so awesome:
- Coconut and coconut products (native to South Asians and hence genetically ideal for us to consume) have antibacterial properties.
- Cacao is rich in antioxidants.
- Hempseed is a pure, rich and raw source of complete protein and it's plant-based.
- Maca is an adaptogen, a stress reducing agent.
- Spirulina is an immune booster.
Ideally, superfoods should be consumed in their raw and organic form, like in a smoothie. This helps maintain the nutrients and also sustains the living enzymes that are found in superfoods. Heating destroys these enzymes, which are necessary to assist with the proper digestion of the food. Foods come with certain energy and life force. It is important to maintain this life force by eating raw and organic whenever possible.
I am going to share with you one of my favourite recipes. If you have never experimented with superfoods, you are in for a treat. In this green smoothie recipe, I have managed to incorporate ALL of my top superfoods so it’s a true powerhouse. Give it a go!
Powerhouse Green Giant
1 cup coconut water (unsweetened)
1 teaspoon maca
1 tablespoon cacao
1 tablespoon coconut oil or coconut butter
½ avocado
1 banana (frozen is even better)
2 handfuls of baby spinach leaves
2 to 4 tablespoons hempseeds
1 teaspoon spirulina
Agave to taste (optional)
Blend the spinach and coconut water first. Add the rest of ingredients and blend. Top up with more coconut water or water for desired consistency. Pour and enjoy!
Main Image Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Dimple Mukherjee
Author
Dimple Mukherjee is an Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience and has obtained specific training in Health Coaching through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She is the founder of Whole Self Consulting and is passionate about helping South Asian working mothers to reinve...
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