What are superfoods?

A superfood is a food that has an abundance of health promoting nutrients (such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients) per calorie. In other words it is a nutrient- dense food as opposed to a nutrient- poor food that delivers few nutrients but has a high caloric content. 

Why do we need superfoods?

Our bodies require a wide range of nutrients every day in order to function at optimum health. Consuming an abundance of nutrient- rich foods is a healthy and natural way to avoid gaining excess weight. Also, the synergistic properties of the nutrients in superfoods are vital for disease prevention and proper nutrient absorption. 

Superfoods may help prevent cancer due to the abundance of antioxidants found in them. Healthy fats can help reduce the risk of heart disease, and fibers found in superfoods can help with digestive problems and help prevent diabetes. Superfoods have also been known to help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation and regulate your metabolism.

What superfood ingredients will you find in our products?

Sunflower Seeds

 

 

Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E is an important factor in maintaining mental health, preventing cardiovascular disease and has anti-inflammatory effects. Sunflower seeds' high magnesium content helps to maintain optimal blood pressure. The nutritional value of sunflower seeds are endless and certainly a superfood to watch out for in 2020!

Pumpkin Seeds

The health benefits of pumpkin seeds are endless. Pumpkins seeds have a many benefits for men’s health. They contain a phytonutrient called cucurbitacins that prevent prostate enlargement. They are also a good source of zinc, which can increase bone mineral density and therefore reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Their high copper content can also help prevent arthritis. Try some toasted pumpkin seeds for a really full flavour!

Goji Berries

Goji berries are a unique food; they are one of the most antioxidant- rich foods on earth. They are also a concentrated source of vitamin C, B vitamins, iron and unique compounds shown to support immune function. Goji berries have been considered a medicinal food in Asia for centuries for their intestinal bacteria supporting properties, inflammation- reducing properties and because they support the body’s ability to adapt to stress. Try Nagi's chocolate goji berry bars today!

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds contain even more Ala than flax seeds, making them an excellent way to get your daily omega-3s. They are also a very good source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium fiber and protein. Chia seeds help to lower blood pressure, and regulate glucose levels. Their high fiber and protein qualities can also assist in weight loss or weight maintenance. Unlike flaxseeds, chia seeds don’t need to be ground up for us to receive all their benefits. Learn More Here.

Quinoa

Quinoa is quite a unique grain and a superfood like no other. Unlike most grains it has a higher content of healthy fats like omega-3s and oleic acid, both of which are heart- healthy and have anti-inflammatory properties. Quinoa is a complete protein as well as a good source of fiber, both important in weight loss and maintenance. In addition, quinoa has been shown to reduce levels of cholesterol and maintain levels of good HDL cholesterol. With regular consumption, it is likely that these combined benefits of quinoa can help to reduce cancer risk in humans. Try quinoa today in a salad, in some stuffed peppers & why not in a chocolate cake!

Raw Cacao

Raw cacao, an amazonian superfood, has one of the highest antioxidant concentrations, and one of the highest sources of magnesium of any food. Cacao also raises serotonin in the brain, stimulates endorphin secretion, and releases phenylethylamine (PEAs), all of which elevate your mood and act as natural anti- depressants. Also, did you know that raw cacao is the highest plant-based source of Iron, full of magnesium and has more calcium than cow's milk! Learn more about the little known benefits of this amazonian superfood here.

Coconut Nectar 

Coconut nectar has a low glycemic index rating. This means that it will not raise your blood sugar levels as quickly as table sugar; preventing that “sugar crash” you may feel around an hour after eating a sugary food. Coconut nectar also retains many of the minerals of the coconut palm tree such as iron, zinc, calcium and potassium.

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are one of the most concentrated source of the ogema-3 acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is converted into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the body, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties and heart protecting benefits. Flaxseeds are also a very good source of unique lignana phyto-estrogens which are converted in the body into substances similar to hormones that can lower the risk of breast cancer.

Virgin coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil is unrefined coconut oil. It maintains much of the coconut’s natural nutritional value (including polyphenols and antioxidants) and for that reason is one of the world's most nourishing superfoods.

It is never deodorized, bleached, or refined. It includes vitamin E and a unique combination of fatty acids majority of which are in the form of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). These may have positive effects on health, such as boosting fat loss, heart health and brain function. Lauric acid (one of MCT’s) is shown to have anti-microbial properties (1) and makes up about 50% of coconut oil.

 It is also known for its pleasant taste and moisturizing properties and is widely used in cooking and skin care products.