Wonderful Superfoods That Nourish You – 2. Goji Berries

Goji Berries

 

 

I first discovered these on a stall at the Mind Body Spirit Festival in London. They originate from Asia. 

 

 

Nutritional Value

Goji berries have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to:

• protect the liver
• help eyesight
• improve sexual function and fertility
• strengthen the legs
• boost immune function
• improve circulation
• promote longevity

Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. One of zeaxanthin’s key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant. In fact, increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.

Gillian McKeith’s site dedicates a whole page of wonderful information on Goji Berries.  

You can add them to fruit salads and desserts or just munch on a bunch of them anytime, any place.

Wonderful Superfoods That Nourish You – 1. Quinoa

I think Gillian McKeith first introduced me to these through one of her books.

Superfood is a term sometimes used to describe food with high phytonutrient content that some may believe confers health benefits as a result. For example, blueberries are often considered a superfood (or superfruit) because they contain significant amounts of antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fibre.

I do believe in superfoods even though they have been disputed by some people, and so I am going to dedicate some posts to them. The first one I would like to discuss in Quinoa.

Quinoa

Origins– Comes from South America mainly. Very versatile. I use granoVita Organic brand which I bought from Morrisons but I know you can get it from most Health Food Stores. I don’t eat meat or fish so this is an excellent source of nutrition for me – and for anyone. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare from the dried grains. You can do so much with it.

Nutritional Value –

Quinoa is superior to other grains because it is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids.

It is actually a seed, not a grain, and is gluten free. When cooked, the grain itself is soft and delicate, but the germ is crunchy, creating an interesting texture combination.

It is an excellent meat substitute in vegetarian dishes. It can be used in stir-fries, soups, stews, salads and many more delicious combinations.

Donna Gates is a Nutritional Consultant and she talks in detail on her website about the benefits of Quinoa – definitely worth a read.

Some of the nutrients in quinoa include:

• Complete protein. Quinoa contains all 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body as building blocks for muscles.
• Magnesiumhelps relax your muscles and blood vessels and effects blood pressure. Quinoa contains high levels of this vital nutrient.
• Fiber. Quinoa is a wonderful way to ensure that you consume valuable fiber that eases elimination and tones your colon.
• Manganese and copper. Quinoa is a good source of these minerals that act as antioxidants in your body to get rid of dangerous cancer and disease-causing substances.

Recipes:

BBC Good Food

Savvy Vegetarian

Worth a try if you haven’t already wouldn’t you say.