I’ve been reading lots of blogs and health sites recently about superfoods (nutrient-rich food with high protective or disease preventive properties), and hemp seeds, goji berries, raw cacao and maca are among the stars.

So, in our Evolution Organics kitchen, we have created a delicious and quick way to get these life-changing nutrients inside our bodies. Who doesn’t love a smoothie? Especially when it tastes of creamy chocolate!

Let me explain why you should be using these superfoods regularly, and by the end I’m sure you’ll be reaching for your blender.

Hemp seeds

Hemp “seeds” are really not seeds at all, they are actually a fruit. Tiny and round they have a mild and slightly nutty flavor. They aren’t crunchy like nuts and slightly softer in texture, tasting a bit like pine nuts but with a milder flavour.  They are a perfect and natural blend of easily digestible vegan protein, containing lots of essential fats, vitamins and enzymes. And, all amino acids essential for optimum health are found in hemp seeds! They are perfect for increasing energy levels, improving recovery of muscles after exercise and lowering blood pressure.

Goji Berries

Goji berries grow on an evergreen shrub found in temperate and subtropical regions in China, Mongolia and in the Himalayas in Tibet. They are usually consumed dried and are shrivelled red berries that look like red raisins! Goji berries are extremely rich in antioxidants, amino acids and vitamin C. And are great for boosting your immune system,,improving circulation and promoting longevity.

Raw Cacao

Raw cacao beans contain possibly the world’s most concentrated source of antioxidants found in any food. Be sure to attain certified organic raw cacao in a powder, nib or whole bean form as the temperature will have never been allowed to exceed 40°C thus allowing all the heat-sensitive vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to remain intact. Raw Cacao is extremely high in magnesium which has been found to be the most common deficient major mineral in most, even following a balanced diet. Raw cacao beans have a very high antioxidant score which is 14 times more than red wine and 21 times more than green tea…so now you don’t need any excuse to eat chocolate!

Maca

Maca is a very special root vegetable grown high up in the mountains of Peru and is a nutrient packed food that contains an array of minerals, essential amino acids, vitamins and enzymes. Herbalists call it an Adaptogen which is the term used to describe a healthy product which works with the rhythms and needs of your body.  Maca can increase your energy levels, improve physical endurance and give you an overall feeling of wellbeing.

So you see I really had to tell you about these wonderful superfoods and give you a recipe where it’s easy to incorporate them into your daily diet.  I hope you like it!

 Ingredients

•  1 frozen banana (you don’t have to use frozen but I find it makes the drink a little creamier)
• 2 tbsp hemp seeds
• 2 tbsp goji berries
• 2 tbsp raw cacao nibs
• 1 tbsp maca powder
• 300ml almond or oat milk
• Couple of ice cubes

 Method

 Blend all ingredients on high in a blender until smooth