There are some fantastic superfoods that you can add to your diet that are full of nutrients. Although technically there is no such thing as a ‘superfood’, these are so-called because they are high in vitamins and minerals and there have been huge health benefits claimed about them. The truth is, there are huge health benefits to eating all fruit and vegetables, but here are my favourite ‘superfoods’ that I regularly incorporate into my diet to boost my energy and overall health.
Wheatgrass is grown from wheat seeds, and contains a high amount of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight when it is grown and is a natural source of energy. It is also rich in protein, which boosts energy. Most people juice it, or add it to juices in powdered form, but it’s also available in supplement form. It has high levels of chlorophyll and the Hippocrates Health Institute claims it has many health benefits such as stimulating the thyroid gland, increasing the red blood cell count, detoxifying the blood, liver and gastrointestinal tract and stimulating metabolism, reducing acidity in the body and relieving stomach ulcers, constipation, diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis and reducing the damaging effects of radiation.
Spirulina is a form of blue-green algae and can be bought in powdered, tablet or capsule form. It’s a form of protein and is a great energy booster, as well as being beneficial in easing sneezing from allergies, strengthens the immune system and helps control high blood pressure and cholesterol. It is rich in protein and amino acids and contains vitamin B12 which works to increase energy and helps with mental concentration. It is also a great detoxifier for the body. It has an excellent balance of nutrients including chlorophyll, carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, unique phytonutrients and all the essential amino acids to keep you energized all day. I find it gives me energy and also helps strengthen my nails and hair. It’s generally safe but should be bought from a reliable supplier and choose organic wherever possible as it can be contaminated with heavy metals. It should also be avoided in those with severe seafood allergies, iodine allergies or hyperthyroidism.
Ginseng is a natural energy booster. In fact, a study has shown that it can even improve the fatigue associated with chemotherapy in patients with cancer.10 Other benefits of ginseng are improved memory, improved physical performance and aiding the body to cope with stress. There are many different types of ginseng, such as American, Red, Siberian, Chinese and Korean. These plants are considered to be ‘adaptogens’, which means they are a type of plant that helps mediate a metabolic process within the body and helps the body cope with stress. I personally take Korean ginseng. A dose of between 200–500mg, one to two times a day is usually sufficient and safe for most people.
MY ADVICE
Hopefully this will have increased your understanding of supplements and convinced you that by relying only on our natural diet to provide nutrients, we may struggle to meet our nutritional needs, as our food is becoming depleted and polluted. If you are low on energy, taking some of the supplements outlined above can help you feel less fatigued and boost your energy.
Why not try them and see for yourself?
There are many good-quality supplements out there and it’s worth spending time researching companies for the best. Bear in mind it can take a few months to see the full effects of some supplements, but the effects of ‘super- foods’ like spirulina will be felt a lot quicker.