10 Superfoods Good for You

Superfoods are foods that are, well, super! They come from a variety of sources although many are plant-based which makes them ideal for vegetarians and vegans. Superfoods are PACKED with essential nutrients that will help you get and stay healthy and many have unique properties such as being anti-cancer foods, anti-inflammatory foods, foods that boost your mental health and energy, and foods that help slow the aging process.

In fact, you can think of superfoods as a type of medicine that can help treat or prevent many of the health problems that we face today. I like to add superfoods to my smoothies (my favorite superfood smoothies recipes) as it makes consuming them easy and delicious. Mix and match your superfoods to get the results that you want.

Here are TEN of my favorite superfoods and I recommend you consume at least a few of these on a regular basis! Looking for a quick, cheaper and healthy way to enjoy your superfoods ? My recommended superfood powder to add to your juices and smoothies.

Açai berries

These colorful berries are FULL of antioxidants which can help boost energy and even fight cancer. In fact, superfood acai berries contain more antioxidants than virtually every other berry including cranberries and blueberries. Acai berries are grown in the Amazon and South America and their bright color is indicative of their high nutrient content. They are low in sugar, free from fat and consuming them has long been linked to improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, reduced cancer risk and even weight loss. Available fresh, dried and powdered, acai berries are a perfect smoothie ingredient as they taste great too.

Organic Açai berry powder available at Amazon.com .

Recipes with Açai

Açai Berry Antioxidant Breakfast Blast

Change your coffee for a boost of Açai energy. Antioxidant blueberries, low fat milk and chia seeds.

Try my Açai Recipe here.

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Chia seeds

Chai means “strength” in the Mayan language and that’s what you’ll get if you add a tablespoon of chai seeds to your smoothies. Chai seeds are high in lots of essential nutrients including the essential fatty acids alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid, mucin, strontium, Vitamins A, B, E, and D, niacin and thiamine, and several minerals including sulphur, iron, iodine, magnesium and manganese. They are a rich source of anti-oxidants. Aztec warriors used to consume chai seeds before battles and hunting to give them energy but you’ll soon find that chai seeds offer so much more. I have also learned that they are beneficially linked to many aspects of health and can even help treat diabetes.

Organic, Raw and Non-GMO Chia Seeds on stock at Amazon.com .

Recipes with Chia Seeds

Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

Tasty and healthy this is one of the most popular strawberry smoothies. Add chia seeds and make it a superfood smoothie. Recipe here.

 

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Ginger

Ginger, especially fresh ginger, has long been associated with improved digestion. It’s also great for reducing nausea, restoring lost appetite and improving digestion. However, this tasty spice also makes great smoothies although you won’t need much! I add ginger to my smoothies not only for the taste and the digestive benefits but because ginger is a very powerful superfood too. Ginger can help reduce muscle pain and soreness – especially after exercise, it is anti-inflammatory and can help reduce arthritis pain, it lowers blood sugar levels which may reduce the risk of developing diabetes and may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Tasty AND good for you? Ginger is hard to beat!

Glass bottle with Ginger Powder Organic, Kosher available at Amazon.com (1% of their sales supports organic farming) .

Recipes with Ginger

Ginger Shake Fighter

Start your busy day with a low caloric, high on protein, ginger shake fighter. A powerful, low on sugar, way to replace your breakfast. Recipe here.

 

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Avocado

This creamy fruit is often said to be unhealthy because it contains a lot of fat but what these people don’t know is that the fat in avocados is very VERY healthy! Avocados are high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats – just like olive oil. They also contain lots of vitamin A and E and more potassium than a banana. Unlike fruits that contain a lot of sugar and carbs, avocados are very low in carbohydrate which means that they digest slowly and will keep you feeling full up for ages. I love to use avocados in my smoothies as they taste really rich and creamy. You’ll probably only need a half on one as a little goes a long way. Choose ripe, soft avocados as they blend more easily and taste sweeter.

A 6 Lbs of Fresh California Avocados (between 8 to 12 pieces), available at Amazon.com .

Recipes with Avocado

Mango and avocado smoothie

Enjoy the natural sweet sugar of Mango with a nice combination of the creamy and healthy fats avocado contains. This smoothie will make you feel full for a good couple of hours. Try the recipe here.

 

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Flaxseeds

Also known as linseeds, flaxseeds are high in fiber and healthy omega three polyunsaturated fats. Add a tablespoon of flaxseeds to your smoothies and you’ll also add lots of good nutrition – they’re high in vitamin B1 and manganese too. The husks of flaxseeds “seal in” all the goodness so, unless you want to grind your flaxseeds with a pestle and mortar, buy pre-split flaxseeds. Although if, like me, you have a professional blender, you should find your machine will smash up the flaxseeds anyway. Flaxseeds don’t taste of much so you can add them to almost any smoothie you make,use about 1 tablespoon in a 8 oz smoothie, but if, like me, you want more fiber in your diet and also want more healthy fats, flaxseeds are a great choice. Organic Flaxseed 14 Oz, get it from Amazon.com .

