We all know it would be healthy for us to eat more broccoli and apples, right?
But what about foods that are lesser known, but absolutely packed with nutrients and benefits? There are so many foods out there that you may not have ever tried, but that have the potential to add lots of variety to your healthy diet as well as giving you amazing amounts of nutrients and vitamins.
Here are five foods you must try!
- Chia seeds
Chia seeds were a key crop in ancient Aztec cultures, and are now becoming more well-known, for good reason!
Chia seeds are high in protein, making them a favorite superfood to support exercise and to replace animal protein.
They’re also high in antioxidants, making them a beauty food, as well as high in fiber. They’re very high in calcium, making them a great alternative to dairy products.
Additionally, they contain the all-important omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, iron, selenium, and other nutrients.
Chia seeds can be added to smoothies and also soaked in dairy-free milk to make a luxuriously creamy and satisfying chia pudding.
Try them in our bowls, smoothies, or our toast!
2. Cacao
Cacao is made from the cacao bean, which is the source of all our chocolate. Cacao is entirely unsweetened although the chocolate taste is vibrant in them.
While cacao is a stimulant and has caffeine, it is a healthy alternative to sweetened chocolate, providing a chocolate flavor without sugar or dairy which will harm your health.
Cacao nibs are a great swap for chocolate chips, and cacao powder is a great swap for sweetened cocoa powder.
Try cacao in our bowls, smoothies, and toast!
3. Flax seeds
In the plant-based nutrition world, flax seeds are known to be one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. It is also high in fiber and in magnesium and phosphorus.
Flax is known to help some people with digestive problems, good for cholesterol as well as beneficial for those with diabetes.
They’re often added to smoothies and can even be used to replace eggs in baking.
Try flax seeds in our smoothies and bowls!
4. Spirulina
Spirulina is an algae, but before that scares you, listen to this: spirulina was a food for Aztecs and other Mesoamericans and has been used throughout history.
It is high in protein and sky-high in B vitamins, iron, and manganese. Many on a plant-based diet turn to spirulina as a source of iron if that is a concern for them, and it is also a great food for those who are physically active due to its high protein content.
Most often it is added to smoothies, however it can also be added to salads and as a natural food coloring for anything you want to turn green!
Try spirulina in our smoothies, bowls, and juices!
5. Hemp hearts
Despite the worry some people have, hemp hearts (aka hemp seeds) contain no psychoactive properties at all and are a safe food source no different than any other seed.
Hemp seeds are deliciously nutty and add a wonderful flavor to salads, smoothie bowls and dressings. Hemp seeds are high in protein, fiber, and magnesium, as well as iron.
Try hemp seeds in our bowls and smoothies as well as on our toast!
Try these five foods out and let us know what your favorites are.
