We’ve all heard the saying “You are what you eat” – well it’s true! What we eat becomes who we are…it becomes our skin, hair, muscles, bones and organs. Not only that, but the foods we eat directly influence our moods, emotions and our ability to deal with stress and disease. Knowing these simple truths, it makes total sense that what we choose to put into our bodies is packed with as much nutrition as possible.
So what are “Super Foods” and how can they help with anti ageing? Super foods are extremely powerful and potent sources of vitamins, minerals, proteins, anti oxidants (known to neutralize free radicals and help reduce oxidation damage), anti-inflammatories, enzymes, essential amino and fatty acids, polysaccharides and other nutrients that have vast healing potential.
Super foods are fast becoming the medicine of the future. They deeply nourish our bodies, keep skin glowing and vibrant and help to combat disease by aiding and boosting the immune system. They assist in weight loss, as well as fight those dreaded signs of aging and keep our bodies naturally energized. No need for handfuls of vitamins every day!
These “new” super foods are not really new, they have been around since ancient times, used by many indigenous people across the planet. They are found from the rainforests of the Amazon to the outback ofAustraliato theHimalayasand other far-flung locations. Thankfully for us, they are now becoming readily available in supermarkets and health food stores.
Here are some favourite super foods you can add into your daily diet:
- Acai (asi ee) – a small purple berry from the rainforests ofBrazil
- Camu Camu is a berry native to the Amazon rainforest ofPeruandBrazil.
- Goji berries originate from theHimalayas
- Maca is ground from a root cultivated in The Andes of Peru.
- Chia seeds date back to the Mayans and Aztecs who consumed them before battle for strength and stamina
- Quinoa (keen wa) is a grain native toSouth America.
- Amaranth grain – loved by the Aztecs and Incas loved this grain as a source of strength and sustenance.
- Cocoa nuts are also super food; originating fromCentral Americaand now the base for chocolate.
- Coconut, know to the Pacific Islanders as the ‘Tree of Life’.
- Blueberries – we all love their delicious taste and high antioxidant content.
Remember to always try and buy organically grown produce as this will guarantee that you’re getting all the nutritional benefits from your food and not poisons from toxic pesticides or genetically modified foods.
Guest Post – Article written by Susie Mooratoff co author of “The Superfood Heroes”
For delicious recipes visit www.thesuperfoodheroes.com
