There certainly is a load of propaganda around what is or isn’t a ‘superfood’.  Speculation abounds as to whether they meet the hype or are just another marketing ploy.

To unmask this obscured area, let me explain.

A superfood is, in fact..

..the most nutritionally dense quality of food in the smallest amount of quantity.

Superfoods go beyond being nutritionally dense; they help remineralise our tissues and immediately nourish our bodies.  With time, superfoods correct imbalances in our bodies and assist us to move toward homeostasis. Believe me, this is a desired zone, where our system is balanced.  Consuming these powerful foods primes our bodies for health my easing our efforts to detoxify, achieve our ideal weight, and transition to more healthful diet and food habits.

Superfoods can help us to maintain a healthy weight, get all the protein we could ever need, improve our immune system and nutritionally saturate our bodies with super nutrients. So, are they worthy of the hype? Yes!

16 Superfoods to add into your daily diet:

1. Maca – Contains 17 amino acids.  Say what?  Basically, a food that contains all 9 (and 10 in some research) essential amino acids is considered a complete protein.  Maca signs off on them all – and then some!  It’s a root vegetable from Peru that, once in power form, goes great in a smoothie.  Excellent for fertility, hormone balance, energy and stamina.
2. Lucuma – Loaded with carbs, fibre, vitamins and minerals.  This adds a subtle caramel flavour and creamier consistency to smoothies.
3. Mesquite – Another awesome addition in smoothies with a nutty flavour.  Mesquite is low in GI and high in all-important minerals.
   

   Super foods – Maca, Chia, Spirulina, Lucuma

4. Sea Vegetables – It’s all about minerals and sea vegies are filled with them!  Minerals are a must and, nori, dulse, kelp, and irish moss deliver.  Hello long locks and glowing skin!
5. Chia seeds – Make these seeds a staple in your diet and you skin, hair, mood and brain will reward you for it.  They have everything your body love – super high levels of calcium, protein and, omega 3.  They are also an adaptogen meaning they draw the toxins out of your body.  Winning.
6. Cacao – Off the Richter scale levels of antioxidants and magnesium.  Cacao beans, cacao nibs, cacao powder and cacao butter are the absolute shiz.  Raw chocolate is full of total bliss nutrients that our bodies thrive on.  YES!
   

   Cacao Powder

7. Goji berries – These little bullets of sweetness have been used for over 5,000 years in Chinese medicine.  Higher-than-a-kite levels of antioxidants and protein and more than 20 vitamins and minerals.  The goji berry is a complete protein.  Get them!
   

   Goji Berries

8. Camu Camu – Has the highest botanical grade vitamin C on the planet!  This superfood gives immense support and fortitude to your immune system.  Vitamin C is essential in any anti-aging plan as it’s an antioxidant that stops free radical movement.
9. Coconut oil – In fact, coconut everything!  – Lauric acid is the superstar is coconut oil.  It has anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities.  It’s incredibly versatile and can be used, not only when cooking, but in smoothies, teas, raw desserts and topically to nourish the skin.  It is a dietary staple.  I use it as spread for my toast.  You must try it.  Sooooo delish!
10. Flax seeds – So tiny yet so powerful.  Best source of omega fatty acids and fibre.  Basically, flax seeds will help soften your skin, boost your brain function and, lubricate your joints.  Love them.
11. Spirulina – Green is gold, remember.  Especially the green from pond algae.  (Stay with me here!)  Spirulina has been brewing on this planet for thousands of years.  Think about that!  The quality of nutrition it holds is rich and abundant.  It has incredibly high levels of protein and essential fatty acids.  This beautiful blue green algae is an outstanding source of pure nourishment on every level.
12. Hemp seeds – The best source of bioavailable protein ever.  In fact, a massive 33% of hemp seed is pure protein!  High in iron, vitamin E and good fats.  The best addition to your diet.  Throw a tablespoon into vegetable soup for more nutritional oomph.
13. Bee pollen – This is the most complete food found in nature.  It is an incredible source of protein, essential fatty acid and contains nearly all the B vitamins.  Bee pollen is a high-end fodder and really easy to add into your daily eats.  I love two tablespoons in coconut yoghurt.
    

    Bee Pollen

14. Raw honey – Nature’s top source of living enzymes.  It is anti-fungal and anti-viral, a top source of longevity food and, quite honestly, liquid gold.
15. Chlorophyll – A neutraliser of toxins, and a healer of inflammation and wounds, rich in nutrients and protein.  It’s good practice to add this powder to your water or juice.
    

    Green Juice with Chlorella powder

16. Marine phytoplankton – These guys are the lowest on the food chain and therefore, a cleaner source of omega 3 than their predators (that is: krill and fish).  Marine phytoplankton are a pure source of living food.  David Wolfe, superfood nutrition expert and author of Superfoods, describes marine phytoplankton as the number one food on the planet.