Let’s jump right into this list of five amazing superfoods! Two of my faves are on this list. The 5 we're highlighting this time are:
~Turmeric 🟠
~Matcha Green Tea 🍵
~Dark Chocolate (70%+) 🍫
~Kale 🥗
~Olive Oil 🌿
Superfood #1: Turmeric
Although not tasty on its own (not to me, anyway!), turmeric scores REALLY high on the antioxidant ORAC scale and has been used medicinally by various societies throughout the ages. Particularly popular in India, turmeric is what gives curry 🍛 its gorgeous golden hue. It’s a beautiful AND good-for-you spice! Double win!
Ways To Enjoy
Add a healthy dose to your next curry dish, sprinkle a dash in your tea 🧉 or take it as a supplement 💊 like I do to ensure your daily dose!
Tip: taking turmeric supplements formulated with black pepper enhances their absorption and, thus, their effectiveness.
Health Benefits
Regular consumption of turmeric may:
~reduce inflammation ⤵️
~improve memory 🧩
~decrease risk of heart disease ❤️
~regulate mood 🙂
~lower cancer risk 🙌
Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/turmeric-health-benefits/
Superfood #2: Matcha Green Tea
Matcha green tea 🍵 powder is made from ground up tea leaves 🍃 and, therefore, is more potent than steeped tea leaves. It’s been a ceremonial staple in Japanese 🗾 culture for centuries. And it’s a regular in my breakfast routine, too! Hardly a morning goes by that I don’t enjoy an antioxidant-rich green tea latte at breakfast. With a slightly sweet, grassy 🌿 flavor, it’s not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ (snort, giggle 🤭, chortle!), but I love it!
Ways To Enjoy
Try it in a latte for a morning wake-up call ⏰, add a spoonful to a smoothie or use it to flavor homemade ice cream 🍦! Some powders mix better than others. I like Matcha DNA brand for their smooth mixability factor.
My personal method of latte preparation for the smoothest cup is to fill my mug a quarter to a third of the way with water 💦, add a teaspoon of matcha green tea powder 🟢 and whisk until well blended and frothy. Top off with milk of choice (I’m still stuck on soy!), heat and sweeten to your liking. Then savor every sip! Turn it into a morning mindfulness ritual. Aaaahhhhhhhhh….🍵
My current favorite Matcha Green Tea Powder:
I use this ⬇️ whisk, but a fine metal whisk can work as well:
Health Benefits
Regular consumption of matcha green tea may:
~increase metabolism 🌀
~enhance cognitive function 🧠
~reduce cancer risks ⬇️
~ward off neurodegenerative diseases 🛡️
~reduce oral bacteria 🦷
~lower blood sugar 🔽
~contribute to heart health ❤️
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea#8.-May-help-prevent-cardiovascular-disease
Superfood #3: Dark Chocolate (70%+)
Dark chocolate 🍫. Mmmmmmmmm…..my absolute favorite on this list of 5 powerful foods for healthy aging! From the time of the ancient Mayans up until today, people have been enjoying the pleasure that the cacao bean brings to our palates. Whether ground and enjoyed as a steaming mug of hot cocoa ☕ or crafted into a smooth piece of artisan chocolate, cacao is enjoyed universally. And as a superfood packed with heart-healthy 🤎antioxidants, how could we possibly say no?!
My favorite…
Ways To Enjoy
Eat a square or two of 70%+ dark chocolate all on its own or add some cacao powder into a protein shake. Since this is a rich dessert type of food, be sure to manage your portions! Overindulging may negate the benefits of this superfood and sabotage your health and wellness goals.
Health Benefits
A daily dose of dark chocolate may:
~reduce inflammation ⬇️
~prevent blood clots 🩸
~lower blood pressure ❤️
~improve insulin sensitivity 👍
Source: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-dark-chocolate#1
Superfood #4: Kale
Looking for something green, crunchy and SUPER-DUPER healthy? That’s kale for you 🥬! Kale is a versatile superfood that works well in a variety of recipes. BURSTING with antioxidants, Vitamin K and iron to name just a few of its attributes, it’s no wonder this leafy green has been growing in popularity!
Ways To Enjoy
Throw a large handful into a protein shake or smoothie for an added boost of nutrition, roast in olive oil to make kale chips, toss some in your salad 🥗 or throw a large amount in soup 🍲 in the last few minutes for a boost of greens!
Health Benefits
Regular kale consumption may:
~aid in healthy digestion 👍
~strengthen blood vessels 🩸
~protect against osteoporosis 🦴
~reduce inflammation ⬇️
~support heart health ❤️
~protect against cancer 🛡️
~encourage healthy liver 💚
Source: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4408/Eating-Kale-Top-10-Health-Benefits.html
Superfood #5: Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple in the super-healthy Mediterranean 🌊 diet. If you’re not already using it in your kitchen, it may just be time to start! Look for one labelled ‘Extra Virgin’ for the highest quality, most antioxidant-rich version. If it also shows ‘First Press’ or ‘Cold-Pressed’, even better! The less processing that the oil goes through, the better. Since excessive heat 🔥 causes it to lose much of its nutritional value, it’s best used as a drizzle or in sauces. There are other plant oils with health benefits like avocado oil 🥑 that hold up well to heat that can be used for sautéing or roasting.
Ways To Enjoy
Add Italian herbs 🌿 and spices with a sprinkling of salt 🧂 to a condiment bowl and pour in a small amount of olive oil to use for dipping crusty bread 🥖 . Mix with lemon 🍋 juice, salt and pepper for a bright, healthy salad dressing. Drizzle on fresh sliced tomatoes 🍅 with salt.
Health Benefits
Enjoying olive oil on the regular may:
~support heart health ❤️
~improve brain function 🧠
~strengthen blood vessels 🩸
~protect against diabetes 👍
~reduce cancer risk ⬇️
Source: https://www.webmd.com/diet/olive-oil-health-benefits
So, there you have it! Five MORE delicious superfoods to include in your diet on a regular basis! From healthy fats to decadent treats to morning staples, add more of the rainbow to your diet and reap the benefits!
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