superfood

Vitis vinifera Linn, otherwise known as raisins, have been a common ingredient used in many Ayurveda dishes over the years. Many people specializing in Ayurveda practices encourage the mixing of healing foods, such as raisins, in with every day foods. Although I’ve always been aware that dried grapes were a nutritious food, it wasn’t until recently that I discovered more about their beneficial uses in Ayurveda practices. Of course, I couldn’t keep this discovery to myself.

Not only is it citrus season, but it's February, and that means it's National Grapefruit Month! I was surprised to find out that grapefruit had its own month of celebration, but why shouldn't it? Grapefruits are packed full of vitamins, they taste amazing, and they're a quick fix to a healthy breakfast. In honor of the grapefruit, here are eleven fun facts why you should celebrate and eat grapefruit all month!

Olives are another of the ancient fruits that have been used throughout the centuries as food and healing aids. Some olive groves are the oldest living plants in the world. The tree originated in Asia Minor and Assyria as a bush, where it was cultivated by using the root or branches (not the seed) and developed into trees.

Spirulina and chlorella are gaining momentum, and not just in the nutrition world. From feeding livestock, to becoming biofuel, to fueling astronauts, and potentially combatting climate change, these two types of microalgae are becoming increasingly important in our future.

If you haven’t heard of quinoa, the superfood, by now, it’s time to get out from underneath that rock. For those of you who are still unsure of how to say it (let alone spell it), it’s pronounced “keen-wah.”

While plums have been around for eons, science has now heralded them as a super-food – bursting with vital nutrients and packed with disease-fighting properties. Read on to learn some of their awesome health benefits…

What is algae?

Scientifically, algae are aquatic organisms that thrive through photosynthesis. This includes a great number of organisms, but for our purposes, we’re going to focus on spirulina and chlorella.

What’s the difference between spirulina and chlorella?

Chlorella is a single-celled green algae made up of chlorophyll pigments (hence it’s bright green color.) Due to its incredibly fast reproduction rate, chlorella is a very sustainable food source.

The Ancient Aztecs used the Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.) as food and medicine. I know it doesn’t look like something you’d want to grab – or even eat – but it’s packed full of powerful properties.

Raw asparagus juice…is that even legal? After getting tired of my daily cucumber-apple-ginger combo, I decided to break out of my juicing shell and get a little weird…

Chia seeds are a whole grain, gluten-free food. Slightly nutty in flavor, they can be added to almost anything you eat. Dating back to Mayan and Aztec civilizations, they have been readily consumed for their energy-boosting nutrients. In Mayan, chia means “strength.” Consume an ounce and you will see why. A rich mineral and antioxidant content strengthens the body, leaving you feeling good. Bursting with nutrients, these tiny seeds pack a healthy punch. 

High in Fiber