Superfoods are a quick and easy way to get some serious nutrients into your body. Tested and consumed for centuries, here are seven of our go-to ingredients to help nurture your body and boost your energy output.
Turmeric
a. Touted as being one of the most powerful herbs on the planet, there are over 5,000 studies done on the health benefits of turmeric. The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. Eating a single gram of turmeric each day has been said to cause short-term memory improvements as well.
b. Tastes Like: Earthy flavor with some peppery undertones.
c. Favorite Way to Use It: Combine with cinnamon in your morning oatmeal to kickstart the day.
Kefir
a. Kefir was used for centuries in European and Asian cultures due to its incredible medicinal benefits for healing issues like leaky gut. It contains high levels of vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2, biotin, folate, enzymes and probiotics. Think of it as a drinkable yogurt.
b. Tastes Like: Slightly acidic and tart flavor that is reminiscent of lemon.
c. Favorite Way to Use It: Substitute kefir for the milk in homemade ice cream or frozen yogurt for a cool, tangy treat.
Kombucha
a. Originating in the Far East around 2,000 years ago, kombucha is a probiotic-packed fermented beverage made from black tea. The four main properties of kombucha are detoxification, antioxidation, energizing potencies, and immunity boosting. It also helps heal, repair, and prevent joint damage.
b. Tastes Like: Sour and sharp, an acquired taste.
c. Favorite Way to Use It: Straight up or in place of sweet and sour mix in any cocktail recipe.
Flaxseeds
a. Flaxseeds have been consumed as food for almost 6,000 years! They contain good sources of fiber and an abundance of hearthealthy omega-3 fats. Naturally gluten-free, flaxseeds are also packed with lignans, a plant compound known as polyphenols which help with hormone balance, anti-aging and lowering the risk of heart disease.
b. Tastes Like: Earthy hint, nutty.
c. Favorite Way to Use It: Add 1-2 tablespoons to any of your favorite smoothies.
Hemp Seeds
a. For the longest time, hemp seeds have been avoided due to their botanical relationship to medicinal varieties of cannabis, but they actually have zero psychotropic reaction. In fact, hemp seeds help improve digestion, balance hormones, and improve metabolism. If you’re looking to boost your natural omega-3 intake, limit your vegetable oil consumption and enhance your omega-6s. Hemp seeds are also a GLA-rich food.
b. Tastes Like: Nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
c. Favorite Way to Use It: Add to granola or muesli recipes for an extra boost of protein.
Shilajit Powder
a. Shilajit may not be on your ingredient radar, but this ancient, medicinal herb has a high fulvic acid content and is known to be a “whole body healer”. Shilajit is best known for protecting brain cells and boosts energy by increasing the function of mitochondria in your body. It can also help to manage diabetes.
b. Tastes Like: Strong, medicinal taste like tea.
c. Favorite Way to Use It: Include with your morning coffee or tea.
Local Honey
a. Pure, unfiltered, and unpasteurized honey purchased from a local farmers’ market can help with everything from low energy to sleep problems to seasonal allergies. When you buy local, your body is consuming the same pollen that you’re breathing in on a daily basis, desensitizing you to seasonal allergy symptoms. Local honey is also an antioxidant powerhouse.
b. Tastes Like: Sweet and wild.
c. Favorite Way to Use It: Due to its taste, adding honey into your favorite smoothie is the easiest way to get your daily dose. Another great way is by adding to your tea before bed. Be careful of the sugar, though.
