WTF is in my smoothie – A Superfood Breakdown
Sometimes it can be so overwhelming. You know they’re good for you, but maybe don’t know exactly why. So you’re trying to add a bit of this to your smoothie here, and that to your cereal there…. Are you overdoing it? Do you need them?
We are lucky to now have access to so much information about health – And easy access to so many health products. Before you go adding an abundance of seeds and powders to your smoothie, I’m going to give you a quick breakdown on the most popular superfoods that you probably see and/or use on a regular basis.
Chia Seeds
I’ll start with chia seeds since they’re probably the most common AND super easy to incorporate into your diet. Here’s what they can do for you:
- They’re LOADED with antioxidants
- High in protein (about 14%) and omega-3 fatty acids
- Almost all carbs in them are fiber
- Because they are high in calcium, magnesium, protein, and phosphorus – They are great for bone health
- Can lower blood pressure
Like I said, they’re easy to add to your diet. Throw them in your smoothies, breakfast cereal and oatmeal, on top of yoghurt, into your baking… easy peasy. And virtually tasteless. You won’t even know they’re there.
(And stay tuned because I have a little chia recipe I’m working on for you guys 🙂 )
Flax Seeds
Like chia, you can add flax to your smoothies, baking, cereal, and yoghurt or anything else you like. Another easy one to incorporate!
- High in fiber, yet low in carbs
- High in omega-3
- Contain ALA fats which provide essiental fats and b-vitamins to improve the health of skin and hair. – Improve acne, rosacea and eczema
- Improve dry eyes
- High in antioxidants
- Improves digestive health
- Helps to naturally balance hormones
You can also buy flax seed OIL (you know I love oils!) to use as a moisturizer
Hemp Seeds
- 35-50% protein
- Include all essential amino acids needed by the body
- High in both omega 3’s and 6’s
- Contain GLA and magnesium for healthy skin, hair, and bones
Again, you can mix into cereal and granola on your yoghurt. I like to sprinkle a teaspoon into my smoothies
Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is something I’ve been really trying to incorporate into my diet lately. I throw it in my smoothies mostly. It’s great for SO many things:
- Contains high antioxidant levels
- Helps you to bounce back faster after exercise
- Helps those suffering from allergies by lowering histamine production
- Contains enzymes helpful for neurological and digestive functions
- Great for skin and anti-aging (Yes, Please!!)
- Helps those with anemia (another big YES)
Seriously, adding bee pollen to your snack or smoothie gives you a great little boost.
Spirulina
And now for the powders. You may have seen these next too added to green juices… that’s when I first started spotting them. Spirulina has an overpowering taste for sure, so I’m still working on a smoothie recipe for you guys that I think you’ll really love. Here’s why you should be adding it to your diet:
- Has the highest total protein content in the plant world ( average of 60%)
- Helps to give a little energy boost
- Alleviates sinus issues
- Lowers blood pressure
- Detoxes heavy metals and eliminates candida
- Can help to prevent developing cancers and chronic illnesses
- Is high in antioxidants, phytonutrients, and iron (for those of you who are even slightly anemic…so…most girls!)
Chlorella
- Slows the aging process (Another big big yes!)
- Detoxifies and removes heavy metals from the bloodstream and body
- Boosts immune system (can’t we all use a little of that?)
- Improves digestion
- Enhances ability to focus
- Increases energy levels
- Detoxifies radiation and chemotherapy
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I hope this wasn’t too school-presentation-y. I just wanted to keep things easy to read and break down for you. I hope this helps anyone trying to decipher the difference between all the seeds and figure out which ones you can really benefit from for your body type!
Just a sidenote…obviously… not a doctor here. If you have any health concerns… talk to your doctor before getting carried away with all the superfoods. I am a huge believer in trying to get what you need from food and your diet before taking anything medicinal.
There are so many powerful “superfoods: out there. Like I said, these are just a few of the most common right now.
XOXO