Recipes with flaxseeds

Kiwi and pear yogurt smoothie

I add flaxseeds in most of my smoothies. Here is one idea for a mid-afternoon snack to refresh your body and mind. Follow the recipe here and enjoy.

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Honey and Bee Pollen

Although quite different, honey and bee pollen are often found together. Honey is a delicious natural sweetener that can be used in place of sugar while bee pollen is made by honeybees, and is the food of the young bee. Bee pollen is one of nature’s most complete superfoods and contains nearly all the nutrients required by humans. Bee-gathered pollens are rich in protein, free amino acids, and vitamins, including B-complex, and folic acid. Bee pollen is essentially mother’s milk for bees! If I want a sweeter smoothie, I’ll often use honey as a sweetener and bee pollen provides a great nutritional boost to any smoothie I make.

Recipes with Honey

Dairy banana protein shake

Start your day with a powerful protein shake. High on protein and with a teaspoon of honey, this smoothie is a perfect breakfast that you’ll make you feel full for more than 2 hours. Give it a try, check my recipe.

 

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Kefir

Made from fermented milk, kefir is a type of yogurt drink popular in Greece and the Middle East. I like kefir because it contains lots of natural probiotics which help keep your digestive bacteria in tip-top shape. And even though it is made from milk, very few people have any lactose problems with kefir. That being said, introduce it gradually if you have any problems with lactose. Kefir also contains calcium which is good for your bones and teeth. You can drink kefir straight from the bottle but it’s got quite a sharp taste. Instead, I like to add it to fruit smoothies where the sweetness of the fruit compliments the sharpness of the kefir perfectly.

Make your own Kefir, using Water Kefir Grains (available on Amazon.com), just using water, juice, or coconut water

Recipes with Kefir

Kefir Protein Banana Smoothie

Kefir smoothie is a easy and quick way to try kefir and get all the benefits.  Add some protein and you’ll get a Protein shake loaded with probiotics ! Find the recipe here.

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Cacao

Chocolate is often called unhealthy or fattening. This is true if you add a load of sugar to it but the source of chocolate, cocoa, is actually one of the most powerful superfoods around! Cocoa contains more anti-oxidants than any other superfood which makes it one of the strongest anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer foods available. I use cocoa nibs and powder in my smoothies and both taste good as well as keep me healthy. Cocoa is good for your heart, your mood, and your mind too so it makes sense to add this superfood to your smoothies. Not only is it healthy, it can help curb your chocolate cravings. Healthy chocolate – how’s that for a superfood?!

Buy Organic Cacao powder at Amazon.com .

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Spirulina

Spirulina is a blue-green algae packed with super-nutrients. This superfood might not be the best tasting but it is very high in protein, heart-healthy monounsaturated omega 3 fat, iron, detoxifying chlorophyll, vitamins B-1(thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3(nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin E (according to wikipedia). It is also a good source of potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc. Not bad for something that looks like pond scum! I don’t like the taste of spirulina but if you mix it into a green smoothie you won’t be able to taste it at all and that laundry-list of benefits means it’s well worth adding to your smoothies.

Get organic spirulina powder at Amazon.com .

Recipes with Spirulina

Spirulina Green Smoothie

Winter or summer, it’s always a good time to add nutrients, vitamins and protein to your body. Try this super green smoothie containing spirulina superfood. Recipe here.

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Coconut oil

Man, I LOVE coconut oil! It tastes great and makes my smoothies creamy and filling, Coconut oil is high in medium chain triglycerides which provide energy but aren’t carbs. This means they don’t raise your blood sugar levels like sugar can so they are great if you want energy but don’t want to gain weight. A tablespoon or so is all you need of this superfood which is also very heart-healthy and is anti-microbial which means it kills germ and bacteria dead.

Buy Virgin Organic Coconut oil at Amazon.com.

Recipes with Coconut Oil

Peanut Butter Cups

A healthy and 21 day fix approved dessert. Made with coconut oil and low on sugar, it’s a nice way to reduce your cravings and eat something sweet. Recipe here.

 

 

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Remember

Superfoods make a great addition to your smoothies and any one you choose is GUARANTEED to do you good!

Add some superfoods to your smoothies, my favorite smoothie recipes here, or your diet in general and you will feel fit and healthy fast.

How to get superfoods benefits to your diet ? Check my guide “My Superfoods”.