Green smoothies and salads are an exceptional, healthy and refreshing food. I use them for a fresh start of the day, for lunch or just in between, as a good source of nutrients. And to add even more benefits to this green treasure, I top it over it with some superfoods for extra brain and energy boosting effect.
11 Superfoods to add to your smoothie and salad right away!
Superfoods are both food and medicine. They are one of the richest nutrition foods and are a good choice for improving our health. They satisfy our needs of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. They contribute to the natural regulation of metabolism and help the body in detoxification.
But which superfoods to try if you are new to this and how to use them?
Here you’ll find a list of some of the best superfoods that I use and recommend for people who have an active lifestyle and need more energy, focus, and concentration during the day. You can add these in your smoothie, juice or salad right away:
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are ancient food from Central America and Mexico. They have been a major part of the diet of the Aztecs. These small seeds are very rich in fiber, containing essential fatty acids – omega-3 and omega-6. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.
Chia seeds are very suitable for people who exercise or have an active lifestyle because they give instant energy and increase the stamina of the body. They also regulate blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, have anti-inflammatory action and improve digestion. You can use them by adding them in your drinks or salads, dip them in yogurt and make the famous chia seed pudding.
Goji Berry
These delicious red fruits come from Asia. They are very rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and are a good source of plant protein. For a daily dose of between 10 and 30 grams, they provide the body with more vitamin C than oranges, more beta carotene and more iron than a portion of red meat, and are also a good source of Vitamin B.
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Goji Berry improve the condition of the skin, strengthen the immune system and reflect well on the cardiovascular system. You can get those fruits mostly dry and use them in moderation in your salads, or just throw them in the blender with the rest of the ingredients for your smoothie.
Hemp seed
Sometimes, especially with this modern diet, it is difficult to get the protein and fiber needed for our body to function properly. Here comes the hemp seed. This superfood contains all the essential amino acids, omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, vitamins A, C and E, lecithin, magnesium, calcium, and iron. But what is most important for hemp seed is that it contains over 60% of globuline edestin. This is the easiest to digest form of protein.
Protein is important for the proper functioning of all organs and systems in the body. Hemp seed helps to restore muscles faster, works well on the nerve system, supports the treatment of arthritis and autoimmune diseases and regulates blood sugar levels. You can use Hemp seeds to sprinkle on top of your morning oatmeal, on salads or directly in your smoothie.
Spirulina
Spirulina is an ancient blue-green algae. Rich in protein, omega-6, and omega-3 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, Vitamin E and K. It is a rich source of potassium, contains calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, sodium and zinc. It reduces symptoms in allergies, improves and strengthens our immune system, reflects well on people with autoimmune diseases and is a good antioxidant.
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I have to say, however, that its taste is a bit strong and I can’t say that I like it. So, if you are planning to add Spirulina in your diet for its nutritional value, I recommend you start with it little by little and gradually increase the quantity. It is best if you mix it with some juice to balance the taste or blend it along with the rest ingredients of your smoothie.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is the green part of the wheat seed once it has sprouted. It does not contain gluten or other allergic agents. Wheatgrass has a very strong alkalizing action, stimulates metabolism, reduces blood pressure, cleanses the liver and strengthens the immune system.
About 70% of wheatgrass contains chlorophyll, which is the basis of the entire plant life. Chlorophyll has been shown to inhibit the growth and development of bad bacteria. Wheatgrass contains 20 amino acids, hundreds of different enzymes, and 90 of 102 possible minerals, vitamins, and other important nutrients. This superfood is a good source of vitamins A and C, it also contains vitamins from group B, including B17.
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Mostly, wheatgrass can be found in the form of a powder that you can add in your drinks. It has a very grassy taste and flavor, therefore, my recommendation is to mix it with something flavorful or add just a spoonlet of it in your smoothie or juice.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a very useful fat that is good to include in your diet. Coconut oil consists of about 90% of raw saturated fat, which is an important and valuable building material for every cell in our body. Also, coconut oil helps fight kilos – it converts fat into energy and improves our metabolism. It has an anti-microbial effect and is said to reduce the risk of a heart attack. This superfood can find its place is many recipes for desserts, as well as for cooking in high temperatures or in your bulletproof coffee or smoothie for that extra coconutty flavor.
Acai Berry
Acai Berry is the fruit of the palm trees of the genus Euterpe, which is found in the Amazon jungle. These small fruits contain a lot of antioxidants, they are low calorie, have many fiber, proteins, minerals, omega-6 and -9 essential fatty acids, vitamins A and C, iron, calcium. You can use them as a powder to add in your drinks or enjoy their taste in a soothing cup of Acai Berry tea.
Aloe Vera
Here we speak about the gel that is extracted from the inside of the thick leaves of the Aloe Vera plant. This plant is rich in vitamins – A, C, B1, B5, B6, B12, minerals – calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc, iodine and amino acids. It is said that Aloe Vera helps good digestion, relieves skin irritation, strengthens the immune system, has anti-inflammatory properties, relieves pain in muscles and normalizes blood sugar. You can safely add Aloe Vera to your drinks without changing their taste.
Raw Honey
Honey is a superfood from ancient times. This sweet nectar-substance has strong antibacterial properties and contains many antioxidants. Raw Honey contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, K, C, E, A and PP. It also affects well in healing seasonal allergies, sore throat and severe cough. It gives energy and endurance and is an excellent brain-booster and an energy-booster.
Cocoa and Cocoa beans
Cocoa beans are the seeds of cocoa wood. They contain proteins, antioxidants, minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, manganese, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C and E. The benefits of raw cocoa or cocoa beans are numerous. Cocoa reduces bad cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, relieves blood pressure and improves mood. And as a bonus, there is a great taste and aroma! You can use cocoa powder in different recipes for deserts or for that extra chocolaty taste and flavor in your smoothie or milk.
Maca
Maca is a root that grows in the Andes of Peru. Mostly, you can buy it in the form of powder, liquid or tablets. Maca contains many vitamins – B, C and E – and minerals – calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus. It is said that Maca improves mood and gives energy, reduces stress and improves sexual function.
So, here it is, my friends – a list of 11 superfoods that you can start adding in your smoothie, juice or salad right away. Of course, there are still many superfoods which you can incorporate in your daily meals in order to enjoy the better focus, higher energy levels, productivity and brain-boosting effect they provide! I will definitely be writing more about them, so, make sure you check out this site regularly for more ideas and new superfood suggestions.
However, it will be very difficult for you to add everything to your meals. That’s why it is a good idea to try some of the superfoods and slowly add more. I, personally, rotate them and have just a couple of them at hand. Some people feel a strong effect of some foods, and others don’t. That’s why my suggestion is to try and find what works best for you. For sure, whichever of the listed superfoods you choose, it will bring you many health benefits!
For more superfood ideas make sure you check: Superfoods That Power The Brain
A Little Note & Thanks
Note:Please take note that I am not a professional in food and nutrition and all the information written here is a personal opinion and personal analysis on various sources. Always contact your medical provider and/or certified nutritionist for any medical conditions and advice.
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Hello, I read your blogs regularly. Your writing style is witty, keep up
the good work!