7 superfoods for optimum health

A more dynamic and stressful lifestyle can have a direct impact on the food choices we make on a day to day basis, often times leading to a nutrient poor diet. As a result, we may not be meeting our daily nutritional needs for optimum health. A good solution to this problem is supporting your diet with superfoods, a group of foods that have a very high content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants essential for our health and well being.

If you want to improve your health, boost your energy and vitality, these are the superfoods you should be including in your diet.

Spirulina

Properties:

Spirulina is one of the most complete superfoods as it contains a wide variety of essential nutrients. It is a key supplement to add to your diet if you’re vegan or vegetarian. It’s rich in iron, copper, plant-based protein, vitamin A, B2 (riboflavin), B6, C, E, K amongst many others. It’s characterized by its intense green colour due to its chlorophyll presence, a pigment bursting with antioxidants, anti cancerous and detoxifying properties.

Consumption:

It is found in the form of tablets or as a powder. In its powder form, it’s best to add a tablespoon to green smoothies.

Cacao powder

Properties:

Contrary to what people think, cacao powder is very healthy. In its raw form, cacao is nutrient rich. It’s a great source of magnesium, protein, copper, iron, zinc and vitamin B2. It also contains theobromine, an alcaloide that improves mood. It helps maintain elasticity in the arteries, as well as improves the pigmentation of skin and hair.

Consumption:

You can add it into smoothies, healthy desserts, and mix it with plant-based milk to make a vegan hot chocolate. It’s the ideal superfood to have following a workout, as magnesium helps with the recovery of muscle tissue.

Hemp protein

Properties:

Hemp seeds are a great source of plant-based protein, therefore, an essential superfood to have if you’re vegan or vegetarian. It is also rich in omega 3, 6 and 9, all essential for cardiovascular and brain health. There are studies that show that a diet low in healthy fats leads to an increase in depression. Therefore, including healthy fats like hemp seeds are important for optimum health and well being. It is also a source of vitamin A, iron and magnesium.

Consumption:

You can add it to your smoothies, as a topping to smoothie bowls, yogurts and salads, as well as in homemade breads and desserts.

Chia seeds

Properties:

Chia seeds are known as the energy-giving superfood. They’re rich in omega 3 and 6, fibre, protein and antioxidants. If you mix them with a liquid, they increase in size as they absorb all the liquid, making them easier to digest.

Consumption:

You can add them to smoothies, smoothie bowls, chia pudding, yogurt and as a vegan egg substitute for baking.

Chlorella

Properties:

Chlorella is one of the most potent superfoods to detoxify the body from toxins and heavy metals. It is also rich in protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Consumption:

The best way to include chlorella in your diet is by adding it to your green smoothies or smoothie bowls.

Cacao nibs

Properties:

Cacao nibs are made from the cacao beans in the cacao fruit. The Incas considered it as the “food of the gods” because of its nutritional benefits and exceptional taste. Just like cacao powder, cacao nibs are rich in antioxidants. In fact, they’re one of the most antioxidant rich foods to exist. It also contains fibre, magnesium, iron, flavenoids and theobromine, an alcaloide that improves mood in a natural way.

Consumption:

It’s crunchy texture makes it the perfect topping for any dessert, smoothie bowl, yogurt or smoothie.

Berry powder

Properties:

A delicious blend of raspberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, and blueberries. These fruits are dehydrated to conserve all their properties. This mix is rich in polyphenols, vitamin C, flavanols, making it an antioxidant-rich superfood. They improve urinary and cardiovascular health. It’s great for women who suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections.

Consumption:

It’s perfect to add to smoothies, chia puddings, smoothie bowls, yogurt or cereals.

The new range of superfoods by SHA is available at Esenza by SHA and in SHA’s boutique. You’ll soon be able to purchase them in SHA Boutique and reap their wonderful benefits in the comfort of your home.