Over the past two months, the majority of people have undergone major life changes with COVID-19 entering our world. You may have found yourself doing more emotional eating than usual or feeling tired, unmotivated or even apathetic. There is no need to spend the rest of quarantine feeling this way!

We can use food to help us, as opposed to hurting us!

“Superfoods” is the name given to foods that have an exceptional nutritional content. There are over 50 superfoods in existence today. They have a superior amount of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and fiber. They improve the health of the systems and organs in our bodies, prevent sickness and conditions, energize us, balance our moods, and help us age gracefully. 

Some examples of superfoods are fermented products (e.g. kefir, tempeh, sauerkraut, miso), avocado, dark green leafy vegetables, sprouted nuts and seeds, ancient grains (e.g. spelt, kamut, amaranth), blueberries and other berries, pomegranate, beets, legumes, coconut products, olive oil, garlic, ginger, turmeric, green tea, and non-dairy milks.

My hope is that the more you learn about superfoods, the more likely you will feel inspired to try them! I have been experimenting with 3 superfoods over the past two months. The 3 superfoods are: 

Moringa – This powder comes from the leaves of the drumstick tree in Africa and Asia. It contains 18 amino acids, 10 times the Vitamin A found in carrots, 15 times the amount of Potassium in bananas, 17 times the Calcium in cow’s milk, 25 times the Iron in spinach and 46 kinds of antioxidants! It is believed to have the highest protein ratio of any plant food in existence.

This superfood also contains large amounts of Lutein, which improves eye health and Beta-sitosterol, which lowers blood pressure. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and prostate enlargement, balance blood sugar, boost immunity, support healthy liver function and alleviate cramps. Moringa is anti-bacterial, microbial, fungal and viral.

Matcha – “Matcha” means powdered tea. It is made by hand selecting the leaves of Japanese green tea and harvesting them, using a special protocol. It is a more potent source of nutrients than green tea (30 times more!). It also contains a lot of protein and amino acids. Matcha is loaded with Polyphenols, which have been shown to protect against heart disease and cancer, regulate blood sugar, reduce blood pressure and help with anti-aging.

Another ingredient in Matcha is EGCG, which has been shown to boost metabolism. This is due to the caffeine found in Matcha but guess what? Matcha contains L-Theanine, which increases alertness and clarity of mind without creating nervous energy. It also brings about feelings of well-being and relaxation without inducing drowsiness. How incredible is that?     

Baobob – This powder comes from the fruit found in Africa’s “tree of life”. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it contains 7 times more Vitamin C than oranges, 5 times more Magnesium than avocados, 6 times more Potassium than bananas, twice as much Calcium as cow’s milk and 30 times more fiber than lettuce. It even increases Iron absorption.

It is blood alkalizing, a pre-biotic and contains electrolytes, antioxidants and polyphenols. Baobob boosts immunity, lowers inflammation, regulates blood sugar and reduces blood pressure.

The benefits of superfoods are truly outstanding but, then again, the benefits of eating healthy foods, in general, are outstanding! I hope that you will feel compelled to order these 3 superfoods online or pick them up at your local health store. You can make the rest of your quarantine so much better incorporating these 3 superfoods into your smoothies, oatmeal, hummus or other dips.

Hi! I’m Meredith Deasley BA, RHN, RNCP, ACC. I am a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Life Coach. I have studied nutrition for two decades now and taught at The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition for ten years. I have seen the power of food over and over again. Please contact me for an individualized consultation for yourself or your child at www.theresourcefulmother.com.

Sources: kindearth.net, organicfacts.net, yoursuper.eu, matchasource.com