There’s always a new kid on the block when it comes to the latest super food but what about the power foods? Those staples that just are so wonderful they should feature in all of our diets? Well not to worry! I have compiled my top ten list and I’m ready to share it with you.
1) Quinoa
Pronounced “keen-wha” this amazing little grain is a complete protein that is wheat free and great for those with gluten intolerances. You must rinse this thoroughly first before cooking to avoid any stomach upsets. The ancient Incas referred to quinoa as “the Mother of all grains” and it is believed to be sacred for good reason. It is packed full of fibre, minerals and is high in protein. It’s low GI, high in magnesium and can be eaten sweet or savoury.
I like to cook quinoa with a touch of freshly juiced apple juice and blueberries for a sweet breakfast alternative that will fill you right up until lunch.
2) Goji Berries
The most nutritionally dense food on Earth, Goji berries are held in high regard by the Chinese and have been used for thousands of years as both a culinary ingredient and for medicinal purposes.
Goji berries are unique amongst the fruit family as they contain all the essential amino acids. They also have the highest concentration of protein in any fruit. They are loaded with Vitamin C, have more carotenoids than any other food and are high in fibre. Goji berries have 15 times more iron found in spinach. They are anti-flammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial. A real power food!
Add goji berries into your trail mix and keep in your handbag for an easy on-the-go snack.
3) Ginger
Did you know that ginger helps with muscle pain? So if you’ve had a tough B-Fit session or your back is playing up, juice a little of this wonder stuff with apples and knock back for some natural relief.
Ginger is said to help those with asthma, relieve stomach upsets including nausea, bloating and painful gas. It can be used to reduce pain during the menstrual cycle and aid those who suffer from migraines.
So before you reach for the paracetamol, consider juicing some ginger first.
4) Bananas
Cheap, cheerful, colourful, portable and easy to eat on the go. The humble banana is a real power food that we should all be eating. Ignore all the rubbish that pops up on the internet saying you shouldn’t eat them. You should! Packed with potassium, bananas are just as effective as sports drinks at keeping your electrolytes balanced.
Bananas are packed with pectin which helps aid digestion, also removing toxins and heavy metal during the digestion process. They act as a prebiotic, stimulating healthy bacteria in the gut and produce digestive enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients.
Bananas are a natural antacid providing relief from acid reflux and heartburn. They’re also the only raw fruit that can be eaten by stomach ulcer sufferers without causing pain.
5) Cherries
Cherries contain cancer-preventative compounds, lower the risk of a stroke, gout, and contain antioxidants superior to Vitamin E including anthocyanins and cyanidin.
Cherries help lower levels of uric acid in the body and also bring pain relief to those suffering from arthritis. Talking of pain relief, cherries also help relieve muscular pains.
6) Turmeric
You don’t just need to use this in curry, this herb is fantastic as an anti-inflammatory.
Studies have shown that turmeric may help ward off dementia and reduce your risk of cancer.
It also helps ward off colds and flu (juice a lemon and some ginger, gently warm in a pain, not boil, and add turmeric for a natural cold and flu relief drink).
7) Eggs
Tasty and healthy, ignore all the scaremongering about too many eggs. They’re high in protein and contain an abundance of the amino acids leucine which jump starts muscle repair.
Eggs aid the HDL levels which is the good cholesterol levels. People with higher levels of HDL have a lower risk of stroke and heart disease.
Eggs also contain choline which is a nutrient grouped with the B vitamins. It is used by the body to build cell membranes and has a role in producing signalling molecules in the brain.
Many of us don’t get enough protein in our diets which is essential for our health. Protein rich foods keep us fuller for longer and help us achieve those tight abs and toned glutes!
One thing I recommend is the Nature’s Sunshine Pea Protein Powder. Add it to your smoothies or drink post workout for a great recovery. It also helps with muscle soreness!
Pea Protein Plus is a great tasting, vegetable protein drink mix that provides a superb nutritious blend and boasts a brilliant nutritional profile, in a fantastic low carbohydrate combination that is free from dairy, gluten and lactose.
9) Salmon or Tuna
Oily fish is packed with essential omega nutrients. Buy organic, line caught fish not farmed to ensure the highest quality of nutrients.
Fish is fantastic for a variety of reasons and the high protein content will help strengthen and build muscles.
And when talking about tuna being a power food, I mean the fresh whole tuna steaks, not the tinned stuff!
10) Coconut
Coconut is a real power food. Use coconut oil in place of sunflower, vegetable or olive oil for cooking as it can handle much higher temperatures.
Coconut oil is said to help fat loss and fresh coconut can be eaten as a snack or part of a curry or healthy salad.
Don’t forget that coconut oil also is wonderful for face, body and hair plus it’s antibacterial properties will treat a number of ailments.
How many of these power foods feature in your diet?