I used to think superfoods weren’t all that. Then I got a hold of the book Superfood Smoothies by Julie Morris, and I totally changed my mind. Superfoods are AWESOME!
Superfoods are defined as foods that contain multiple beneficial properties—many of them a dozen or more. In fact, you probably already eat some superfoods; several of them have become integrated into cooking culture, and if you’ve been following the meal plans, you’ve already been eating two: coconut and honey.
David Wolfe, a natural health and food expert who was one of the speakers at the integrative nutrition program I graduated from, has made superfoods his passion and traveled the world to try and learn about them. In his Superfoods book, he lists coconut products and bee products as superfoods for the following reasons:
- Raw honey contains antioxidants, probiotics, and minerals, not mention healing properties related to digestion and wounds, and antibiotic properties for a variety of conditions.
- Coconuts and coconut products contain multiple benefts. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties, meaning that it is an effective antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agent both internally and externally. It aids and soothes digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and improve absorption of important minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Coconut water is super hydrating, supports and defends the kidneys from UTIs and urethral stones, and can even soothe skin irritations and rashes when applied topically.
One of the main reasons I like superfoods is that they make a much better breakfast smoothie. I was never one to find smoothies satisfying as a whole meal until I added superfoods. All of a sudden they were not only filling but energizing and, oddly enough, emotionally satisfying as well.
Jumping into superfoods can be expensive, though, so just like spices, we’re going to be building our superfood pantry one to two ingredients per month with this series, just like we’re doing with the meal plans.
I’ve started with two of the most common, inexpensive superfoods (other than coconut and honey): camu powder and mulberries.
- Camu powder comes from the camu berry, which is one of the highest sources of vitamin C found in nature, making it a strengthener to the immune system and a beautifying superfood.
- Mulberries contain high amounts of resveratrol, the antioxidant found in grapes and red wine. They are also a great source of fiber.
Try this Strawberry Orange Superfood Smoothie, which contains superfoods to boost its nutrient content and leave you feeling satisfied longer.
Strawberry Orange Superfood Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup orange juice from about 3 oranges
- 1 cup coconut water
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 4 Tbsp ground flax seeds
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 ice cubes
Optional superfoods:
- 1 tsp camu powder
- 1/4 cup white Turkish mulberries
Instructions
- Juice oranges and pour into blender along with coconut water. Add remaining ingredients and blend until combined.