SUPERFOOD
SECRETS By: Jordan Zeman
Superfoods are a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the topic as many superfoods are not traditional foods we are familiar with. To ease your mind, it’s not necessary to consume all the superfoods all the time but to choose foods based on health barriers you are seeking to overcome or for maintaining certain aspects of your already good health. Foods that are consumed to provide a specific health benefit are functional foods. If you are
looking to make noticeable changes in your health, consistent use of “functional superfoods” could be exactly what you need.
Many everyday foods are considered “super” due to their many benefits like blueberries, wild caught salmon, avocados, and olive oil. Here are five exceptionally nutrient dense foods that you may have heard of but don’t know much about!
MORINGA
CHLORELLA
CACAO
The moringa plant does not grow in the United States so many have turned to a powder form to reap the extensive benefits. If taken regularly, moringa can supply a hefty amount of antioxidants to support the immune system in keeping illness at bay. Moringa powder may also help lower blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and improve heart function among many other things.
Chlorella is a microscopic green freshwater plant that has a unique concentrated supply of naturally occurring nutrients. Also, most commonly found in powder form, it contains a high quality form of chlorophyll that is intended to provide nutritive support for the healthy function of the bowels and liver, normal cellular growth, and metabolic balance. Chlorella often comes up in conversations regarding natural detoxification.
Yup, chocolate! Cacao is chocolate in its most raw form before much of the processing takes place which rids this powerful food of much of its nutrition. Cacao has not been heated to the high levels that cocoa has and therefore retains it’s extremely high antioxidant levels, which protect against stress and keep the immune system functioning optimally.
BEE POLLEN
MACA
Packed with B vitamins, minerals, free forming amino acids, and protein, bee pollen is the perfect dose of clean energy for active humans. In its natural form bee pollen resembles golden sprinkles which make it the perfect healthy addition to a smoothie bowl or even cupcakes!
18 | THE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE
Maca is known to be an adaptogenic plant, which means it assists your nervous system with adapting to the stressors around it. Maca packs a nutritional punch of iron and iodide to promote healthy cells and keep the metabolism running efficiently. Possibly maca’s most well-known claim is its ability to increase libido. Maca has a malt-like or butterscotch-y taste.
Not sure where to begin your superfood exploration? Come visit us at Ever'man! During July 22-August 4, order a smoothie or juice at our cafes and get a FREE moringa boost, courtesy of our friends at Kuli Kuli!
