Super superfoods...say what?

These are plant-based foods, considered to not only nourish, but have balancing and/or medicinal effects on the body.

Superfoods are nutrient powerhouses that pack large doses of

• antioxidants,

• polyphenols,

• vitamins,

• and minerals.

It is important to ensure you consume a rainbow range of foods and selecting one or a few from each of these from the colour spectrum will serve you well.

In the green powerhouse corner there are:

Grasses

• Wheatgrass,

• alfalfa

• barley

Sea vegetables

• kelp,

• rockweed,

• dulse,

• bladderwrack,

• sea lettuce,

• laver

• nori

Algae's

Chlorella - a chlorophyll high microalgae that helps remove heavy metals and promote detoxification. Really excellent for acne and removing excess hormones created by stress.

Spirulina - is a microscopic, filamentous blue - green microalga that has a long history of use as food, extending as far back as 400 years ago. The food interest in Spirulina is focused mainly on its rich content of

1) highest source of complete protein (65% by weight),

2) vitamins; especially vitamin B12 and beta-carotene,

3) essential minerals; especially iron and

4) essential fatty acids; it is one of the few sources of dietary gamma linoleic acid. Spirulina also contains all eight essential and nine non-essential amino acids and numerous phytochemicals which have a host of potential health benefits.

Moringa Oleifera is a healing tonic herb known to contain antioxidants, minerals, protein, essential fibre. It is able to supply sustainable energy, lower blood pressure and aid in adrenal support. It attaches itself to harmful bacteria and toxins and flushing them out the body and thus it’s cleansing properties.

In the red corner there are:

• Goji berries,

• blue berries,

• pomegranate

• cranberries

• camu camu - massive amount of vitamin C makes it high in antioxidants boosting immune system, collagen production. It is a shrub that grows in swampy or flooded areas of the Amazon rain forests of Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia. The fruit and leaves are used as a medicine. Camu camu is used for viral infections including herpes, cold sores & shingles, and even the common cold It is also used for eye conditions including cataracts & glaucoma. Other uses include treatment for asthma, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), chronic fatigue, depression, gum disease (gingivitis), headaches and osteoarthritis. Some people use camu camu to increase energy and maintain healthy gums, eyes & skin; and as an antioxidant and immune system stimulant. People eat the fruit as food.

• beetroot,

• red cabbage

• red onions

• cayenne pepper assists in detoxification. It also binds with and enhances absorption of turmeric (curcumin), to act as an anti-inflammatory, that is beneficial for the system as a whole.

In the yellow corner we have:

Lacuma - is known by the local people of Peru as the “Gold of the Incas”, and has been cherished for centuries, both as a staple food source, and a religious offering associated with fertility.  Naturally rich in beta-carotene, iron, zinc, vitamin B3, calcium, and protein. It is also a good source of at least a dozen trace nutrients, antioxidants, and key micronutrients. It can be used as a natural low GI sweetener.

Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) is a perennial plant that grows in the high plateaus of the Andes Mountains in central Peru, where it’s been cultivated as a vegetable crop and traditional medicine for at least 2,000 years. A good source of carbs and protein, is low in fat and contains a fair amount of fiber. It's also high in some essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, copper and iron. Furthermore, it contains various plant compounds, including glucosinolates and polyphenols. Ancient Inca warriors are purported to have used maca, also known as “Peruvian ginseng”, for its ability to increase energy, boost endurance and build physical strength. Since the 20th century, medical scientists have focused their attention on areas where the pharmacological actions of maca show the most promise. These include: - Enhancing human sexual drive. - Increasing overall vigour and energy levels. - Escalating sexual fertility in humans and domestic livestock.

Turmeric (curcumin) has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

However, the curcumin content of turmeric is not that high. It’s around 3%, by weight. If you want to experience the full effects, you need to take a supplement that contains significant amounts of curcumin. Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. It helps to consume black pepper with it, which contains piperine, a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%. The best curcumin supplements contain piperine, substantially increasing their effectiveness. Curcumin is also fat soluble, so it may be a good idea to take it with a fatty meal.

There is a lot of benefit to consuming a meal replacing, superfood-rich, protein based shake as your first food of the day. Lists of these foods exist online and can be incorporated easily into one’s diet, as snacks or meal additions.