10 Superfoods for Optimal Health
With confusing food labels and marketing ploys, it can be tough to know which superfoods are actually “super.” If you’re tired of the hype and investigating unfamiliar ingredients on Google, we understand. But, you could be missing out on some of the healthiest foods in the world. These 10 superfoods are actually worthy of the title “superfood.”
1) Bee Pollen
This superfood offers health benefits such as supporting immune function, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and boosting athletic performance. A daily teaspoon may support healthy weight loss and minimize food cravings. It contains powerful antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fatty acids, and protein. Did you know the German Federal Board of Health has officially recognized bee pollen as medicine?
How to eat it: If you’re wondering how to enjoy nature’s sweet golden granules, simply add a spoonful of bee pollen to your morning smoothie. You can also add bee pollen to energy bites, Greek yogurt, or freshly made salad dressing. 
2) Chaga Mushrooms
This medicinal mushroom, also known as Inonotus obliquus, is more than just a tasty tea or coffee substitute. This superfood provides beta-glucans (dietary soluble fiber), antioxidants, vitamins, plus many other nutrients. Chaga mushrooms have been traditionally used for immune health, digestive disorders, pain relief, and inflammatory conditions. These mushrooms can help the body adapt to stress and may improve mental clarity.
How to eat it: Grown right here in Canada on yellow and white birch trees, you can easily add chunks of this legendary fungus to hot water or add ground Chaga to your morning brew. 
3) Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is unlike any other yeast—it’s a dry, inactive form of the yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. While many people steer clear of foods that are high in yeast, others (especially vegetarians and vegans) are drawn to this superfood for its nourishing goodness. This yeast is naturally rich in energy-boosting B vitamins and essential amino acids, which are important for building muscle and maintaining bone strength.
How to eat it: You can use these golden flakes as a cheese replacement on salads, non-GMO popcorn, or roasted veggies.
4) The superfood, Maca Powder
Maca, also known as Lepidium meyenii, is a root vegetable that looks like a radish. Besides providing an instant boost of energy, this Peruvian superfood has been used to treat a variety of ailments such as low libido, unbalanced hormones, and poor memory. Recent research shows that maca can support women going through menopause by reducing hot flashes, and night sweats, and improving mood.
How to eat it: Maca is a nutritious addition to green juice, tea, and other healthy beverages. 
5) Ghee
You may be surprised to see clarified butter on our top 10 superfoods list, but ghee is more than just a healthy fat. Not only does ghee have a high smoke point, but also ghee has been a part of Ayurveda for thousands of years and contains CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) which you’ve likely seen on the shelf while shopping for supplements. CLA may support a healthier metabolism, promote lean muscle mass, and balance blood sugars.
How to eat it: Not only is ghee super delicious, but also it’s super easy to use in place of butter when cooking or baking healthy treats.
6) Kefir
Kefir is a tasty fermented drink rich in probiotics that is regularly consumed in cultures all over the world. A glass of kefir is filled with nutrients—12-plus strains of live “friendly” bacteria, 11 grams of protein, vitamin B12, plus minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Many health practitioners recommend menopausal women drink kefir since probiotics can promote better sleep and improve mood. Probiotics may also benefit menopausal women who are concerned with bone density.
How to eat it: Drink it as one of your choices of hydration. If you’re not up for making your own at home, be sure to buy plain organic kefir that is low in sugar. If you’re lactose intolerant, you’ll be happy to know that kefir aids lactose digestion.
7) Matcha Green Tea
Rich in polyphenols called catechins, this antioxidant-rich beverage is not your standard green tea. This superfood offers more health benefits than other green teas and contains L-theanine, which promotes a calm zen-like feeling without making you drowsy. One paper revealed that the concentration of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in matcha tea is 137 times greater than the amount from other popular green teas. EGCG, which is often called tea flavonoids, delivers a multitude of health benefits such as lowering inflammation, promoting healthy weight loss, improving brain function, and supporting heart health.
How to eat it: Enjoy it instead of your usual coffee.
8) Hemp Hearts
Hemp hearts have become increasingly popular over the years and have been named one of the most nutritionally complete foods in the world. Hemp hearts can boost brain power, fight inflammation, and support a healthier immune system. This superfood provides 10 grams of plant-based protein per serving along with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These raw-shelled seeds also provide B vitamins, phosphorus, zinc, iron, magnesium, and manganese.
How to eat it: These nutty seeds are a great alternative for vegans or women avoiding soy-based protein powders. Enjoy them on salads and oatmeal, or add them to your post-workout smoothie.
9) Mulberries
If you’ve been looking for a healthier alternative to raisins, you’ll love these. Mulberries offer many health benefits and can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. One study found that those consuming mulberries had lower LDL cholesterol and greater levels of the “good” cholesterol HDL.
How to eat it: Mulberries make a nutritious snack when you’re on the go and can be combined with your favorite healthy nuts.
10) Acacia Fibre
When you hear the word fiber, you’re probably not thinking of “superfood.” But acacia fiber definitely deserves this title. It is a soluble fibre that’s fermented by live bacteria in the gut. Essentially, acacia fiber acts as food or
fuel for protective gut bugs and helps them thrive. How to eat it: This organic superfood comes in a fine powder and can easily be mixed into just about anything!..
