Superfoods I Consume Daily for Energy, Hormone Balance, (ultra) Libido, and Stress Relief!

Here's my latest video where I go over my top 4 Superfoods that I consume daily!

What exactly is a SUPERFOOD?

     A superfood is a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health or well being. As we know, essential vitamins and minerals are required for many bodily processes. Superfoods provide these nutrients but they are often found in very high levels, or as part of a particularly impressive array of essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants packing into the one food.

     As a result of their unique nutritional composition, superfoods have often been used traditionally in medicine and are frequently subject to research as it is believed they can offer some therapeutic effect beyond that of your average fruit or vegetable. Impressive!

In case you're one of those people who prefers to read over watch, I will summarize:

WOLF BERRIES (Goji)

     Used for over 2000 years in Chinese Medicine, wolf berries are an excellent source of anti-oxidants which fight free radicals  ~ substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers" and help repair damage done by these free radicals and prevent future damage. Many of the most common health problems are all contributed by oxidative damage. Antioxidants may also enhance immune defense and therefore lower the risk of health issues.

     Goji berries were used in ancient Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat a number of ailments ranging from liver and kidney problems to issues with the skin, eyes, immune system and digestive tract.

     The long-term consumption of goji berries has traditionally been linked to improved immunity and longevity. Communities eating them were thought to live longer and were said to enjoy relatively ailment-free lives.

     The Yellow River flood plain where the Ningxia Wolf Berry (which is used in Ningxia Red), derives its water from the Himalayan mountains. The water from these mountains is charged with an unprecedented assortment of minerals and organic nutrients.

Some highlights of the nutritional composition of Wolf Berries…

* A “virtual vitamin capsule in the form of a fruit”, the Wolf berry contains over 21 essential minerals

* High quality protein source ~18 amino acids ~ and it’s a fruit!!

* Extraordinarily high levels of thiamin (B1), niacin (B3) (and vitamin C in the fresh fruit)

* High levels of antioxidants including the carotenoids beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, these scavenge free radicals in the body protecting our cells from oxidative stress

* The Ningxia wolf berry’s mineral profile and mineral balance are unparalleled. Minerals (calcium, zinc, copper, chromium, magnesium, potassium and manganese) are important for many bodily functions, but they must be properly balanced. The Ningxia wolfberry contains ideal mineral proportions: almost 1:1 magnesium to calcium, 2:1 zinc to copper, and 8:1 potassium to magnesium ratios.

* Contains essential fatty acids which we need to obtain from our diet, these help with anti-inflammatory pathways and support our nervous system

* Good Source of Polysaccharides – The unique combinations of polysaccharides present in goji berries - so-called Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP’s) after the berry itself, have also been subject to research and are thought to be responsible for many of the potential benefits. These are thought to exert antioxidant activities and may have some positive effects on our blood sugar regulation, weight management and immune function.

* Ounce for ounce, goji berries offer more beta-carotene than carrots and more iron than soybeans and spinach, which makes them a great source to help stave off iron deficiency.

What is Ningxia Red?

     Young Living's Ningxia Red is an amazing, energizing, fortifying nutrient drink for the whole family. It’s the only nutrient drink on the market that combines whole wolf berries (also called goji berries) of the highest quality and pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils into a single beverage that tastes as good as it is for you. 

     It’s made with several SUPERFOODS including whole wolf berries, as well as blueberry, aronia, cherry, pomegranate, and plum juices. Ningxia Red also contains natural stevia extract, grape seed extract, pure vanilla extract, and orange, yuzu, lemon, and tangerine essential oils. 

50% of NingXia Red consists of pureed whole Wolf Berries!!

MACA

     Maca is a type of cruciferous vegetable native to the Andes of Peru. It is an “adaptogen,” a name given to certain herbs, plants and natural substances that help the body naturally adapt to stressors like a busy schedule, demanding job or illness.Not only that, but maca provides a host of important micronutrients and is jam-packed with antioxidants, and it has been shown to improve sexual health, balance hormone levels, and boost energy, mood and memory.

Maca Root Benefits
1. Rich in Antioxidants: Maca root acts as a natural antioxidant, boosting levels of antioxidants like glutathione and superoxide dismutase in the body. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals, fighting off chronic disease and preventing damage to cells.
2. Enhances Energy, Mood and Memory
3. Improves Female Sexual Health
     Those who regularly use maca powder report that it makes them feel more awake, energized and driven, often relatively quickly after beginning to use it. Plus, maca can help increase energy without giving you the “jitters” or a sense of shakiness like high level of caffeine can.Several studies have also found that maca root benefits memory and focus. 
     Multiple studies have confirmed that maca benefits female sexual health. Maca root may be able to improve sexual dysfunction and boost sex drive in women. Maca root benefits both psychological symptoms and sexual function in post-menopausal women. In fact, maca was able to reduce menopause-associated depression.
     Maca is also able to balance female sex hormones and has even been shown to alleviate symptoms of menopause.  Balancing hormone levels is crucial to many aspects of reproductive health and can help reduce symptoms like infertility, weight gain and bloating.

ASHWAGANDHA

     Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that’s popular in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used for more than 2,500 years. Ashwagandha is valued for its thyroid-modulating, neuroprotective, anti-anxiety, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are just some of its many benefits.

     In India, it is traditionally used to strengthen the immune system after illness. It’s also been referred to as “Indian ginseng” because of its ability to enhance your stamina and work as a natural stress reliever, and those aren’t the only benefits of ashwagandha.

