Energy Boosting Superfoods

It seems everyone these days is using some sort of energy drink. How often have you heard co-workers say they need coffee or chocolate or an "energy drink" to make it through the day? One of the main problems is that with all of these approaches to energy, they introduce artificial stimulants into your body and who knows what kind of unwanted dangers they pose. In addition, a lot of energy options are high in sugar and artificial additives.

We have a solution - go natural - use superfoods!

It is possible to use superfoods to give you that additional energy boost that everyone is looking for. By eating the right foods and small meals throughout the day you can boost your metabolism and get that extra energy pump you were looking for.

Here's a list of known superfoods that will ramp up your metabolism - perfect solutions for people on the go:

Goji berries

Rich in antioxidants, goji berries have also been found to boost energy and even enhance your mood.

Green tea 

This superfood has been used for hundreds of years. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found green tea can produce an energy bump similar to caffeine.

Chia seeds 

Aztecs used chia seeds to prepare for battle. Research shows the chia seeds can absorb ten times their weight and are very slow to digest, which translates to sustained energy and it stays for several hours. People add chia seeds to protein shakes and their regular meals to help give them added energy that lasts all day.

Quinoa

Here is a power house protein rich food, which is actually a grain. It's related to the spinach and beet families. The Incas used quinoa as a source of energy for battle and NASA is even considering growing it in space because of it's impressive nutritional profile.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Seeds Are Nutrition Powerhouses

Plants have a perfectly designed approach for ensuring the survival of their species. Every flower or fruit produced by the plant is packed with seeds. Some seeds are microscopic, like the seed of the orchid, so small that it looks like dust. Others are gigantic such as the seed of a palm tree native to the Seychelles that can grow up to twelve inches long and weigh as much as forty pounds.

Despite their size differences, all of these seeds have something in common; they are packed with nutrition. Nature has no idea what type of soil or nutrients will be available externally. To give each seed the best fighting chance when conditions are favorable for germination, the plant packs it with a variety of essential nutrients that can sustain the young sprout until its roots are capable of extracting nutrients from the soil.

A wide variety of these seeds is edible and they add nutrition, flavors and new textures into our regular diets. They can also be great replacements for products that are sources of allergies, as in some nuts, and those that are far less nutritious, as in wheat crackers. Add a few seeds to your diet every day or as a snack and you'll gain valuable vitamins, minerals, proteins and essential fatty acids to your diet. Choose raw natural seeds to get the biggest bang for your buck. Roasting breaks down many essential nutrients and may even produce substances that are toxic to your system. This also applies to seeds that are coated with sugar, no matter how tempting those chocolate-coated sunflower seeds may be.

Many of these seeds can be thrown into a salad to add texture and nutrition, others can be used to make a seed butter, similar to almond butter and they can be eaten as a nutrient-packed snack between meals. You can also find a recipe for a multi-seed cracker that is simple to make and a highly nutritious replacement for wheat crackers. Add seeds to yoghurt smoothies and hot oatmeal breakfasts for a power-packed start to the day. All of these seeds are also excellent sources of fiber, which is often lacking in modern diets. Adding a variety of seeds to your regular diet can boost your brain health and your immune system and help to protect you from diseases including diabetes and heart disease.

A few commonly available seeds are worth noting. First among these is the diminutive chia seed. The chia seed is no longer the brunt of jokes from its Chia Pet fame. This little seed is loaded with protein, antioxidants, iron, calcium, vitamin C and omega-3 oil. Next comes hemp seed, which may be the richest source of essentially fatty acids available of any known food substance, including fish. The fatty acids in hemp seeds are provided in a form that is readily available to the body and similar to the form found in the body itself. It also includes all nine of the essential amino acids required by our bodies for optimal health.

Chia Seeds

Flax seeds are often used in weight loss diet plans to improve digestion by adding fiber and suppressing the appetite. The fatty acids in flax are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Pumpkins seeds are gaining in popularity because they produce alkaline rather than acidic material in your body. Pumpkin seeds also supply a lot of protein and vitamin B complex nutrients. Pumpkin seeds are rich in tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps to keep your mood balanced.

Flax Seeds

Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that supports healthy cells. Sunflower seeds also provide magnesium and they are believed to help lower cholesterol. Finally, sesame seeds are mineral powerhouses, loaded with manganese, copper, calcium, zinc, iron and phosphorous. They also provide vitamin B1 and are believed to have positive effects on lowering cholesterol.

Sunflower Seeds

The list of edible seeds is quite long and the flavors and textures are just as varied. Search for them in your local supermarket and have fun adding them to your favorite dishes and replacing some of your snacks with these highly nutritious choices. Take some with you when you travel and nutritious food options seem to be hard to find.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

6 Power Foods To Put Your Summer Energy On High

Are you more active in the summer? Do you need a boost of energy to get you through the day? I've got just the menu additions you need. The summer superfoods below are so easy to use that once you've tried them, you just might want to keep them on your grocery list all year long. Many are probably new to you, but you shouldn't have trouble finding them in your local health food store or online. Print out my handy list as a guide, and you're good to go - fast and strong, all summer long.

1) Whole Raw Organic Chia Seeds
Ch-ch-ch-chia! Remember Chia Pets? I promise you'll be more impressed and fascinated with this little seed as a food than the kitschy knickknack you saw on TV. The chia seed has long been known as a powerful dietary supplement. Even the ancient Aztecs recognized its ability to lend strength when eaten. 

These raw organic seeds are an excellent source of valuable omega fatty acids as well as an easily digestible form of protein, minerals, calcium, and fiber. And they have a lovely, pleasant texture. I add chia seeds to smoothies, salads, and stir fries for a little crunch.

2) Flax Cereals
OK, maybe cereals aren't always the best choice for breakfast, but sometimes that crunch (and let's not forget quick convenience during the weekday morning rush) is tempting. Cereals made primarily of flaxseed are a perfect compromise. Flaxseeds are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. 

At least two brands offer protein-rich, no-sugar options that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and lots of fiber. These choices are natural, tasty, and--did I mention this?--super crunchy.

3) Maca Powder
Maca root has been used for thousands of years for its nutrients and healing. Now studies are confirming its positive effect on the endocrine system to increase stamina, boost libido, and combat fatigue. 

Photo: Andeannatural.com

This nutrient-dense whole food packed with vitamins, essential minerals, and fatty and amino acids is easy to add to smoothies, shakes, tea, granola, cereal, and yogurt.

4) Organic Coconut Milk
We've long known about the benefits of coconut water and oil. I use coconut milk in my cooking now for a delicious, healthy fat addition with that fabulous creamy, coconut taste without sugar.

5) Nutritional Yeast
What tastes cheesy when sprinkled on popcorn and salads, has the B vitamins essential for vegetarians, and offers protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, lots of fiber, and minerals? Nutritional yeast, of course! 

Photo: Thegreencreator.com

There are many kinds of yeast, and some we avoid because it causes infections and discomfort. Nutritional yeast is quite the opposite: It's a natural supplement valued for its powerful punch.

6) Shelled Hempseed
Packed with protein, omegas, iron, zinc, and magnesium, shelled hempseed is also delicious. It imparts a flavor similar to pine nuts. Opt for a ground form of hempseed for a quick, tasty, and healthful addition to smoothies, cereal, soups, salads, and veggies.

Photo: Draxe.com

It's important to make wise choices among entrees, but simply adding ingredients like these can take your healthful meal from satisfactory to mouth-watering--and give your engine a high octane boost as well. Pick out a few and give them a try this week. You won't be disappointed!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com