Superfoods are highly nutritional foods, so high you often only need to consume small amounts of them for the healthy results to kick in. The term ‘superfood’ is only a marketing term, since there are many kinds of food with some nutritional value, but these foods in particular are dense with nutrients and other health benefits. You might even find them in your ThirdLeaf NW deliveries!
Superfoods can add protein, help with digestion, provide antioxidants, and contribute so many more advantages for overall wellness. And what better way to introduce some of these superfoods into your diet than by sneaking them into a smoothie!
Seeds are a common superfood that can often be found in smoothies or smoothie bowls. Hemp seeds are full of protein which will help keep you full longer. They are also rich with omega-3 fatty acids, which are proven to support heart and brain health. Chia seeds offer similar benefits while also providing fiber. Though, if you are looking to add lots of fiber into your diet, we recommend flaxseeds. Try eating ground flaxseeds over whole ones since they are easier to digest.
For the fruit-lovers of the world, berries are your best friends with an abundance of nutrients and antioxidants. If you’ve ever bought a smoothie bowl at the beach, there’s a good chance the base of the smoothie was made with acai. Acai berries are packed with antioxidants. It also has one of the highest ORAC scores, meaning it’s a great tool to prevent oxidation and fight disease-causing free radicals. Another berry to check out is the goji berry. Not only will goji berries add some sweetness to your smoothie, but they are also known to promote eye health. Who needs carrots when you have goji berries?
If you thought bees only give us honey, think again! Bee pollen is full of amino acids, vitamins, lipids, and over 250 active substances. Similarly, cacao nibs, small pieces of the cacao bean that gives us chocolate, are a great way to top off a smoothie with a chocolate-crunch. Cacao nibs have plant compounds which relay numerous health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties and can boost the immune system. These superfoods might sound a bit unusual, but we promise they are extraordinary for your overall health and wellness.