There have been over 200 studies on ashwagandha benefits, including the herb’s ability to:

* Improve thyroid function

* Treat adrenal fatigue

* Reduce anxiety and depression

* Reduce stress

* Increase stamina and endurance

* Prevent and treat cancer

* Reduce brain cell degeneration

* Stabilize blood sugar

* Lower cholesterol

* Boost immunity


TURMERIC
     Turmeric grows in India and other Southeast Asian countries. It is a member of the ginger family. The dried root of this plant is ground into the distinctive yellow powder, giving it the name golden spice.

     Why is turmeric good for you? There are several chemical compounds found in this herb, known as curcuminoids. The active substance is curcumin. Curcumin is what makes turmeric a functional superfood. 

1. May Slow or Prevent Blood Clots
2. May Reduce Depression Symptoms
3. Fights Inflammation
5. Arthritis 
6. Could Treat or Prevent Certain Cancers

4. Boosts Skin Health

How Do I Take These Superfoods?

     The most delicious and convenient way to enjoy Wolf Berries is by drinking Young Living's Ningxia Red! It's the highlight of my morning and I drink it as soon as I wake up. 

The Maca, Ashwagandha & Turmeric I enjoy in my smoothies, or drinking it as Golden Milk.

Interested in learning more about natural solutions for women's health and beauty? Join Keeping It Real Natural Living FB group! It's the home of my FREE Detox Your Diet in 7 Days Challenge too!

TASTY TURMERIC

     Even my father-in-law is aware of the health benefits of turmeric. It's become all the rage these days, and for good reason. It's about time too, seeing as it has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb. The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong anti-oxidant. Low levels of inflammation in the body is responsible for most chronic diseases, and oxidative damage in the body is a factor in ageing and disease. Can you see why everyone's so excited about turmeric and curcumin?!  Curcumin is also linked to improvement in brain function and lowered risk of heart disease. So while turmeric itself has relatively low levels of curcumin, the supplemental extract is your best bet if you have chronic illness or inflammation.

     That being said, eating turmeric daily is a great way to benefit from the tonic effects of curcumin. In order to fully absorb the medicinal properties of turmeric, it is best consumed with fat and black pepper. Or just eat Indian food. A lot. Like we did last night. Not only did we eat a whack of turmeric, I also found an amazing way to eat the zucchini that are beginning to overflow in the fridge from my daily harvesting in the garden. 

I am in fall preparation mode, so I doubled this recipe and froze half of it to reduce meal preparation. With both kids in school this year, I have lots of time to work and don't want to waste it making dinner and washing dishes!

TOOR DAL CURRY

(Yellow Split Pea Curry)

1 pound organic split yellow peas, soaked overnight

about 1 litre water

2 tsp organic turmeric powder

8 cloves organic garlic, crushed

2 cm piece organic ginger, peeled and grated

sea salt to taste

4 Tbsp organic coconut oil

2 tsp organic black mustard seeds

4 tsp organic cumin seeds

3 dry chillies (optional)

2 pinches asafoetida powder

2-3 organic tomatoes, chopped
organic ground black pepper

Method: Drain the peas and place in a pot with the water and turmeric and boil for 45-60 minutes, or until the peas are soft.

Meanwhile, pound the garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt in a mortar and pestle to form a paste. Heat the oil in a small frying pan over low heat. Add the mustard seeds and allow them to pop. Add the cumin, chillies, asafoetida and the garlic/ginger paste and fry until fragrant. Stir into the dhal. Season to taste with salt. Add the chopped tomato and simmer for another 10 minutes. Garnish with coriander leaves.

ZUCCHINI & PEPPERS

2 lbs organic zucchini, halved and sliced

2 organic green peppers, chopped

1/4 cup organic ghee or butter

1/2 tsp organic turmeric powder

1 tsp organic cumin seed

1 tsp crushed chillies

1/4 tsp sea salt
organic ground black pepper

Method: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Melt the ghee and add the cumin, chillies, and turmeric. Heat and stir until fragrant. Add the zucchini, peppers and salt. Cook, stirring often until the vegetables release their water and evaporates, producing a nice spicy gravy, about 10-12 minutes.

Serve both dishes with steamed basmati rice, chutneys, and yogurt or raita. 

You can also try out this recipe I discovered last summer when I was making all my preserves. It's an Indian-style zucchini chutney which might come in handy if you tend to plant way too many zucchini plants like I do.

KASOUNI

(Zucchini & Eggplant Chutney)

125 grams organic ginger, peeled 

65 grams fresh organic garlic, peeled 

60 grams organic green chilli (or less)

25 ml organic apple cider vinegar

125 ml organic sunflower oil

45 grams organic black mustard seeds

15 grams organic turmeric powder

45 grams organic cumin powder

30 grams dried organic chilli flakes (or less)

225 ml more apple cider vinegar

125 grams organic coconut sugar

35 grams sea salt

700 grams organic zucchini, peeled and grated

300 grams organic eggplant, peeled and grated

Method: Place the ginger, garlic and green chilli in a blender with 25 ml of vinegar, and mince.

Heat the oil until it is very hot and then add the mustard, turmeric, cumin, and chilli flakes and stir for a few minutes. Watch to make sure it doesn't stick or burn.

Add the garlic puree and cook for another few minutes.

Add the remaining ingredients, stir and let it simmer gently for one hour.

It is ready when the oil rises to the top and it has thickened.

Pour into sterilized mason jars and process in a hot water bath for 12 minutes. Refrigerate once opened.

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