You have to laugh at times when yet another superfood, that will cure everything from cancer to obesity hits the media, and the internet and shops start buzzing and the miracle word gets tossed about. The latest being Oatzempic.. a pun on the Type 2 diabetes drug that causes rapid weight loss that I featured a few months back. The combination of ½ cup of oats, ½ juice of lime juice and a pinch of cinnamon with a cup of water, which are good combination for a jump start after the more sluggish winter foods. The science is fairly sound, the oats contain beta-glucagon that is a fabulous fiber that increased a sense of fullness, reduces blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and can assist in weight loss. Added to this the lime juice metabolizes and encourages the liver to release fats, while the cinnamon is excellent for assisting in maintaining blood sugar levels. However, I personally would prefer to just cook up some porridge and add some nuts and seeds such as chia seeds, walnuts, black sesame and some sultanas or fresh grated apple with a garnish of cinnamon. The addition of protein such as nuts is good for your omega 3 levels for brain and mood boost as well as adds to the keeping full longer.
Superfoods are defined as foods that contain particular molecules that have an enhanced effect on health. Gou Ji Berries, otherwise known as Wolfberry fruit have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, particularly for nourishing the liver, kidney and lung. It has a sweet, and slightly sour taste, and supports these organs by strengthening their function by providing nutrients that particularly benefit them. We use it for blurred vision, dizziness from blood deficiency, chronic cough and to treat diabetes. Modern research shows they strengthen the immune system and inhibit carcinoma, lower blood sugar levels and increase testosterone levels. A while ago, these berries were everywhere, in multi-level marketing juices and every supermarket. Not a bad thing, however after a short burst of fame, they have been sidelined by other focus foods. These days it’s all about coconut and Kale…and also good, these are fine foods but I find it concerning when people use way too much of any one food as in nature, that is not balance. Eating large amounts of anything may displace other equally import parts of our diet. For instance, extra virgin olive oil is a great food. Good for dipping, gentle sautéing garlic and onions for your Italian meals, and like coconut oil your body uses these to help you feel satisfied, nourishes your skin and assist in increasing good HDL cholesterols that is important for hormone production as well. Moderation and balance is the key.
Kale is considered superfood as it contains large quantities of Vi A, C and Que that acts as (good for allergies), large amounts of anti-oxidents and Omega 3 that is great for the eyes, and brain function. Raw however it can depresses Thyroid function, cooked in a soup or toasted is fabulous for your health . Berberine is another phytonutrient that has been well researched for weight loss and strong anti-oxidant properties and the research supports this. It’s very bitter so it is better in a pill form however it reduces blood pressure, lowers Blood Sugar levels (only if they are elevated so will not induce low blood sugar levels so you don’t feel tired) and reduces cholesterol so can be a good addition to your spring fitness regime.
The most important aspect of these is balance. Look at the way foods were traditionally cooked and use that as a guide. If you’re cooking Italian/Mediterranean use the olive oil and throw in some Kale, if cooking Thai or sweet treats, use coconut oil or just desiccated coconut (I like a dob on my porridge), when making chicken soup add some Wolfberry as the Chinese do, or even add them to your muesli mix. You don’t need huge amounts of superfoods every day. Variety is the key, as in nature availability varies so to must our diets, to reflect changes in our bodies and the seasons.
Beetroot is another great superfood. It contains the phytonutrients that has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidents and detoxification support to the liver. Fabulous in juices, grated on salads raw and tastes fantastic.
Being spring, it’s a great time to incorporate some great liver cleansing superfoods into your diet via fresh juices. Try a 2 sticks of celery, 1/4 pineapple (also great anti-inflammatory, full of digestive enzymes and vitamin c), an apple or two, a few oranges, a knob of ginger (important to warm the cooling nature of raw foods by assisting digestion and anti-inflammatory), 2 carrots and a beetroot. Add a lemon or lime too and that will keep the juice fresh (stop it oxidizing) so it will keep fresh. Have glass each morning (add a scoop of Superfoods Greens and POW!) this will give your liver a good detox and have you feeling terrific.
Until next time enjoy good food and a great spring
Dr Angela Palmer
Kinglake Chinese Medicine
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