If you regularly exercise, you’re probably careful about what you put in your smoothies, such as the standard bananas, protein powder, peanut butter…you know the deal! But what about food that can improve your mood and prevent cancer?
Here are three super-foods that you probably have never heard of, but should add to your smoothie!
1)Tumeric
Turmeric is a root found in SouthEast Asia that has been used mainly in Siddha medicine. Tumeric has many health and beauty benefits so it’s no wonder why it has been used for thousands of years.
1)Helps fight Parkinson’s disease. Due to its longa extract which fights inflammation and prostate and colon cancer, the curminoid in Tumeric works to reduce the amount of plaque in the body (1).
2) Prevents Heat Attack. The anti-inflammatory substance in Tumeric works the same as aspirin by slowing down blood cuts that would lead to the disease. Contrary to aspirin, however, it provides nutritional benefits (2).
3)Helps with joint pain – According to a 2010 study conducted with 100 patients, after taking a daily supplement of Tumeric, each patient experienced “provided long-term improvement in pain and function in 100 patients with knee OA” (3).
2)Maca Powder
Maca is a Peruvian plant. It is described as having a nutty and earthy taste, usually bought in powder or supplement form.
1)Increases Sex Drive- In a 2002 study, it was found that after 8 weeks of regular intake of Maca, men’s sex drive and testosterone had increased (4). Also, women who suffered from loss of sex drive due to taking anti-depressants, had also seen an improvement and not only that, but their fertility had improved as well (5).
2) Improves Memory – Not only does this amazing plant help spice up the bedroom, but it also enhances your mood and memory! Highland natives are known to give Maca to their children before an exam to improve their test performances, when the same plant was given to animals with alzhiemer’s, they had an improvement in learning as well! (6).
3)Improves Mood- According to one study, Maca has helped improve depression in post-menstrual Chinese women. After 6 weeks of taking Maca there were significant decreases in depression in women. This is due to the fact that Maca contains flavanoids, which helps the chemical and biological effects of depression, (7).
3) Spiriluna
Spirulina is one of the most nutritious supplements on the market. It contains vitamins such as: calcium, carbon, magnesium, and vitamin C. A daily dose of Spirulina will keep you on track with meeting daily vitamin intake.
1)Aids in Weight Loss- This superfood also aids in weight loss by lowering BMI and blood pressure! According to a 2016 study, after a group of 40 patients had taken spirulina for three months, they experienced a lower BMI and improved blood pressure (8).
2)High Protein, high vitamin food- If you want a high protein, weight loss, mood boosting all in one powder, Spirulina is your best bet! Abou 60-70% of the root is pure protein, while the rest is necessary vitamins such as Vitamin C. So you can skip the chalky protein powder and add this to your smoothie instead!
3)Improves Depression- Tryptophan is a supplement in the brain, lack of it can lead to depression and anxiety. Spiriluna contains 929mg of tryptophan per 100 gram serving! That’s enough to keep you in a good mood. According to the Ethopian Public Health Institute, one of the best ways to fight depression is through nutritional therapy, including taking spirulina (9).
The point is, these three foods have everything you need to live a happy healthy life, from vitamins, to mental health!