Superfoods are foods that are mostly plant-based, although some fish and dairy have been labeled as foods with super nutritional power, thought to be rich in nutrients and therefore good for one's health. Blueberries, salmon, kale and acai are just a few examples of foods that have earned the "superfood" title.
These superfoods have extra-large doses of vitamins and minerals that can help boost our immune system to help our bodies ward off diseases and live a longer, healthier life.
Some of the nutrients that certain superfoods contain include:
• antioxidants believed to help ward off cancer;
• healthy fats, believed to help prevent heart disease;
• fiber, thought to help prevent diabetes and digestive problems; and
• phytochemicals which are chemicals found in plants responsible for their deep colors and smells, which can have numerous health benefits.
We are sharing 3 of our favorite superfoods along with some amazingly delicious recipes because living a healthy lifestyle should never be boring or leave you feeling deprived!
Avocado Chocolate Pudding Pie
Ingredients:
PUDDING
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ripe banana
- pinch of cinnamon
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 3/4 cups of chopped strawberries
- 3/4 cup of chopped bananas
CRUST
- 7 dates
- 1.5 cups of organic oats
- 2 cups of pecans
- 1/3 cup of coconut oil, melted
Directions:
Preheat oven for 350 degrees.
Cut up avocado and remove pit and skin. Add avocado, banana, coconut milk, coca powder, vanilla and cinnamon to mixer. Mix well, and set aside.
Get a 9×9 baking pan. In a blender or food processor, add in coconut oil and pitted dates and pecans. Blend until you get a chunky nut texture. Take mixture out of the blender and put into a mixing bowl. Spoon in oats and stir. Once well-mixed, press mixture into the pan until evenly distributed. Bake in the oven at 375 for around 15 minutes, or until the top of the mixture turns slightly brown. Take out and let cool for 10-15 minutes. Spoon pudding on top of crust, and then top mixture with chopped strawberries and bananas. So tasty!
Serves 6
Fun Fact About Avocado: Did you know that just half of an avocado provides 25% of your recommend intake of vitamin K? Vitamin K helps increase calcium absorption, and is an extremely important nutrient for bone health, and can help with both the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.Â
Orange, Ginger & Soy Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Salmon Fillet
- 1 Cup 100% Orange Juice
- 2 Tblsp Grated Ginger
- 2 Tblsp Soy Sauce or Braggs Liquid Aminos (use liquid aminos for gluten-free)
Directions
Place salmon in large zip lock bag. Add remaining ingredients and seal bag. Place in fridge for 1-8 hours. Remove salmon from bag and grill, broil, bake or pan sear. Pour remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Cook over high heat until reduced by half and slightly thickened. Plate the salmon and pour sauce over it.
Serves 4
Fun Fact About Salmon: Salmon is one of the best sources of omega- 3 fatty acids! Omega- 3 fats are essentials fats which means we have to get them from our diet since our body doesn't naturally create them. Eating at least two servings of salmon per week can help you meet the recommend amount of of omega- 3s.Â
Blueberry Ginger Smoothie
This smoothie truly is fuel for your body. It is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. You will feel energized and satisfied when you take your last sip!
Ingredients:
1.5 cups coconut water
1/2 cup diced frozen zucchini
1/2 avocado
1 tbsp chopped ginger
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 cup frozen blueberries
Directions:
Put in blender and blend for about 1 minute.
Serves 1
Fun Fact About Blueberries: Blueberries are the ultimate antioxidant food! Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage and slow the effects of aging and diseases such as cancer. Blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all fruits and vegetables!