Spirulina - Nature's Superfood!

Many of you may have heard of Spriulina, or perhaps taken it before as a supplement, or in a drink from your favorite juice bar....but many dont know just how amazing this little algae is!

Did you know, Spirulina has:

300% more CALCIUM than whole milk

2300% more IRON than spinach

3900% more BETA CAROTENE than carrots

375% more PROTEIN than tofu

On top of all that, just 3g (1tsp) of Spirulina has more antioxidants than 5 serves of vegetables, and 31 times more phytonutrient levels than blueberries, 60 times more potent than spinach and 700 times more potent apples

Stuck for ideas on how to use your powdered spirulina? Here's a couple of my favorite recipes if you're bored with just mixing with water...and they taste delicious too!

Spirulina Smoothie

2 Bananas

Half a cup of Pineapple Juice

1 cup Raspberries (or other berries that are in season - fresh or frozen)

1 teaspoon Spirulina

Blend all ingredients together, add ice if needed

Spirulina Guacamole

2 Avocados

2 medium Tomatoes

1 tablespoon Spirulina

Cayenne Pepper

Fresh lime of lemon juice

Salt to taste

Mash avocados, add all other ingredients and blend well

Detox Super Smoothies

Day 6, Yippeee! We're great, and no longer feeling as though we need to count down the days. In terms of diet, this detox plan is something I could quite happily stay on for a very long time (with the occasional treat of course!)...but as for that hideous powdered mix that we're having twice a day, well I most certainly will not be missing that!

I thought today I might share with you some of my favorite smoothie blends, you can use these on a detox, a great quick breakfast, healthy desert, or just any old day at any old time! Most of these ingredients are available at Evelyn Faye Nutrition.

Raw Cacao Maca Smoothie

Ingredients: 1tbsp Raw cacao, 2tsp Maca powder (or to make it simple get some powersuperfoods Maca Smoothie Blend ), 2tsp Lucuma (or agave nectar if you prefer), 1 tbsp Chia seeds, 1tsp bee pollen, half a banana, coconut milk/water, and honey if you like it a little sweeter, and some ice if you like it a little colder....blend...and drink.

Blueberry Lecithin Smoothie

Ingredients: 1 cup fresh/frozen Blueberries, 1 cup Coconut or Almond milk, 2tsp Bee Pollen, 1tbsp Lecithin (great for the liver!), a tiny bit of vanilla bean, and 1tbsp Sun Warrior Sprouted Rice Protein (vanilla or natural)....blend....drink....yum!

Beetroot Juice and Blood Pressure

Beetroot juice “could save your life” claimed the Daily Mail (June 29, 2010), and they're right!

Beetroot juice contains nitrates, chemicals that reduces blood pressure and therefore cut the risk of heart disease and stroke. The article (here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1290434/Drinking-beetroot-juice-dramatically-lowers-risk-heart-disease-strokes.html) was based on the results of a clinical trial where patients who drank a glass of beetroot juice a day were found to have significantly lower blood pressure within 24 hours.

"The findings, published in Hypertension, the journal of the American Heart Association, could now see beetroot juice being used as a treatment. Researchers at William Harvey Research Institute at Queen Mary University in London compared patients who were given a 250ml glass of beetroot juice a day with those who took nitrate tablets.
They found that the two methods were equally successful in reducing blood pressure.
The researchers concluded that the nitrates which naturally occur in beetroot are the cause of its beneficial effects. They produce a gas known as nitric oxide in the blood which widens blood vessels and arteries and lowers blood pressure".

Do we sell Beetroot juice here at EFN South Melbourne? You bet'cha! We stock the Biotta certified organic Beetroot Juice, and I can promise you that it is quite delicious aswell!

Posted by Hannah Denham (Naturopath)

Tart Cherries - a Superfood for Better Sleep and Pain Relief!

The benefits of supplementing with Melatonin, (a powerful hormone & antioxidant which helps to regulate sleep patterns) have been very well documented in clinical studies worldwide (including recent research conducted by the University of Texas Health Science)...however, unfortunately under TGA regulations in Australia, is only available with a script from your doctor.

But there is an answer, Tart Cherries!

Tart Cherries are one of the rare natural foods that contain Melatonin, which is great news for overseas travellers with jet lag, people who suffer from insomnia, and may also be useful in helping to treat depression!

Tart Cherries are also very high in rich anthocyanins, which help to reduce inflammation and have similar pain blocking properties to aspirin and ibuprofen!

Dried Tart Cherries have a ORAC score of 6,800, 3 times higher than fresh blueberries, and contain other important nutrients, such as Betacarotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Potassium, Magnesium, Fibre and Folate. They are a true superfood offering a range of health benefits! :)

Posted by Hannah Denham (Naturopath)

Lacuma - 'Gold of the Incas'

Lúcuma, a delicious smelling, gorgeous tasting (similar to maple syrup!) nutrient dense fruit from Peru. It is known in Peru as the "Gold of the Incas" and the Lucuma name has been honoured both spiritually and culinary since ancient times.

Lúcuma fruit provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fibre, and is partiularly high in beta-carotene, Vitamin B3 (niacin) and Iron...and did I mention its Yum?!

Lúcuma powder is really versatile and tasty, blending easily and well with ice-creams, baby food, yogurts, pies, cakes, cookies, smoothies, chocolate bars and desserts of all kinds.

Here at Evelyn Faye Nutrition in South Melbourne we stock the 'Loving Earth' brand of Raw Organic Lucuma powder, and might I suggest that you try some today!! :)