The Healthful Benefits of our Superfood Drinking Chocolates
The Value of Superfoods
With many farmers still depleting their soils with poor practices, the nutritional value of our food is ever decreasing. So, now is a good time to consider including some organic nutrient-packed superfoods into your diet. These amazing plants have many medicinal and health-boosting qualities – some of which have been known and valued for thousands of years. Let’s look at five that are worthy of including in our day. With each, we will list their Key Actions or how they affect our body, followed by some of the known or believed benefits they have for us. Then, we will look at what compounds each of these superfoods contain, and if there are any cautions to be aware of.
As each of these superfoods have so many great values, to make it easy, they are offered here in list format. If you wish to do deeper research, we recommend healthline.com and nutritionfacts.org, as all of their articles and videos are based on peer-reviewed, evidenced-based science.
That said, we only use Australian Certified, 100% Organic, awesome wholefood ingredients in our drinking powders– so they are brimming with goodness for you!
DISCLAIMER: The Key Aspects and Nutritional Compounds of these superfoods are sourced from websites whose content is based on peer-reviewed studies. The Traditional Uses are based on anecdotal observations from traditional cultures through time. The above information is not offered or intended as health advice, and no medical claims are being made by the author, who is not a doctor. Always discuss dietary changes, and consuming any unfamiliar fruits, roots, vegetables, or plants with your GP, Naturopath, or Trusted Health Professional.
Cacao / Cocoa
(Theobroma Cacao)
Key Actions and Traditional Uses:
Anti-Inflammatory, Antidepressant, Antioxidant, Anti-Asthmatic, Anti-Cancer, Mild Stimulant, Anti-diabetic. Lowers bad cholesterol and high blood pressure. Lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke. Improves brain function and mood. May reduce your risk of diabetes and help with weight loss or maintaining healthy weight. May help relieve fatigue.
Source of:
Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Protein, Polyphenols, Flavanols, Serotonin, Tryptophan, Theobromine, Phenylethylamine.
Caution:
Some people find Cacao creates digestive problems, but Cocoa is fine. It can trigger migraines. Some people suffer from the usual issues from caffeine – especially if you are caffeine sensitive.
Carob
(Ceratonia siliqua)
Key Actions and Traditional Uses:
Antioxidant, Increases Metabolism. Lowers cholesterol. Reduces risk of heart disease. Assists weight loss. Eases stomach issues. Reduces blood sugar and insulin levels. Treats diarrhea.
Source of:
Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Fibre, Protein. Vitamins A, B2, B3 (Niacin), B6.
Caution:
Excessive consumption can cause nausea, dizziness, and have a laxative effect.
Lucuma
(Pouteria lucuma)
Key Actions and Traditional Uses:
Antioxidant, Anti-Cancer.
Good for our beneficial gut bacteria. May improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. May help protect against diabetes and heart disease. May help prevent blood sugar spikes and regulate blood sugar levels. Helps to prevent constipation.
Source of:
Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorous, soluble and insoluble Fibre, Polyphenols, Carotenoids. Vitamins C, B3 (Niacin).
Beetroot
(Beta vulgaris)
Key Actions and Traditional Uses:
Relaxant.
Lowers blood pressure, increases exercise capacity and performance, improves heart health.
Source of:
Potassium, Iron, Manganese, Fibre. Vitamins C, B9 (Folate).
Brindleberry
(Garcinia cambogia)
Key Actions and Traditional Uses:
Nutritive, Increases Metabolism, Appetite Inhibitor, Antidepressant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-diabetic.
Weight loss through increased metabolism, improved energy levels, boost exercise endurance, blocks fat production, reduces appetite, reduced stress, anti-depressant, lowering cholesterol, and regulating blood sugar levels.
Source of:
Iron, Calcium, Vitamin C.
Mesquite
(Prosopis glandulosa)
Key Actions and Traditional Uses:
Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Anti-Cancer, Anti-diabetic, Antiplasmodial, Antipyretic, and wound healing effects.
Reduces inflammation, helps maintain blood sugar and blood pressure levels. May help with asthma, flu, diabetes, rheumatism, and stomach-ache.
Source of:
Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Zinc, Fibre, Protein.
Maca
(Lepidium meyenii)
Key Actions and Traditional Uses:
Nutritive, Anti-Inflammatory, Digestive.
Helps reduce depression and anxiety. Increases Libido, improves fertility, and acts on sexual dysfunctions. Believed to improve learning and memory. May improve mood and fatigue recovery. Improves metabolism. Helps prevent and treat osteoporosis. Protects skin against ultraviolet radiation.
Source of:
Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Niacin, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Iodine, Fibre, Protein. Vitamin B6.
Maple Syrup (not in powder – add fresh!)
Key Actions and Traditional Uses:
Good source of Manganese, Zinc, and Antioxidants.
Helps reduce the growth of cancer cells.