Do you experience a lack of energy most mornings that you wish could be replaced with a drive to tackle the day ahead, cross items off your to-do list before 8 AM, and maintain a feeling of general healthiness and well-being? While getting a good night’s sleep and exercising regularly are vital to full body-and-mind health, nothing can kickstart your day like a superfood-infused smoothie.
Here are some health- and immunity-boosting superfoods you can include into the blended delights you whip up in your apartment kitchen.
Spirulina
Derived from pond algae, this superfood may not sound all too appealing. But spirulina’s profound health benefits might don’t knock it before you try it. Besides, it can actually be fused with other flavors such as lime and blueberry in a way that gives it a highly appealing taste. It can also give a smoothie a beautiful, luminescent color. Rich in chlorophyll, protein, omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids, and iron, spirulina is especially beneficial to a vegetarian’s diet. Start with just a teaspoon or two in a smoothie to see how you and spirulina get along before making it a part of your daily diet.
Hemp
Another superfood rich in protein and amino acids, hemp seeds or hemp powder can be added to just about any smoothie without detracting from the flavor. Hemp, which is best sprinkled onto the top of a smoothie and then mixed in rather than added to the blender, is also high in fiber.
Flax
Flax has been under the superfood spotlight for well over a decade now, making it one of the more popular and easy-to-find foods on this list. Flax seeds can be added to salads and oatmeal, but if you want to avoid the mildly bitter taste and still absorb the fatty acids and fiber in which it’s abundant, add flax seeds to a flavor-blasted smoothie. Apartment residents who eat flax on a regular basis may notice improvements in their cardiovascular health, brain and joint functions, and skin health.
Chia
It has only been a couple of years since this superfood emerged as a staple in health-conscious households throughout the country, but it has made impressive ground in that time. The primary reasons is chia seeds, which are rich in antioxidants, calcium, fiber, iron, protein, and other vitamins, are versatile enough to be added to just about any fruit- or herb-based smoothie you make.
Acai
Native to the Amazon Rainforest and related to the cranberry and blueberry, the acai berry is one of the most antioxidant-rich superfoods which we know. Good for the digestive system and assistive with weight loss and skin enhancement, this potentially cancer-fighting superfood is a great addition to any berry smoothie.
Goji
Also called the wolf berry, this superfood is plucked from a plant native to China and has a reputation for being particularly restorative and rejuvenating. While research on the nutritional benefits of the goji berry is still in its infancy, some findings suggest this naturally sweet berry can improve athleticism, sleep quality, eye strength, and help remedy several illnesses including diabetes and malaria. If further research supports these claims, the goji berry’s “fountain of youth” moniker will prove well-deserved.
Camu
Another superfood native to South America, the camu berry is loaded with vitamin C and other antioxidants and serves as an excellent immunity booster. Beta-carotene, calcium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, and riboflavin are other nutrients the camu berry can provide. To promote positive health today, as well as longevity, incorporate a teaspoon of camu powder into your breakfast or afternoon smoothie once a week.
There are certainly dozens of other superfoods that can help boost your overall health, but the seven mentioned have rich nutrition profiles and can help you have a well-balanced and health-promoting diet. The next time you visit your favorite health foods store, take a look at the superfoods from this list that most interest you. Blending these seeds, berries, and powders into your smoothies can help you naturally Live Life + Love Life every day.
What superfoods do you like to put in your smoothies? And what are your favorite summertime smoothies?
View All Posts by Jason Ernst