Every day, more is being discovered about the importance of including quality, natural health foods into your diet on a daily basis. This post is going to specifically focus on those ‘superfoods’ that are so hot in the media right now. ‘Superfoods’ provide us with unique properties to enhance health, wellbeing and overall quality of life. It is becoming apparent that these whole superfoods and their super-nutrient qualities may be of greater benefit to overall health than simple supplementation with individual extracts. Let’s have a look at the benefits of some of those weird and whacky superfoods…

Bee Pollen

Made by honeybees as the food of the young bee, bee pollen is considered one of nature’s most completely nourishing foods as it contains nearly all nutrients required by humans. Its star quality is that it is richer in protein than any animal source (made up of approximately 40% protein). It also contains more amino acids than beef, eggs or chees of equal weight. Bee pollen can be considered a natural energy booster that is rich in antioxidants and supports immune, cardiovascular and digestive health.

Camu Camu

This fruit grows in the river deltas of the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. It is the highest documented source of natural vitamin C in the plant kingdom! Camu Camu also contains significant amounts of important amino acids and minerals for health. The abundance of nutrients found in Camu Camu are what makes it a powerful superfood and a great natural way to boost your immunity and support your wellbeing!

Lucuma

Lucuma is a Peruvian superfruit that is an ancient symbol of fertility and creation. Naturally sweet with a low GI (meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar levels), lucuma is an ideal natural sweetener for diabetics and those wishing to limit their overall sugar intake.

Maca

Sometimes coined the ‘Peruvian ginseng’, maca is a Peruvian root vegetable that has been used by the Inca tribes for centuries to boost energy, mood and libido. Traditionally eaten cooked or dried, it is readily available in powdered form to add to your daily juice or smoothie. Rich in all essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, maca is also being researched for its benefits in hormone regulation, as it is believed to boost libido and fertility, minimise stress, and even have an anti-depressant effect.

Mangosteen

The key ingredients of Mangosteen are Xanthones and Mangostins, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The unique combination of vitamins and minerals found in Mangosteen are specifically important for supporting healthy and clear skin, in particular for those skin-types prone to breakouts. In addition, Mangosteen may support joint function and cardiovascular health, as well as the body’s natural defence against infection.

Mesquite

Mesquite is a leguminous bean that was used by people living in the deserts of northern Mexico as a high-nutrient staple food. Nowadays, mesquite is most commonly used as an alternative to flour in baking and everyday recipes. Mesquite is low GI and provides long-lasting energy, as well as high levels of bioavailable protein, vitamins and minerals. It would be recommended for those wanting high quality energy food as a pre-workout option, or specifically as an addition to the diet of an athlete.

Moringa

This Himalayan superfood is a powerhouse of nutrients that comes from one of nature’s most nutritious trees, known as the “Miracle Tree”. Moringa contains all the essential amino acids required for a healthy body. Moringa leaves contain more than 90 nutrients and 46 different antioxidants, with high concentrations of important vitamins and minerals. This combination of health-boosting nutrients supports optimal energy levels and alkalinity in the body. Moringa is best used as a natural energy booster that will provide a slow and sustained energy release.

Spirulina

Spirulina is, in fact, a blue-green algae that grows in natural alkaline lakes around the world, and was traditionally used as a rich protein source by ancient Aztec and African populations. One of the originals, spirulina still remains a powerful blend of vitamins and minerals that together boost energy, assist detoxing in the body, and may help ward off serious health ailments. Specifically, spirulina is a rich source of protein, chlorophyll, B-vitamins, essential fatty acids and plenty of minerals.

All of these amazing superfoods are simple to add into your daily diet to boost your health. Try them out with your daily smoothie or fruit bowl for added flavour and awesome health benefits!