Superfoods

What are they and do we need them?

These food supplements, are good in addition to an already healthy diet, however taking them is not vital. They are nutrient rich foods that are beneficial to our well-being. They are a great way to detox and cleanse your body at the start of the day.

Barley Grass

This particular cereal grass has been found to be one of the most nutritionally balanced foods in nature. The barley grass juice, contains a rich assortment of vitamins (B,C,E and K). It also has high levels in copper, potassium, manganese, calcium, iron and zinc. It is been used to help with certain conditions such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, anaemia, blood clots and obesity. As we can see from its very intense green colour, barley grass has a very high level of chlorophyll which helps in rebuilding red blood cells. By helping to carry more oxygen around the body, it helps in reducing stress to the system. The chlorophyll also helps to detox the body from the pollutants such as car fumes and cigarette smoke that we breathe in on a daily basis.

TO TAKE: Stir a teaspoon of barley grass powder into your morning porridge or smoothie.

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and all 9 essential amino acids. All the vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are needed to support human life are found in this cereal grass, which makes it a complete food in itself. One could simply survive off wheatgrass and need nothing more. Amongst its many benefits are: reducing blood pressure, facilitating better digestion, improving skin conditions and aiding in the regulation of blood sugar disorders.

TO TAKE: Start by stiring 2 teaspoons into your daily recipes, gradually increasing to a tablespoon a day. Wheatgrass is very alkaline so do not consume it with acidic juices such as orange, pineapple etc.

Spirulina

Leave meat off your plate and eat spirulina instead. With a 64% protein content, it is one of the highest forms of digestible protein available. It is also a natural source of vitamins B12, C and E. It also has essential fatty acids that we cannot synthesise but must be obtained through our diet. Once again, the chlorophyll present in the spirulina helps the body to create red blood cells. Research into spirulina shows that immune defence cells increase in number and become more effective in defending the body against viruses and bacteria.

TO TAKE: 1-2 teaspoons daily in a smoothie, or diluted in water.

Kelp

Kelp is usually taken for its iodine content which is needed for healthy thyroid action which in turn makes sure our hair, nails, skin and teeth remain healthy and intact. The thyroid gland is important because it regulates the production of energy and stimulates the metabolic rate which helps the body burn excess fat. People who have a sluggish metabolism are advised to take this to assist the process.

TO TAKE: 1/4 teaspoon 1-3 times daily ( preferably with a meal).

Chlorella

Chlorella is an algae that grows in fresh water and is mainly used to boost the immune system, reducing the chances of infection. Chlorella is best known for preventing the spread of cancerous cells and protects against the effects of radiotherapy treatment because it provides most of the amino acids needed by the body to repair cells. It is high in fibre which aids intestinal health and carotenoids which play a role in lowering the cholesterol.

TO TAKE: It can be taken in a powder or tablet form. 1/4 teaspoon a day for people with a sensitive stomach, due to its high fibre content. If your stomach is not as sensitive, 1/2 teaspoon should suffice. To be taken with food.

Hemp

Hemp seeds are one of the most concentrated sources of amino acids and essential fatty acids that are available in the plant kingdom. Containing all 10 essential amino acids, hemp seed is comprised of 65% protein that is very compatible with our digestive system. Hemp seeds are also a very rich source of omega-6 and omega-6 (most people normally take fish oil tablets) and these have been recognised to memory and brain cells.

TO TAKE: The seeds can be put into stews and salads and wraps etc. They are slightly hard, however if you put them into a dish and bake them for 10 minutes at 180* they go from hard to crunchy and their taste becomes more prominent.

Cacao Nibs

Cacao beans are the raw ingredient that chocolate is made from. Raw cacao is about 4000% higher in antioxidants then blueberries. They contain dopamine, histamine, serotonin ( anti-stress neurotransmitter) and tryptophan (anti-depressant amino acid). The extremely high magnesium present in cacao nibs, lower blood pressure (this can help with mood swings) and help the blood pump more effectively.

TO TAKE: Eat just by themselves or with a fruit and nut mix on cereals, on salads, or in cake recipes.