The term ‘superfoods’ is casually thrown out there, but it has merit.
Superfoods are what I would classify as foods that are densely concentrated in the form of phytonutrients. These phytonutrients are plant-derived compounds that are believed to improve your health but aren’t essential to your health. They just make you feel better. They help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, aid in muscle recovery, and have high antioxidant properties which work to forestall ageing. Superfoods turn ordinary meals and recipes into power-packed bombs.
If you’ve taken into account every other aspect of your wellness, then the addition of superfoods is the icing on the cake. It’s simply a waste of time if you’re still smoking or think having an acai bowl will take the place of your lack of vegetables throughout the week. To put it bluntly, you’re better off saving your pennies.
I take advantage of breakfast, which is usually after an early morning workout to fuel my body and aid in recovery. Superfood smoothies are my go-to complete meal that is quick, delicious and satisfying perfect for while I’m busily getting the girls ready for school.
My 6 Superfood Smoothie Ingredient Must-Have’s
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are high in fibre, calcium, complete protein, amino acids, slowly processed carbohydrates and loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3. They are super easy to include in your cooking, meals and smoothies.
Maca Powder
Maca nourishes the body’s endocrine system that produces and regulates hormones. Unique alkaloids found in maca have been shown to help regulate many of the body’s important functions, including energy production, libido and our ability to cope with stress.
Maca is known to naturally provide an abundance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and plant sterols, including vitamins B1, B2, C, D & E, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, selenium and calcium. Plus it helps to support general health and immune function.
I add ¼ tsp to my morning smoothies.
Raw Cacao Powder
Touted as one of the most complete ‘happy mood’ foods around, cacao powder is packed with nutrients, magnesium, iron, antioxidants and polyphenols to help support your health. You can use it in so many delicious recipes and smoothies.
Camu Camu Powder
Camu Camu fruit contains a higher naturally occurring vitamin C content than any other food. Native to the Amazon, the Camu Camu fruit is rich in nutrients, calcium and Vitamin A. It promotes a strong, healthy immune system to help reduce the symptoms of colds, fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Spirulina Powder
Spirulina is like nature’s super multivitamin. It is the richest whole food source found in nature. A daily dose of this amazing superfood is packed with over 100 nutrients – more than any other plant. Spirulina should be a mandatory product for those who are looking to promote good overall health. It can help maintain optimal weight by promoting a feeling of fullness when taken before meals and has 4 x more antioxidants than blueberries, making it a great anti-ageing additive to your diet.
Matcha Powder
A potent form of green tea, matcha powder is a powerhouse of antioxidants and nutrients. As mentioned above in green tea tablets, matcha is high in EGCg and other catechins which counteract the effects of free radicals from pollution, UV rays, radiation, and chemicals, which can lead to cell and DNA damage.
Wholefoods Magnesium Powder
We just aren’t getting enough from the soils our food is grown in. Magnesium does incredible things for the nervous system – it helps to calm it down so it can function as it should. It’s good for the heart, helps re-balance hormones, eases constipation, and even acts as an amazing muscle relaxant and sleep aid. Magnesium is best taken in powder form because it’s less work for the body to break down than a tablet. The one I use is sourced naturally rather than a synthetic version.
Chocolate Superfood Smoothie
This smoothie is full to the brim of superfood goodness and is nutrient dense with heaps of fibre, energy and antioxidants. The maca powder is an addition that helps with endurance and is a powerful adaptogen. This means it is great to support our system to better cope with stress and balance hormones in male and females.
This is my typical breakfast smoothie and is super thick as the chia seeds help to absorb the milk. If you want something a little more hardy just add a 1/4 cup muesli.
Here’s how I make it
1 1/2 cups rice or almond milk (or any dairy-free milk)
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 tsp raw cacao powder
1/4 cup berries or 1/2 banana
1/2 tsp maca powder
1 tsp spirulina powder
1 tsp Camu Camu powder
1 tsp matcha powder (optional)
1 tsp magnesium powder
4 tbs oat bran
Blend up and enjoy!
