1. Spirulina is a blue-green algae that no emerald green cocktail can do without. It is also called a natural multivitamin, and it definitely is. After all, it contains 80% of the daily requirement of vitamin A and iron. But this is not the most important thing either. Spirulina is a complete protein, it contains about 60% protein containing all (including essential) amino acids. This quality makes spirulina an important part of the diet of vegan athletes. Spirulina has a strongly pronounced “swampy” smell and taste, so it is convenient to add it to smoothies, energy bars made from dried fruits and nuts to mask it.
There is a lot of debate among scientists about whether spirulina contains the notorious vitamin B12. To date, there is no exact answer to this question, however, even if this vitamin is not in spirulina, this does not negate the general super-usefulness of this product.
2. Goji Berries – Oh, this ubiquitous advertising! Remember how last summer the entire Internet was full of inscriptions like “Lose weight with goji berries”? The effect of weight loss from these berries is still not scientifically proven, but this berry has a lot of other useful properties. Firstly, it holds the record for the content of vitamin C – there it is 400 times more than in citrus fruits. And these small berries contain more than 21 minerals, vitamins A, E, group B and iron. Goji is a real energy drink, improves brain function and perfectly increases efficiency.
3. Chia seeds – a champion in calcium content – they contain 5 times more of it than in milk. You can’t help but love chia seeds for their incredible content of brain-friendly omega-3 and omega-6 acids, zinc, iron, protein and antioxidants. Due to the fact that chia seeds, when interacting with liquid, can increase in size several times, they are very convenient to use in pudding recipes, add to smoothies and cereals. They are almost tasteless and easily go with almost any dish.
4. Acai berries – most often sold in powder form, in this form they are most convenient to add to smoothies. They are high in antioxidants and healthy fats. Acai powder is a true multi-vitamin blend that supports the immune system, skin health, and even prevents aging.
5. Chlorella – unicellular algae, rich in chlorophyll and magnesium. As you know, chlorophyll well raises the immune system and increases hemoglobin. It is an excellent adsorbent and helps cleanse the skin, intestines and other organs from toxins. In addition, chlorella is a complete source of protein. Normalizes blood glucose, strengthens the immune system and facilitates digestion. Ideal as an addition to smoothies.
6. Flax seeds – our Russian superfood, which contains a huge amount of omega-3, omega-6 and alpha-linoleic acid. Flax seeds also contain estrogen-like substances – lignans, which are able to normalize the functioning of the hormonal system. Eating flax seeds is the prevention of breast cancer, stabilizes blood cholesterol levels, improves joint mobility and cardiovascular health. Flax seeds are known for their enveloping properties and can be added to cereals, smoothies and salads. And a mixture of 1 tbsp. l. flaxseeds and 3 tbsp. water is considered a vegetarian substitute for eggs in baked goods.
7. Hemp seeds – almost an analogue of flax seeds, but they contain more omega-3 and omega-6 than any other nuts and seeds. Hemp seeds contain over 10 amino acids, vitamin E, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc. They are an indispensable tool for the prevention of anemia, strengthening the immune system and maintaining the overall tone of the body.
8. Lucuma is a superfood fruit, and at the same time a versatile, healthy and natural sweetener with a creamy taste. Lucuma powder is used in smoothies, fruit salads, banana ice cream, and other desserts. Turkish delight is high in fiber, vitamins, especially beta-carotene, iron, and niacin (vitamin B3).
9. Nutritional yeast – a food supplement that vegans cannot do without. This is almost the only source of vitamin B12, if we do not talk about animal products. In addition, nutritional yeast contains glutathione, which helps to easily detox the body, maintain normal blood sugar levels, increase immunity due to the content of beta-glucan, and are indispensable in the diet of vegan athletes, because contain BCAAs and also contain prebiotics for gut health. Nutritional yeast has a cheesy flavor, so you can make a delicious vegan Caesar with it or sprinkle it on baked vegetables.
10. Vitagrass – an unprecedented alkalizing and detoxifying supplement from young shoots of wheat. Vitagrass is used to make one of the most useful drinks in the world, which cleanses the circulatory and lymphatic systems and all organs from the inside. It is a unique stimulant of the hormonal system, is a concentrate of greens, removes toxins, normalizes the acid-base balance of the body, and is actively used in “antia-age” diets. It contains over 90 minerals, vitamins A, B, C and natural chlorophyll.
11. Green buckwheat – another domestic superfood. Live green buckwheat contains a lot of protein and iron, which makes it almost indispensable in the diet of people prone to anemia. Sprouted green buckwheat is even more useful, it is full of vitamins, minerals and saturated with the life-giving power of sprouts. It can be used to make a delicious buckwheat “curd” or add to smoothies and salads.
12. Trouble – Aztec superfood with a sharp-spicy-bitter taste, reminiscent of our radish. A strong adaptogen, an immunostimulant that stabilizes the state of the immune and genitourinary systems, increases libido, increases endurance and enhances the body’s defenses. Maca is often used for hormonal imbalances (PMS and menopause). Maca powder can be added to fruit smoothies without sacrificing flavor.
13. To whom – berries similar to our gooseberries, record holders for the content of vitamin C (they contain 30-60 times more of it than citrus fruits). Berries contain many micronutrients, including iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and an almost complete set of amino acids. Camu camu supports the nervous and cardiovascular systems, helps detoxify the liver, and even helps prevent neurodegenerative disorders and Alzheimer’s disease. By the way, camu camu tastes bitter, so you can use them only as part of a smoothie made from sweet fruits.
Superfoods are not a panacea, and you can do without them. On the other hand, by adding them to your daily diet, you can significantly enrich it with vitamins and minerals, improve your health, prevent many diseases and cleanse your body of toxins.