Super Foods and a Super Smoothie

Get the lowdown on the best superfoods and delicious smoothie recipe to use them in!

Have you heard of Super Foods? They seem to be all the rage amongst health food enthusiasts and are slowly making their way to the general public. If you haven’t heard of them or are unfamiliar with them, it can easily feel intimidating to start eating them. They’re dense in nutrients and play a big role in balancing hormones, weight loss, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping your energy levels high. Here you will find some of my favorite super foods. If you’re feeling adventurous, check them out!

Wheatgrass Powder

 Wheatgrass contains a high level of chlorophyll which helps detox the liver, gives us energy, supports a healthy digestive tract, protects against cancer by neutralizing harmful free-radicals and helps in the repair and and growth of new tissue. It can also help clear up bad breath! Wheatgrass also contains 17 amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein and are used for things like building muscle tissue, repairing cells and clotting the blood. It has 92 of the 102 important minerals found in soil, such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and potassium. Wheatgrass has more vitamin C than oranges and twice the vitamin A of carrots. It is exceptionally rich in vitamins E, K, and B-complex.  

Bee Pollen 

Some nutritionists consider Bee Pollen to be one of the most complete foods found in nature. It is high in antioxidants that help fight against free radicals which can wreak havoc on our health, has potent fertility improving properties, helps with increasing energy and recovery from exercising, can neutralize allergies, can help clear up acne and reduce premature aging due to its high levels of 18 vitamins including nearly all B-vitamins, and helps restore mineral and metabolic deficiencies.  Plus, it is about 25% protein.  Gram for gram, Bee Pollen has seven times more protein than meat, eggs, or cheese and is easier to assimilate. So many good things we get from bees!   

Raw Cacao

 If you ever needed an excuse to eat chocolate, this is it.  Raw cacao is chocolate in its raw form, so it is able to maintain all its antioxidants value, mineral benefits, and neurotransmitter rejuvenating properties.  In fact, cacao has the highest concentration of antioxidants found in any food on Earth.  As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also the number one source of magnesium which helps create alkalinity in the body, supports the heart and brain function, minimizes PMS symptoms (there’s a reason ladies love chocolate!), and helps to build strong bones.  One ounce of cacao contains 314% of the US recommended daily value of iron. Amazing stuff here.  And did I mention that its CHOCOLATE?  

Maca Powder

 Sometimes referred to as Peruvian Ginseng, Maca has been used  for energy and fertility (it enhances the libido and regulates hormones) by South Americans for nearly 2,600 years. Maca is what’s referred to as an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body with an adaptive response to physical and chemical stress and helps maintain balance in the body.  Maca has been known to help with anemia, chronic fatigue, infertility and sterility, lack of libido, malnutrition, menstrual discomforts, menopause symptoms, poor memory, stomach cancer, stress tension, and tuberculosis.   

Chia Seeds

 Chia seeds have been known to help balance and stabilize blood sugar by slowing down the way our body converts carbs into sugar.  They’re a great plant-based source of Omega 3, an essential fatty acid, and support the body in the creation of serotonin…. both of which help support a positive sense of well-being.  Chia seeds are also a plant-based source of protein and antioxidants.  Chia seeds are on the rise in popularity and more and more people are beginning to recognize their nutritional value.  Combining these ingredients in a breakfast smoothie sets the stage for more positive and healthy choices throughout the day.  Adding in healthy foods helps crowd out the unhealthy foods.  By starting your morning with a smoothie this packed full of nutrients, you’re body has what it needs and you’re less likely to have cravings for junk food later in the day. 

Super food super green smoothie for your health. (photo by Ron Caspi)

Superfood Super Smoothie

(modified from Food Matters)

1 cup Almond Milk (or milk of choice)

1/2 banana (or 1/2 avocado)

1 heaping tablespoon Wheatgrass Powder

1 tablespoon Bee Pollen

1 tablespoon Raw Cacao Powder

1 tablespoon Maca Powder

1 tablespoon Chia Seeds

7-10 drops Vanilla Stevia (or sweetener of choice)

1 tablespoon Almond Butter

Ice

Blend it all up and enjoy!

by Mercedes Turino

Mercedes Turino is a board certified Holistic Health Coach (AADP), natural mama to a baby boy, and a fearless lover of womanhood. Her individual coaching and group programs help over stressed health seekers find their ideal lifestyle and a sense of balance through dietary awareness, daily mindfulness, and unconditional self-care. You can learn more about her by visiting her website or facebook page.

Facebook Website