Nutrition matters. It can be the difference between a busy day with energy or a busy day and just surviving. These five foods are packed with loads of nutrients and antioxidants that help to protect your body from disease and give you the energy you long for!
Quinoa
Pronounced (Keen-wa). This ancient grain was used by the Aztecs and is packed with lots of goodies making it a major super food. It’s a great carbohydrate that is gluten free, making it gentle on the digestive system. The fabulous thing about quinoa is that it also contains good quality protein (rare for a carbohydrate) and therefore makes it superior to rice! It comes in white, red or black and is cooked like cous cous. A very versatile grain, quinoa is suitable for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Chia seeds
Another complete protein source, chia seeds are the highest plant source of omega 3 essential fatty acids. It has a powerful antioxidant activity in the body where it works against free radicals which are damaging millions of our cells by the minute. It also provides us with nutritious dietary fibre that is easy to digest and absorb. Add to your water, salad or breakfast.
Salmon
This well known and favourite fish is a very good source of easy digestible proteins, fatty acids like Omega-3 Fatty acids, vitamin-D, vitamin-A, some members of the vitamin-B family and minerals such as Selenium, Zinc, Phosphorus, Calcium and Iron. The omega-3 present in salmon helps in promoting cardio vascular health by lowering the level of triglycerides and helps in reducing depression.
Broccoli
This green vegetable is a close relative of Cabbage and Cauliflower and is rich in both fibre and iron. Researchers have discovered that a nutrient present in broccoli called indole-3-carbinol may help to prevent cancer, particular cancers related to oestrogen imbalance. The presence of vitamin-C, sulphur and certain amino acids also make broccoli a very good detoxifier.
Blueberries
Blueberry holds the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruits. It has also been proven to preserve vision and improve brain health. Its high fiber content, high anti oxidants and the ability to dissolve the ‘bad cholesterol’ make the blueberry an ideal dietary supplement to cure many heart diseases. Add fresh or frozen to your breakfast or into a protein shake for a quick hit of antioxidants.
