Key superfoods for a balanced diet

After more than fifteen years of research and practice of an integrative nutrition method, proven to improve health and cure disease, SHA Wellness Clinic has its list of essential superfoods to balance body and mind. You can find them in the cookbook “The Power of Healthy Nutrition” and, in addition, in the present article we share with you some of these powerful foods that can improve your health and help prevent certain diseases. Without any doubt, a large part of your health is in your pantry.

Wholegrain carbohydrates

Brown rice, buckwheat, quinoa, millet

It is recommended to soak them for a few hours before cooking and, if this is not possible, wash them thoroughly to remove any potentially harmful substances.

Soaking the grains in water with a little apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, umeboshi vinegar, or lemon juice to create a more acidic environment for fermentation helps the body to absorb better the minerals and nutrients and assists pre-digestion, since starches and tannins are broken down.

Vegetables

Chard, celery, sweet potato, broccoli, parsnip, cauliflower, spinach, carrot, and green beans

They are known for their high antioxidant, fibre, and mineral content. They have low caloric density and it is advisable to eat them fresh to benefit from their properties to the maximum. Priority should be given to locally sourced and seasonal products.

Vegetable Protein
Tofu and tempeh

Several products made from soya are a source of high quality proteins that add essential amino acids on our table.

Nuts and seeds

Flax, pumpkin, and sesame seeds. Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts 

They are an excellent source of healthy protein, A, E, B vitamins, and minerals, such as calcium, zinc, and phosphorus. They also contribute to the diet with omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, fibre, antioxidants, and trace elements.

Seaweed
Agar-agar, hijiki, kombu, nori, wakame

They are rich in minerals and vitamins. They stimulate metabolism, are highly depurative, very alkalising, and help to dissolve fats and mucus from the body. It is recommended to eat them frequently, but in small quantities.

Fermented foods
Olives, amazake, sauerkraut, umeboshi plum or paste, kimchi, miso, soya sauce, tamari

These foods have undergone a series of processes that allow the growth of some micro-organisms and bacteria which are beneficial to the human body and generate a new nutrient spectrum, increasing the amount of vitamins, antioxidants, and trace elements in the diet.