The spring always reminds me of the potential present in natures back pocket to energize, heal, and support the human experience. Even here in Southern Cali (desert land) the colors are vibrant and trees and plants blooming.
Although I believe all whole, unprocessed, clean foods are potent and nutrient filled, every once in a while it is nice to add into the mix a few supporting characters.
The raw food movement labels these items 'SuperFoods', as closer analysis shows these gifts from nature have a higher concentration of life enhancing vitamins and minerals.
Drumroll please...
1. Raw Chocolate (aka cacao): has more antioxidants then red wine, blueberries, acai and goji berries combined. Its full of magnesium improving alkalinity, high in iron, and it contains tryptophan, a mood enhancing nutrient. Keep in mind that raw cacao and raw chocolate bars are not cooked (as opposed to most chocolate bars) and retain more nutrients.
2. Maca Root: A peruvian radish usually ground up as a powder, maca enhances libido, is rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, and silicon (for bone strength). It supports the endocrine system and thyroid in proper hormone production.
3. Bee Pollen: contains all twenty two essential amino acids, increases endurance, improves muscle growth and definition, and is packed with B vitamins to bolster against stress. *It is important to start with a small amount of bee pollen (1/4 tsp), especially if you are allergic to honey be mindful.
4. Spirulina: is a blue-green spiral algae. Contains 65% protein, builds the blood with its high chlorophyl content, and is full of beta-carotene. *This algae is cooling and wet, if you tend to be cool in your body avoid using large amounts especially during winter.
5. Hempseeds: contain all essential amino acids, have brain building and liver supporting lechitin, are high in vitamin E, and contains essential fatty acids to protect the skin from sun exposure. Hempseeds also don't go rancid as quickly as flax seeds but should still be stored in a cool pantry or fridge. Ground them for best results.
6. Sea Vegetables: An amazing and underutilized resource these friends have many tricks up their sleeve. "Kombu can help to dissolve mucus and regulate blood pressure. Hijiki has more calcium than any other sea vegetable, and is high in fiber. Nori contains as much protein as soybeans and dulse is rich in iron and vitamin A. Kelp and arame are great sources of iodine and vitamin C." www.sunfood.com
7. Aloe Vera: Externally it does wonders for the skin as it is packed with vitamins and minerals but internally aloe can support healing of the intestinal tract. The digestive system holds 80% of your immune system. Aloe can help cleanse from the inside out and get everything running again!
Play in the Kitchen
1/4 cup hempseeds
1/2 cup cacao powder
2 tbsp spirulina
2 tbs coconut oil
3 tsp raw honey
1 pinch sea salt
mix, roll into balls, freeze for 15 minutes, enjoy!
Super Smoothie (serves 2)
1 apple
2 cups blueberries
2 bananas
1 tbs raw cacao powder
1 tbs goji berries
1/4 tsp bee pollen
1/4 cup coconut flakes
2 tsp hempseeds
1 tbs maca powder
1 tbs spirulina
blend in a blender and add as much water as needed slowly to make it smooth.
To read up on more super foods visit www.sunfood.com