“You are what you eat, from your head down to your feet.” Everyone’s favorite ’80s throwback PSA Time for Timer had a catchy tune and lyrics that got us through many a pop quiz in health class, and the message remains on point today. That’s why we love our superfoods! Superfoods are the foods experts recommend we load up on to slow aging and prevent disease. With all the hype out there, there’s no shortage of healthy inspo in our feeds. We’re going to break it down for you with the top seven superfoods on Pinterest, plus recipes that make it easy — and tasty — to get some every day. For even more delicious eats, check out Pinterest’s Superfood Smackdown board.
Turmeric is a yellow curry spice with a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. One of its bioactive ingredients, curcumin, is a powerhouse due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties. Turmeric tastes great in curries, soups and broths.
1. Turmeric Glow Lemonade: Sipping this luscious and lemony elixir is like hopping into a time machine. Remember lemon Warheads candies? It’s like that, only good for you. The cayenne pepper makes the turmeric more effective and the pure maple syrup makes it taste delicious. (via The Glowing Fridge)
2. Turmeric Broth Detox Soup: This fragrant, healing broth calls for rice noodles, kale, chickpeas and cilantro — making it perfect for a healthy reboot. Non-vegans can add chicken for a heartier meal. (via Feasting at Home)
Acai Berry
The acai is a small, reddish-purple berry found around the Amazon River in South America. The berries have properties that may help prevent arthritis, inflammation, obesity, erectile dysfunction, neurological diseases and allergies. They’ve also been used traditionally to treat diarrhea, parasitic infections, hemorrhages and ulcers.
3. Berry Acai Bowl: Acai powder elevates this already healthy breakfast bowl. It’s a copycat of the Jamba Juice acai bowl, but without all the sugar. (via Lean Green Nutrition Fiend)
4. Matcha, Raspberry & Acai Macaroons: These gorgeous raw coconut macaroons get their color from raspberries, acai berries and green tea. They’re as delicious to look at as they are to eat. (via Raw Manda)
Matcha
Matcha is a bright green powder made from pulverized green tea leaves. Dr. Mercola advises that the best Matcha comes from Japan and has up to 17 times the antioxidants of wild blueberries and seven times more than dark chocolate. Green teas are rich in natural chemicals called catechins, which are much more potent than antioxidant vitamins C and E.
5. Iced Coconut Matcha Latte: When you need a break from coffee, you can’t get any healthier than this coconut matcha iced latte. A nutritional powerhouse, it not only tastes delicious, but it fills you with energy and keeps you satisfied all morning. (via Sprinkle of Green)
6. Matcha (Green Tea) Banana “Ice Cream”: This low-fat soft serve is made from frozen bananas and gets its luscious coloring from green tea. To make it dairy-free (and even lighter), substitute almond or coconut milk for the condensed milk. (Oh, How Civilized)
Chia Seeds
Naturally gluten-free, chia seeds are used in cereals, breads, cookies, yogurt, salads, salad dressings and protein shakes. They’re high in protein and contain a number of valuable amino acids, antioxidants and flavonoids. High in fiber and omega-3s, they can enhance digestion and cardiovascular health and lower type-2 diabetes risk. Chia seeds are a great Paleo and vegan hack to thicken puddings, smoothies and spreads.
7. Kiwi Coconut Chia Popsicles: These kiwi coconut chia popsicles are a satisfying treat. You could also have them for breakfast on a hot summer morning instead of the usual chia pudding bowl. They’re made from coconut chia pudding with kiwi slices. (via The Little Epicurean)
8. Three-Ingredient Strawberry Chia Jam: Wondering what to do with the abundance of summer strawberries right now? This jam has just three ingredients: fruit, honey and chia seeds. You get all the flavor of home-canning without all the hassle. (via Well Plated)
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds contain a balanced 1:3 ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids — more than any fish and most fish oil supplements. They can help reduce inflammation, improve brain function, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, lower risk of stroke and heart disease and increase energy and potential weight loss.
9. Garlic and Dill Hemp Cheese: This creamy vegan cheese is made from blended hemp seeds, flavored with garlic and dill. It makes a great cheese substitute in dairy-free dishes, but it’s also delicious to eat as a dip if you’re avoiding beans and missing hummus. (via Connoisseurus Veg)
10. Hemp Seed Hummus: This quick and easy hummus is vegan, low carb and contains healthy fats. It makes a tasty dip for raw veggies or pita chips and adds oomph to any wrap. (via dieT Taste)
Goji Berry
Fresh goji berries can contain up to 400 times more vitamin C than oranges. They are chock-full of amino acids, vitamins and essential fatty acids and also contain micronutrients like calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, selenium and riboflavin (vitamin B2) and trace magnesium and chromium.
11. Chickpea, Goji & Wild Rice Salad: Dried gojis provide a little burst of sweetness and textural contrast to the grains and beans in this salad. Pro tip: Soak them in warm water for 20 minutes before using them so they plump up deliciously. (via Coconut and Berries)
12. Island Mango Goji Berry Sunrise Smoothie: This vibrant fruit and veggie smoothie is full of antioxidants and gets its sweet flavor from mango and beets. The natural sweetness brings out the best in goji berries. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Flax Seeds
Flaxseed was common in cereals and breads during the Middle Ages and is gaining recognition as a modern-day superfood. It’s rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Some of its purported benefits include improved digestion, clearer skin, lower cholesterol, reduced sugar cravings, balanced hormones and possibly weight loss. It’s a great substitute for anyone on a grain-free diet.
13. No-Bake Energy Bites: These little no-bake energy bites taste like peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough. With super satisfying protein and fiber, they make a great on-the-go breakfast for rushed mornings. Pack a few for work for those mid-afternoon munchies. (via Cooking Classy)
14. Vegan Flaxseed Paleo Tortillas: If you’re looking for a grain-free wrap that isn’t made mostly of tapioca or almond flour, you’re going to love these flaxseed tortillas. Yes, you can make a thin, pliable tortilla that’s low carb, grain-free, egg-free and dairy-free! Paleo peeps who allow seeds will also love them. (via Oh, The Things We’ll Make!)
If you’re salivating over these superfood recipes, there’s more where they came from! Follow us on Pinterest.
