By Super Foodist and nutritionist Rick Hay
Grape Seed Extract
Grape Seed Extract
I love it as it is a really strong antioxidant that boosts immunity. If you have a strong immune system then it's also more likely that you'll have more energy, which can help with workouts and your exercise regime in general.
Spirulina
This deep green superfood powder is packed full of vitamins and minerals and helps the body with its natural cleansing processes. It's rich in chlorophyll, which helps with energy production and it is a good digestive tonic too. Just add it to your smoothie or juice to increase your daily intake of alkalising greens.
Blood Orange
Blood orange acts as a digestive tonic helping with liver and gall bladder function as it has bitter qualities. A good functioning gut helps with nutrient uptake and absorption and is key to fat metabolism. It also helps with skin health. Swisse Ultiplus Hair Skin Nails combines skin boosting nutrients and blood orange promoting radiant looking skin in a natural way.
Baobab and Maca powder
Both give you a natural energy boost. They are natural alternatives to highly caffeinated energy drinks and a great pre-workout to help with energy production. Take one teaspoon in the morning in your smoothie or juice and another mid-afternoon if you're feeling in a bit of a slump.
Berries
No superfood list would be complete without berries - I'm including all berries here - blueberries, raspberries, goji berries, macqui berries, elderberry, cranberries, blackberries, acai and many more. All of these berries are potent antioxidants and cardiovascular tonics. They work to boost immunity too and research has indicated that they help with cognitive function and brain health as well.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a superfood in its own right! It is full of Omega 3's to help reduce inflammation and to help increase skin moisture. Fish oil also assist with mood and can help achieve weight management goals. Krill oil is another omega 3 option that is rich in the super antioxidant astaxanthan. It assists with heart and brain function and is also great for skin health.
Plant based proteins
Whether they are rice, hemp or pea are great to help with lean muscle mass development. This means a more toned body that has better fat burning capabilities. They are rich in fibre which helps with digestion and help with muscle recovery post exercise. They are a great weight management tool and can be taken in smoothies with fruit and veg in place of a meal.
Chlorella
Chlorella is a heavy metal detoxifier and helps the body with its natural detoxification processes. It's a good superfood to assist with alkalisation and to reduce the inflammatory process. Particularly useful if you are a smoker or if you cycle through heavy traffic. Start gently as you don't want to detox too quickly - one teaspoon a day to start - you can build up to 2 or 3 during the course of a month.