Blog

It was Hippocrates that said ‘Let food be thy medicine’.  How true!  Especially when it comes to superfoods.

So what are Superfoods? Superfoods are not something new and have been around for centuries, many originating and still growning in the South American Andes.  Superfoods contain exceptionally high concentrations of

and are defined as ‘a food that is considered especially nutritious or otherwise beneficial to health and wellbeing’.  According to raw foodist David Wolfe, ‘they are the most potent, concentrated, nutrient dense foods on the planet’.

Our typical diet these days simply does not provide us with all of the vitamins and minerals that we need for good health.  Our soils are depleted of nutrients, our food is often stored for weeks before we eat it, or so processed that there is very little nutritional value remaining.  Unless you can grow all of your own organic veggies in a highly nutrient rich environment, you will need to supplement your diet with good quality nutritional supplements and/or a variety of superfoods and superherbs.

Before last weekend, I had a very limited understanding of superfoods.  Thanks to Willow and Catherine from Roar! Superfoods, I have discovered that there is so much more to it than raw chocolate and goji berries!

Willow and Catherine are on a mission to educate Perth and beyond on the powers of the mighty cacao bean and other superfoods and superherbs such as spirulina, maca and holy basil.  Their passion, enthusiasm and energy is enough to keep even the most  sceptical on the edge of their seat wanting to find out the secret to good health, longevity and a lot of get-up-and-go!

During their three hour Superfood Elexir workshop at Loose Produce in South Perth last weekend, we learned about the benefits of superfoods and superherbs and how to make ‘Coco Bebida por la Vida’ (chocolate drink for life) and a Roar! Green Smoothie, which are both quick and easy to make, taste divine and are packed with nutritional goodness.

To boost your energy levels and your immune system, you may want to incorporate some of the following superfoods into your diet. Most good health food or organic shops will stock these products and many of them can also be obtained from

or

.

• Raw Cacao: that’s right, chocolate is indeed considered a superfood, and rightly so considering it is the most antioxidant rich food known to man! But to be considered a superfood, is has to be in its raw form (click here to learn more about raw chocolate).
• Chia Seeds: have been around for at least 3000 years and were an important part of the Mayan and Aztec diets.  It is the highest plant based source of Omega 3, important for healthy heart and brain function and has more than twice the calcium of milk.
• Goji Berries enhance stamina, strength and sexual energy  and are very high in antioxidants.  Goji berries are also belived to protect the liver, help eyesight, improve circulation and promote longevity.
• Maca Root enhances strength, stamina, endurance, focus and libido and promotes good mood.
•   Acai berries are also very high in antioxidants, amino acids and are rich in vitamins and minerals.  Acai has been shown to reduce cholesterol, boost the immune system, boost energy and endurance, enhance nerve and brain function, promote a healthy cardiovascular system, promote healthy skin and aid digestion.
• Spirulina is a primitive algae and is rich in a wide array of nutrients and anti-oxidants.  It has been shown to improve brain function, memory and strengthen the immune system.

Other superfoods include raw honey, coconut, green leafy vegetables, quinoa and sprouts.

Superherbs include Ashwaganda (great for energy, strength and stamina); Shilajit (for its high levels of trace minerals and absorption properties) and holy basil (good for reducing stress and boosting the immune system).

The simplest way to incorporate these superfoods and superherbs into your diet is to add small amounts to your favourite smoothie.  Here is a great Roar! Superfoods smoothie recipe:

Recipe for a Simple Superfood Smoothie

1l of nutmilk (blend 1 cup of soaked almonds and hazelnuts and one handful of soaked gogi berries with four cups of water then strain)
½ cup raw cocao powder
1 tbsp maca powder
1tsp vanilla powder
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ cup dark raw agave syrup

Blend ingredients together and serve

Further product information and details for future workshops can be found at

.

also have a great range of superfoods and other healthy produce.

This information is not intended as medical advice. Everyone should make their own health care decisions, with advice from qualified professionals.

Scoop Magazine Spring 2011