January is the perfect time to talk about superfoods. After indulging at Christmas, all the supermarkets and companies that sell supplements and superfoods have all sort of offers. It might be trendy this month, but I’m not taking part in that trend. I say I’m not because I love trying out new foods all year round, and that applies to superfoods too.
It might sound strange, but some of the superfoods pouches you see in the next picture were given to me as a Christmas present. My husband saw things I haven’t tried before, so he got them for me. I was so happy to see them. In 2015 I’ve started a challenge in June called “Colourful Smoothie Challenge”, see here. I failed to do it. Next June, in 2016, I’ve tried it again and kept doing it after the 30 days were off, with a slight modification: smoothie or soup. Last year I’ve talked about 1 year of daily smoothies. I still go on with it, even when I go on holidays.
Because I had so many smoothies, adding superfoods is an easy way to keep them as diversified as possible. For each smoothie, I add at least two superfoods.
These are the ones I have at the moment. I would also use from other brands, and other types. I’m going to say a few words about each super food I’m using now or I’ve used in the past.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree. While usually Cinnamon is used mainly as a condiment, it has health benefits too. I saw on a TV show that Cinnamon helps with the insulin response. It does take a fairly big amount, like a couple of teaspoons. I usually add less, so I assume it still helps a bit.
Turmeric
Another spice that has amazing health benefits. It is anti-inflammatory and has antioxidants. There are other claims about it, including lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Chia
Chia seeds are important to thicken the smoothie. They are originally from Mexico, Chia means “strength” in the Mayan language. It contains lots of good fats, like Omega 3, minerals, and vitamins.
Is high in antioxidants too.
Linseed
Linseed is high in fibre. As a seed, it’s high in Omega 3 fats, reducing the LDL cholesterol. It also has a high amount of Potassium, Magnesium, and Iron. It will thicken the smoothie. It’s something I’ve used for many years.
Psyllium husks
Psyllium husks are used for thickening the smoothie due to its high content of fibres. I think at this point everybody knows the importance of fibres in their diet.
Matcha
The Japanese tea used for ceremonial teas is healthy too. I’ve used it for cooking, there are plenty of recipes with it on my food blog, CookStyle. As all green tea, it has a high amount of antioxidants. It’s also rich in vitamins.
Lucuma
Lucuma comes from a Peruvian fruit. Is naturally sweet, so it makes the smoothies taste sweeter. Contains Potassium, Calcium, Iron, and Zinc.
Moringa
It has a lovely flavour. It has lots of vitamins, including B vitamins, C, A, K. In total is a source of 13 vitamins and minerals. The Moringa powder is made from moringa leaves.
Cocoa powder
I think cocoa powder’s health benefits are widely known. Added to a smoothie, it will make it taste chocolaty, while being healthy at the same time.
Bee pollen powder
Bee pollen is the pollen ball that has been packed by worker honeybees into pellets. I’ve been taking this supplement on and off since I was a teenager. I would add it to yoghurt too. It’s filled with nutrients.
Acai berry powder
Acai Berries are an Amazonian fruit, from Brazil. The Acai berry powder is high in Vitamin C, Potassium, Manganese, Copper, Iron, and Magnesium.
Baobab powder
The Baobab tree is found in Africa. The Baobab fruit is high in Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Potassium, Thiamin, B6, and Bioflavonoids. It also acts as a prebiotic and is high in fiber.
I love its flavour, so I would add it in smoothies just for the taste.
Spirulina
As a teenager I used to have it as tablets. Now, as a powder to add to smoothies is much better. It’s made from algae. A great source of antioxidants. It’s a very nutrient dense powder.
Wheatgrass powder
High in proteins and fibres. Wheatgrass is derived from the wheat plant. It has antioxidant properties. As with all other super foods, is high in vitamins and minerals too.
What do you think of superfoods?
I’ve been giving my kids chlorella for years, but will switch to spirulina since its cheaper, more bioavailable and have similar health benefits.
Turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory, we used it in an anti-cancer protocol which worked.
A very interesting article. I do like to incorporate superfood into my diet . Espevially in the forms of fresh fruit and veg
Great post I’m trying to eat healthier so this is helpful
It’s such a great read! I love everything you listed here, but I have to admit I often forget about them…so thanks for reminding me to eat more of these healthy goodies 🙂
This was a really interesting read! I love adding chia seeds to my smoothies, but I wasn’t aware that Cinnamon had so many health benifits! I’d never heard of Lucuma, I’d like to give that a try!