Superfoods (put a superhero in your kitchen) Osteo blog 5

It's a bird, it's a plane... well, actually, it's more like a powder, but... it's Superfood!  The superhero just waiting to optimize your health − and strengthen your bones − through specialized nutrition.

We've discussed food basics and which choices  best serve strong, healthy bones. But it is balance, or the actual teamwork of nutrients within a body, that ultimately gives us our best selves. Superfoods provide a heightened level of nutrient density. They are excellent for those of us who want to keep animal protein to a minimum while ensuring the right concentration of nutrients for our bodies and bones.

A little background Superfoods (a single food source packed with vitamins, nutrients, enzymes, and minerals) provide a very high nutritional boost while working to  nourish, heal, promote balance, and optimize all body functions.  

Ironic, that what seems relatively 'new' to us has been circulating for thousands of years; Superfoods have been the mainstay of healers and medical promoters throughout many cultures (Chinese, Mayans, Aztecs...). It's so cool to see our science meeting these rich traditions and celebrating the benefits of berries and plants... finally realizing that whole, natural, and balanced foods boost our health in every area.

Superfoods So, what can you look for when it comes to choosing Superfoods that will target different systems in your body as well as promoting optimal bone health?  The following great choices can be added to yogurt, cereal, puddings, smoothies, etc.

• Amla (Amalaki) Powder: From the Amla berry, this "great rejunvenator" flushes toxins. In Ayurvedic medicine it is celebrated for its healing properties.
• Red Maca Root Powder: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, heart-healthy fats, and plant sterols, red maca boosts endurance and stabilizes hormones.
• Raw Cacao: It surpasses blueberries, green teas, black teas, and even red wine when it comes to antioxidant flavonoids. A natural fighter of stress, certain cancers, and cardiovascular disease, it's a delicious and guilt-free treat.
• Lucuma Powder: From South America, the lucuma fruit has healing effects and provides fiber, minerals, vitamins, and a delicious taste like sweetened cashews.
• Hemp Seeds:  Referred to as the "perfect protein," hemp seeds are actually a complete food source in and of themselves. They are especially beneficial to cardiovascular health, the immune system, and even have fat burning properties.

And for a healthy snack? Try these by the handful! They are satisfying, delicious, and SO good for you...

• Goji Berries: One of the healthiest foods around, Goji berries (from China) are believed to fight cancer, early aging, and they boost the immune system, liver function, muscles, and bones.
• Maqui Berries: From South America, Maqui berries are about as potent an antioxidant as you can get.

So, let a superhero into your kitchen − try some of these tasty, healthful Superfoods and celebrate balance, heightened nutrition, and heath... from the bones on out!