Science is catching up with what indigenous and native people around the world have known instinctively for centuries. Superfoods are ….well, super! By definition, Superfoods are a group of foods that have few calories, but are laden with nutrients. They hold large doses of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and are also a remarkable source of essential nutrients. Making Superfoods a part of your daily diet is a super smart choice.

Superfoods: Nuts and Berries

•  Goji Berries

  Goji berries grow in the sheltered valleys of inner Mongolia and Tibet. These distinctively flavoured red berries are a very rich source of vitamin C, with 500 times more vitamin C than oranges, and more Vitamin C than any other fruit. They are also a fantastic source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E as well as a good source of protein, with 18 amino acids and 21 trace minerals. Studies show that Goji berries are an excellent antioxidant making them an ideal natural whole food for reversing aging and protecting against disease.

• Acai Berries

  Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) comes from the fruit of a palm tree that grows in the Amazon rain forests of Brazil. Acai is bursting with antioxidants that protect your body, boost your immunity and increase your energy. Acai delivers more antioxidant power than both red grapes and red wine. Acai also provides a nearly perfect profile of amino acids, and important trace minerals.

• Raw Cacao

  Raw cacao is a powerhouse of nutrients, it offers over 300 compounds including carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibre, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium and sulphur.  Out of all the whole foods that contain antioxidants, raw cacao is the highest in the world, containing more antioxidants than red wine, green tea and blueberries put together! Make sure you use raw cacao and not a product that has been heat treated.  If it is called ‘Cocoa’ then it has been heated and has lost many of its health benefits.

Green Superfoods

Green Superfoods have an exceptionally high concentration of nutrients, fat-burning compounds and vitamins and minerals that are easy for the body to not only digest, but to actually utilise.  They also contain proteins, beneficial bacteria and protective phytochemicals

• Chlorella

  Chlorella is an example of a green Superfood, it is a freshwater algae and like other algae it contains a complete protein profile, as well as an array of vitamins and minerals. It is beneficial to the immune system, reduces cholesterol and protects against heart attacks and strokes. Exciting results from recent clinical trials show that Chlorella has been clinically proven to improve quality of life, and normalise body functions in patients with fibromyalgia, hypertension, or ulcerative colitis.

Superfoods: Herbs

Herbs nourish your whole body, providing nutrients that may be deficient due to illness, poor diet, or inferior nutrient content in soils. Herbs assist your body to heal and balance itself, and have been used for centuries as part of the wisdom of natural healing methods.

• Aloe vera

  Aloe vera has been deemed a Superfood after research studies identified seventy-five compounds including natural steroids, antibiotic agents, amino acids, minerals and enzymes that can heal the human body. Aloe juice is adept at alkalizing the digestive tract preventing over-acidity, a common cause of indigestion, acid reflux, heartburn and ulcers.

Making Superfoods part of your everyday diet is a powerful way in which you can do the very best for your health. Visit the Mr Vitamins store where you will find all the superfoods listed and talk to one of our Naturopaths for further advice and help in choosing the best Superfoods for you.