My daughter came home from a day of back to back appointments and breathlessly said “mom, I don’t know how you do it all!”. She said I get the “supermom” award. And I know she means it and it makes me feel good. But, this blog isn’t about my superpowers but it will be about how eating good foods, in particular those that we label “superfoods” can help us as women to feel mighty.
**** To the men out here who are reading this- please continue to read this blog. I am not writing this to discriminate but women and men, at times, have different nutritional needs. And all of these foods can be enjoyed by all!
Here are some foods that have an extra boost of energy and nutrition that are essential for a woman’s well-being.
Quinoa- One of my favorites because it is so versatile. It is thought to be ‘the mother of all grains”. It is gluten-free and a complete protein. Quinoa contains twice as much fibre as other grains, and helps cut down the risk of hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and is a good source of manganese, an antioxidant, which helps manage PMS!
Chia Seeds- I love adding these tiny earthy seeds to my granola. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fibre and omega-3 making them highly beneficial for the heart and the digestive system. They are rich in an omega-3 fatty acid, which is highly effective in preventing breast and cervical cancer. High in antioxidants, they are also good for the skin and prevent premature ageing.
Black Rice- Also known as “forbidden rice”, it was consumed thousands of years ago by Chinese royalty. Black rice may not be as well known as brown, red, or wild rice, but it has a rich profile of nutrients. It is the best form of rice when it comes to protein, antioxidants, fibre and phytonutrients. Black rice also helps in keeping the heart healthy and aids in maintenance of cholesterol levels and helps to detoxify the body.
Beets- I didn’t actually know I liked beets until a few years ago. They are packed with plenty of vitamins and nutrients and can even help to lower blood pressure! And beets can be baked, boiled or pressed into a juice (and also they mix well with other fruits like cranberry).
Turmeric- A few years ago, I was cooking with a friend who loved this spice! Most often found in yellow curry dishes, turmeric is a member of the ginger family. Some research suggests that it may be used in treating conditions like inflammation, digestive problems, arthritis and Alzheimer’s.
This is just a short list as there are many other foods (kale, blueberries, sardines and black beans are just a few more). Want to know more, feel free to contact me and we can discuss how eating right can help you to feel your best!