Simply Defined: Nutrient Dense foods. Foods that have more absorbable nutrients per serving than other foods. For example, an acai berry has 10 times more antioxidants than grapes.(1) Plus it has added omegas for brain health.
Looking to science we can look to the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale. A measure that shows the antioxidant levels in foods. Foods higher on this listed are considered superfoods. For example, Acai berries have the highest ORAC reading of any other food. (2)
Low in sugar and packed full of iron, calcium, fibre and Vitamin A. The highest ORAC values among all fruits and vegetables they are high in antioxidants and help to prevent cellular damage.
Similar to the Acai Berry and found primarily in Patagonia Chile, this purple fruit is packed full of vitamin C, calcium, potassium and iron.
One of our favourite superfoods for its abundance during springtime, blueberries are packed full of vitamin K and C along with the mineral manganese. They support neurological health and cognitive development and enhance memory and learning.
Although higher in sugar than most vegetables, beets make up for it with their high levels of vitamin C, magnesium and folate. Interesting fact, beets contain betaine, an amino acid that enhances serotonin production in the brain, this should keep everyone happy.
One of the highest amounts of vitamin C, this is a great immune-boosting fruit. Acerola Cherry is also packed full of magnesium, potassium, pantothenic acid (B5) and vitamin A.
With 19 amino acids and all 9 essential amino acids, Gogi berries are a source of protein. Also packed full of vitamin C and 21 trace minerals. It is a wonder fruit!
It is no wonder that coconut water has received so much popularity in the last few years, the electrolyte content is superior to any sports drink. This refreshing drink is packed full of balanced mineral electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium) along with iron, phosphorus, and zinc. Fun fact, coconut water was used in WW2 as a replacement for saline. The similar properties of blood plasma allowed this miracle water to be used in emergency situations.
Most people know about spinach as high in iron, but it is also packed full of Vitamins A, C, E, K, and B vitamins as well (thiamin, riboflavin, B6, folate) along with minerals; calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese. In other words, spinach is full of nutrients! It is even a good source of protein! Easy to add to most diets and easy to source organic.
With 9 essential amino-acids, Barley grass is another great source of protein for those who enjoy a plant-based diet. Full of chlorophyll which is great for overall health. Getting your nutrients from your food has never been easier, check out this long list of nutrients. Folic acid (great for brain development), niacin, copper, selenium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, B5, B6, thiamine, riboflavin, potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin E and Vitamin C.
The interesting thing about Aloe is that it improves the absorption and bio-availability of vitamins. Specifically, B12 (which is hard to get on a plant based diet), Vitamin C and E. Aloe contains 19 amino acids including 8 essential amino acids.
It important to note that Apples are one of the most pesticide-contaminated foods in the market, so choosing organic is very important. An easy snack, apples are loaded with vitamin C, A, and a good source of B-complex vitamins.
Considered a great source of protein, spirulina is a blue-green algae containing chlorophyll (green pigment algae) and phycocyanin (blue pigment algae). Spirulina grows in fresh alkaline water and can retain nutrients when exposed to high temperatures. Truly a superfood! Loaded with a number of vitamins and minerals, the stand-outs in spirulina are the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (which is found in breastmilk) along with high levels of B12 which is usually found mostly in animal products.
Now a household word, Kale is the multi-vitamin of vegetables. Loaded with vitamin K (684% of daily value in one cup) along with vitamin A and C, iron, protein and calcium. An interesting fact is kale contains the phytonutrient indole-3-carbinol which research has shown aids in DNA cell repair and slows the growth of cancer cells. (Phytonutrients are chemicals naturally produced by plants to keep them thriving and protected from insects etc.)
A high source of Vitamin C, lemons per serving have 187% of the daily value. Great for the immune system and a great infection fighter. Lemons contain both citric and ascorbic acid which aid in the absorption of non-heme iron (iron from plants). Full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals an easy fresh squeezed lemon makes a healthy tonic.
It is no wonder that coconut water has received so much popularity in the last few years, the electrolyte content is superior to any sports drink. This refreshing drink is packed full of balanced mineral electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium) along with iron, phosphorus, and zinc. Fun fact, coconut water was used in WW2 as a replacement for saline. The similar properties of blood plasma allowed this miracle water to be used in emergency situations.
The interesting thing about Aloe is that it improves the absorption and bio-availability of vitamins. Specifically, B12 (which is hard to get on a plant based diet), Vitamin C and E. Aloe contains 19 amino acids including 8 essential amino acids.
An easy snack for anyone, oranges are loaded with Vitamin C, folate, B vitamins and calcium. Perfect for growth and development.
The highest amount of vitamin C in any food, Camu Camu has 30 times more vitamin C than an orange. Camu Camu grows primarily in flooded areas in the Amazon rainforest. Not the easiest fruit to find, but a great addition to a superfood blend.
High in Vitamin C, the amla berry is great for immunity. High in iron, zinc and copper as well, the Amla berry has been shown to improve mental functions.
A high source of Vitamin C, lemons per serving have 187% of the daily value. Great for the immune system and a great infection fighter. Lemons contain both citric and ascorbic acid which aid in the absorption of non-heme iron (iron from plants). Full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals an easy fresh squeezed lemon makes a healthy tonic.
Part of the ginger family, turmeric is great for digestion and a powerful anti-inflammatory aid. Helps to digest fats, ease stomach discomfort, decrease congestion and improve skin conditions. Overall a great addition to foods, teas, and superfood blends.