To learn more about the benefits of these magical ingredients , which, believe us, go far beyond being simple powders or seeds, we interview Cristina and Sofía Madero, sisters and co-founders of Básico , one of our favorite places to enjoy some of these in its most delicious and original forms buy Athletic Greens.
Know your best tips and recipes to easily include superfoods in your daily life.
Açaí
What is it? It is a delicious fruit, more specifically, a berry that comes from a palm that is found in Brazil.
What is it for? This “recent” discovery in the world of food has been a boom, and is that you can not deny that the famous açaí bowls have become an addiction. “Its intense purple color indicates a high content of antioxidant pigments called flavonoids, hence its great popularity,” Cristina tells us.
In addition, it provides a large amount of energy and, because of its fiber content, it functions as a fat store. And now, how do I use it?
Here we give you the recipe for an easy, fast and delicious bowl:
- 2 cups of frozen strawberries
- 4 tablespoons of açaí powder
- 1 cup of soy milk (depending on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
- ½ teaspoon of agave or bee honey. Mix the ingredients in a blender until you get the consistency (half-fat) of an ice cream.
To give the final touch, add as many toppings as you want: banana, mango, grated coconut, chia, amaranth, granola or cocoa.
Matcha
What is it? It is the leaf from which green tea comes, only that it is milled through a specific process to obtain a powder that multiplies its benefits, since, by consuming it in this way, we can take advantage of all its nutrients.
What is it for? It is mainly known to help in weight loss, because it burns fat and stimulates our metabolism. In addition, it reduces stress, favors defenses and, as if that were not enough, different studies have proven that it helps fight cancer.
Finally, the longevity of people in Japan has been attributed to him, since in this country they consume it very frequently.
And now, how do I use it? In addition to taking it in a delicious tea, you can add this powder to any recipe for pasta dough, cakes or cookies, because it is easily diluted in water. Depending on the amount you use, you will make your recipe take its exquisite flavor.
Maca
What is it? Aka maka, ayak willku or Peruvian ginseng (place where it originates); This tuber comes from the plant that only grows in inhospitable places rich in minerals, such as the Andes.
What is it for? This root promises to be the cure for all the evils of women, yes, just as you read it.
Among some of its wonderful benefits are recovering the mental balance (more than one of us will need the “to go” or pocket version), increases fertility, reduces colic and premenstrual discomfort, regulates the menstrual cycle, eliminates fatigue and promotes energy. As if that were not enough, it is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals. Amazing!
And now, how do I use it? Its most popular presentation is capsules and powder. The second we love, since it makes it much easier to use; you can add a teaspoon to almost any food; from a juice, a smoothie or yogurt, to a salad or a delicious lentil soup. The sky is the limit!
Hemp
What is it? It is a seed that comes from the cannabis plant. But do not spread panic! It is totally legal, commercial and, best of all, super-nutritious.
What is it for? “They are an excellent source of nutrients and essential fatty acids for our health (omega 3 and omega 6), they also reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. In addition, they contain a high percentage of fiber, which helps stimulate the digestive system.
These are a great source of vegetable protein, ideal for people who maintain a vegetarian or vegan diet, “says Sofia.
And now, how do I use it? Over the years, it has been used to manufacture hundreds of things, such as clothes, soaps, plastic and even cars. But, let’s focus on its gastronomic use (which is also very broad). One of our favorite presentations is hemp seed oil, which has a slight nutty flavor; It is perfect for use in sauces or salad dressings.
Chia
What is it? This tiny (and very popular) seed is our favorite, as it is proudly native to Mexico.
What is it for? Besides being much more accessible than most superfoods, it is very rich in omega 3 and fiber. “For me, it is an excellent ally for digestion, since it helps to fight constipation,” Cristina tells us.
In addition, it has three times more iron than spinach, twice as much protein as any vegetable and helps us increase muscle mass and regenerate tissues; a whole maraaavilla.
And now, how do I use it? It’s delicious flavor makes it very versatile, we can add it to any recipe, plus it is already found in thousands of products such as cookies, pancakes, soups, bread, flavored waters and more. “I love having a chía pudding hydrated with coconut or almond milk (three tablespoons of chia for every cup of liquid) and adding a few drops of vanilla or maple syrup to sweeten it. You can combine it with all kinds of fruits.
Turmeric
What is it? Also known as “Indian gold”, this plant from India is ground to be used as a spice and coloring of different dishes.
What is it for? “I try to use this root as much as possible because it is an excellent anti-inflammatory. With the lifestyle and diet that we have in our country, it is very common that we have inflammation in the digestive system (gastritis or colitis), and turmeric is a superfood that can help prevent and reduce these symptoms, “Cristina tells us.
On the other hand, some recent scientific studies have shown that it also works as a natural antidepressant.
And now, how do I use it? Cristina suggests buying the ground turmeric and seasoning the roasted vegetables, grains such as rice, or a vegetable soup. Of course, try to moderate the quantities you use, since its flavor is strong.