Various Superfoods Health Benefits

There are no rules that tell you if a particular food should or should not be considered a superfood, but we like to think of our “superfoods” as foods that help nourish and satisfy our bodies. Superfoods have garnered their name in the health and wellness world through offering nutritionally-dense profiles. By combining a wide variety of these nutrient-rich foods, we believe that food can make us feel great while tasting just as great.

Superfoods can come in various forms and colors, which is why we think they are so awesome. They can be easily blended up into smoothies, pressed into juices, and rolled up into wraps. Whether you want to increase your protein intake, fiber intake, or make your plate a little more colorful, superfoods can help you achieve and sustain those goals. At E+ROSE, we love using superfoods such as seeds, vegan protein sources, and colorful vegetables to add variety to our menu and to help inspire wellness in our community.

A Closer Look at Vegan Protein Sources - Pea Protein and Hemp Protein.

Pea Protein is a unique source of plant-based protein extracted from yellow peas rich in amino acids and digests easily. This efficiency may help to prevent gastric discomfort, leaving you feeling satiated and in control of your hunger and cravings. Pea Protein has nine essential amino acids for healthy skin, bones, and lean muscle mass. It also contains iron, which is critical for energy and mood.

Hemp Protein is made from compressed hemp seeds and has a similar nutritional profile to pea protein, as it also contains all nine essential amino acids. Actual hemp seeds, a commonly used topping on our smoothie bowls, boast a heavy dose of protein and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are a great source of vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc. In addition, they may help alleviate some symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome from the gamma-linolenic acid content. Hemp seeds also have a pleasant nutty flavor!

Easy Superfoods to help spice up your life

Chia seeds are loaded with healthy fats, protein, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. “Chia” is the Mayan word for strength, making perfect sense for such a powerful food. Chia seeds have a mild nutty flavor, are loaded with protein and fiber, and are ideal for hydration and appetite satiation. Chia seeds also contain eight times more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon and have been clinically shown to be effective in preventing and reversing high cholesterol and heart disease. Here are some great uses for chia seeds:

Blend them up in a smoothie, or enjoy them as a topping on a smoothie bowl
Add a tablespoon into oatmeal or on top of peanut butter toast
Chia seed pudding

Cinnamon smells and tastes like how a warm hug feels, which is why it is so easy to incorporate into our everyday lives! Did you know there are two different types of cinnamon? Ceylon Cinnamon is pure cinnamon, whereas Cassia Cinnamon is the more commonly referred to type of cinnamon. So what are the benefits of cinnamon? It is high in polyphenol antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, and is well-known for its blood-sugar lowering properties. Here are easy ways to incorporate cinnamon into your life:

Coffee! A dash of Cinnamon in your morning brew is simple and tasty.
Oatmeal - throw in a pinch (or more!) of cinnamon into your oatmeal and top it with apples or bananas for a satiety and nutritious breakfast.
Chia seed pudding - see what we did there? Two superfoods in one! Adding a little cinnamon to your chia seed puddings knocks up the flavor and nutritional benefits.

**Health benefits found here.

Leaf Vegetables can be a bit daunting, but they are essential to incorporate into our diets for numerous reasons. Two powerhouses are kale and Spinach. Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, as they are full of antioxidants to protect the body against foreign bacteria and viruses. On the other hand, Spinach is high in fiber to help ease digestion and is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that boost overall health. Here are a few ways to add some green to your day:

Add Spinach into your smoothie - this is especially great if you don’t love the taste of greens. The other ingredients in your smoothie, like bananas and nut butters, will help mask the taste!
Wrap them up into a wrap with other veggies like cucumbers and peppers, beans, hummus, or anything else that you would like.
Color up your pasta with sauteed greens and other veggies