Superfood Combinations
The term superfood has become a popular way to refer to nutritional powerhouses that have been shown to provide us with an array of antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids.
Whether you want more energy, better immunity, weight management or to assist with digestive function, taking a superfood may help. They’re a great way to introduce more varied nutrition into you diet and they also help increase your intake of brightly coloured immune boosters.
When you mix superfoods together you can further increase the concentration of nutrients.
Here are five of the best superfood combinations that I recommend for wellness:
Detox / Ph Balancing
WHAT: Chlorella, Wheat Grass, Barley Grass and Spirulina
WHY: Clean and alkalise the system with these four super greens.
HOW: You only need to add a quarter to half of a teaspoon of each to water or fresh juice to create a Ph-balancing nutritional cocktail that will help to alkalise your system.
So if you’ve been overdoing it on coffee, sweets or animal products, or if you’re under extreme stress then this superfood combination is for you as it will help to combat a system that is overly acidic.
The key to these superfoods is their deep green colour – the high levels of chloropyll also help the body with optimum digestion and elimination – plus they provide a natural energy boost. They’re also naturally rich in both iron and magnesium so also help the body with energy production and nervous system support.
Digestive Function, Gut Health & Satiety
WHAT: Spirulina and Chia Seeds
WHY: They are both high in omega 3 fatty acids so they help with healthy hair, skin and nails and cognition – and they also help balance blood sugar which means they help keep cravings at bay.
HOW: Add a teaspoon of chia seeds and one of spirulina to a smoothie in the morning to help with satiety and to help to kick start your metabolism.
Chia seeds swell slightly when added to liquid which helps you feel fuller for longer – the fact that these seeds swell also contributes to better digestive function and to improved elimination and natural cleansing. If digestion is improved, liver function is improved, and with improved liver function comes improved fat metabolism.
The addition of spirulina to any smoothie also assists with satiety. spirulina also promotes healthy digestion which in turn assists with optimum fat metabolism – they also provide a natural energy boost.
Energy
WHAT: Spirulina, Maca and Wheat Grass
WHY: Chlorophyll rich spirulina and wheatgrass contain high levels of magnesium which boosts energy production at a cellular level. They supply good amounts or iron also which helps to reduce lethargy.
HOW: Mix in a little juice or smoothie and take mid morning or pre workout.
When combined with the amino acid dense South American superfood, maca, these three make a great pre-exercise option – a nutrient dense natural energy drink that’s caffeine and sugar free.
Maca has been used traditionally to help with both endurance and libido with wheat grass being the darling of LA because of its natural cleansing and detox properties – it is a super green powder that boosts energy and cleanses. For extra energy, green is good.
Repair, Protect & Restore
WHAT: Cacao, Blueberry and Raspberries
WHY: This trio contains bioflavonoids, anthocyanidins and resveratrol – superbly powerful antioxidants that help the body protect and repair itself.
HOW: These produce positive benefits in terms of protecting the length of your ‘telomeres’ – little tips at the ends of your chromosomes that scientists have found shorten as the body ages. Longer healthy telomeres mean a longer healthy life.
The coloured pigments in the berries are what provide the antioxidant content and combine wonderfully with the cardio protective nature of the cacao – and the raw cacao protects against toxins and can repair damage caused by free radicals.
This combo has another bonus as it also helps with cognition, mood and energy.
Any food that is brightly coloured should be at the top of your anti ageing list – they not only help with collagen production but also help to build a strong immune system whilst also offering cardiovascular support.
Digestion & Bloat
WHAT: Barley Grass, Aloe Vera and Turmeric
WHY: These super foods have prebiotic qualities that will encourage the growth of gut friendly probiotics – they will to help soothe an upset tummy and reduce flatulence. They also have anti inflammatory properties and may help with recovery after exercise.
HOW: To help reduce bloating and digestive problems add a half a teaspoon of barley grass, half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and 5mls of antiviral, antimicrobial and antibacterial aloe vera juice to a smoothie or juice and drink once or twice a day.
If you want to help digestive function further then make sure you include more fermented foods in your diet – things like kefir, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, yoghurt and kim chi all help to promote a healthy microbiome.
Love this? Give our delish superfood elixir’s a try here and our wellness shots here x
Read more about spirulina here.
Rick Hay The Superfoodist – Dip Nutrition, Dip Botanical Medicine, Dip Iridology, Dip Teaching. Rick is an anti ageing and fitness nutritionist with many years clinical experience in nutrition, naturopathy, botanical medicine and iridology. His specialisms include obesity treatment, weight management, anti-ageing nutraceuticals, beauty from within supplements and natural sports medicine options.