Thrive in 30: Be the CEO with Superfoods
This will be my seventh post for the Thrive in 30 campaign series for Vega. 7th already!
Main Ideas of Lesson 6: Superfoods
Super-Foods offer something above and beyond the macronutrients (Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat)…. which means they have micronutrients, phytochemicals, antioxidants etc. Brendan’s video covers the SuperFood Hall of Fame:
Maca…
- Maca is a root vegetable, similar to a turnip, native to high-altitude soil of Peru. It monopolizes trace minerals that sit in the soil, making it rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and amino acids.
- The adrenal glands become fatigued with all of our busy lives, stress and less-than-stellar diet choices. The perception of stress from body results in higher than normal cortisol. Our energy is “zapped” so we tend to reach for something like a cup of coffee.
- Maca helps restore the adrenal gland functioning, it helps rebuild fatigued adrenals, restore stamina, improve mental clarity, and aid in the ability to handle stress. It has been used by both genders in relation to hormonal “assistance” for many (many) years.
- Note to self: Maybe Maca is what I need instead of the 2nd cup of coffee….
Chlorella is a single cell algae from Japan.
- It is 65% protein, extremely high in chlorophyll and remember from previous posts, this would be an alkaline forming substance which is what we want more of. Chlorella helps with oxygen transport, which is ideal for muscle performance.
- It also has B vitamins, which are important for the body in the energy making process. (I am squashing my urge to describe the metabolic importance of B vitamins!). B12 is of importance for vegans especially because there is no other way to obtain B12 since B12 only comes from animal sources- well- except supplements like Chlorella, which is high in B12
- Chlorella helps repair daily wear and tear of tissues (ideal for anyone, especially athletes) since it contains 19 amino acids. It has cleansing properties, helping to pull “toxins” out of the liver. It is also thought to aid cell regeneration (slowing signs of aging!). After all, we don’t want to just start looking old one day.
Pseudograins
- These are seeds technically and most commonly known are buckwheat, amaranth and quinoa. These grains can sprout after soaked, which make them easier to digest…which means we are obtaining High Net Gain Nutrition!
- When sprouted, they taste sweeter because its starch has been converted into sugar already- which accounts for the easier digestibility.
Dark Leafy Greens
- These are high in chlorophyll (deep dark green pigment), which if we remember, is alkaline forming and good for the blood.
- Kale, one of our mutual personal favorites, is actually about 40% protein.
- Foods like Kale are nutrient-packed powerhouses, which means our body doesn’t have to work so hard utilizing them AND give our body more “bang” (nutrition) for less “buck.” An energy savings is an energy advantage.
- Other foods noted on the website but not covered on the video include Flax, White Chia, and Hemp.
What do we do, Brendan?
- Use some of these superfoods, try adding one or a few or all to your regular eating habits. You probably already are including dark leafy greens, try all the others!
- Try your smoothies! Whole Food Health Optimizer Smoothies contain both Maca and Chlorella.
What do I think:
- I love when concepts come full circle. I appreciate that Brendan has done so in this series of video lessons by tying in the alkaline forming foods, the links between stress-hormones and diet and high net-gain nutrition.
- I completely agree that there are foods that are so to speak “the best of the best”. It just goes back to “investing in your diet” … Would you rather be the CEO of a multi-million dollar company that allows you the freedom and reward to do whatever you want in life? or…Would you choose to work the night shift McDonald’s ? I say, be the CEO of your diet! You might have to invest a little more, you might have to learn more, but in the end you could reap the rewards for the rest of your life.
Cost vs. Reward
- Of course there are pros/cons to everything, choosing supplements like Maca or smoothie mixes can be a slightly higher cost at least initially.
- If you are choosing nutrient dense foods (alkaline forming) and more Superfoods often, you would ideally be improving your performance, your body function, your immune system, your weight, and your health overall.This would lead to less long-term expenses like doctor visits and medications to control disease while also reducing your risk for disease like obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, Type-2 Diabetes.
- Superfoods can be really cheap! Kale, Dried Cranberries, Flax, Oats…Check out this list by Huffington Post. I think the smoothies are a fantastic idea and contain awesome ingredients but you can reap benefits from just adding in more Superfood. The more posts for this series I write, the more I want to have a whole food health optimizer smoothie with maca and chlorella everyday.
- Pseudograins: These are very “popular” right now, so I’m not surprised that Brendan brings them in to the list. They are gluten-free, which has become so trendy because 90% of our processed food supply (so the bulk of the foods commonly eaten in the US :-/) contain wheat. Because so many foods that are processed now contain wheat, I think that is part of the reason we are seeing the gluten-free trend or increasing amount of people “intolerant” to it. It is in so many things that it might be kind of like toxic overload
- On the toxic note, your liver’s job is to metabolize what you put into the body so whether you consume chlorella or not- your liver will still do it’s job. Chlorella might be a really great supplement to aid in the liver’s function though.
- Maybe it can your liver’s “personal assistant”. I mean, you are the CEO … you decide.
What do YOU think ?
