The term ‘superfood’ is a real buzzword these days. You do and will continue to hear new superfoods being announced every day. They can be anything from green tea to yogurt to spinach. But are superfoods a real thing? What makes a superfood deserving of the title? Is there a difference between two of the same foods that are sourced from different places? Read on to discover the answers to your superfood questions.

How Superfoods Can Turn Your Health Around

Salmon is a more common superfood.

Firstly, let’s explore exactly what earns a superfood its description. A superfood is a food that provides the body with more nutrients than what you need for just basic survival. It is made up of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants. As such, it can help protect all different parts of your body and its functions.

Superfoods also contain chemical compounds known as phytonutrients, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also extremely low in calories and cholesterol. Superfoods are free from unnatural nasties like hormones or artificial ingredients, colors or flavors.

But the really amazing part about superfoods is all the health benefits that they have to offer. Superfoods help to keep your immune system strong. They may also be able to fend off heart disease and cancer. Some of the most famous superfoods include kale, spinach, blueberries, and salmon, all of which have many different benefits for your overall health. For example, kale can help lower your LDL cholesterol levels, which in turn reduces your risk of developing heart disease, and salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to lower blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of cancer.

It’s important to be getting enough superfoods in your diet, in order to keep your body functioning optimally and protect it from free radical damage and other toxins. But certain superfoods are better than others because of where they originate from.

The Importance Of Using Ethically Sourced Superfoods Explained

Local ingredients are better for the environment.

A point that people are beginning to realize the importance of is the issue of where, exactly, their food is sourced. Not all superfoods are equal – their place of origin and how they were tended to and came to be on your plate can make a world of difference.

Many restaurants and companies advertise that their products and food use only local ingredients. The reason for this is because the less traveling your food has to do to get to you, the better it is for the environment. By using local ingredients, companies are ensuring that there is less travel involved; and hence, less carbon dioxide being released, preventing air and water pollution. In addition, when it comes to foods like eggs and salmon, there are many places where cruelty to animals is the norm. Chickens are squashed together in tiny spaces, unable to move – useful for nothing except laying eggs. Salmon can often fare no better, with thousands of the fish being crammed into a small space, meant for a fraction of the amount of fish.

Besides the environmental impact, using ethically sourced foods is important for your own health, as well. Foods from dodgy sources can often be contaminated with various bacteria. The bacteria can cause food poisoning, kidney failure, and in some cases, even death. This is because, in some places, fruits and vegetables are not handled appropriately or are grown in unsanitary conditions. Being selective about where your foods are sourced can help ensure that you only buy produce that was grown in clean conditions, and that all the handling of it since has been safe. This reduces your risk of catching a foodborne illness or infection.

Imlak’esh Company And Mission Explained

Imlak’esh is a company that strives to provide an opportunity for both local and international farmers while offering a range of organically grown superfoods. They work with farmers from all over the globe, and their foods are all about our planet and the people inside it. Their mission, to quote The Independent, is to “facilitate and inspire an eco-social vision of food that’s place-based…the idea that your food comes from somewhere; that it has a story.” Currently, the company produces 11 superfoods – and once you hear about them, I’m sure you’ll agree that they are super indeed!

Imlak’esh Superfoods Breakdown And Review

Cacao Nibs

It’s no wonder that the company refers to these as ‘nature’s chocolate chips’. These cacao nibs are just crushed cacao beans. They taste like chocolate, but without all the added sugar. Imlak’esh gives some ideas as to how they can be enjoyed – for example, in a trail mix, added to smoothies, or as a topping for oatmeal. Other fans enjoy them as a crunch on ice cream or included in homemade protein balls.

Cacao Powder

Cacao powder.

This cacao powder is extremely fine, with a strong and delicious pure chocolate flavor. Cacao powder is a superb superfood. It’s full of antioxidants, amino acids, and minerals. But Imlak’esh’s cacao powder differs from other brands because they package their powder in glass jars instead of plastic. Needless to say, it’s far better for the environment this way – and it also looks classier! This cacao works perfectly in hot drinks, smoothies, and baking.

Cacao Wafers

If you’re a real chocoholic, you won’t be able to resist these cacao wafers. Made from organic cacao beans, these delicious chocolate disks make the perfect guilt-free treat. They are 100% cacao, so they’re quite bitter. If you aren’t used to such pure cacao, you can try eating them with a bit of raw honey to add a little sweetness. Perfect for snacking on or in hot chocolate or coffee.

ChargeBoss Clusters

I’m a huge fan of clusters in general, and these look super delicious! Filled with cashews, cacao nibs, and maca powder, these chargeboss clusters are the perfect snack to give you that extra boost of energy when you need it most. They’re great for on the go, and you can enjoy them in yogurt, smoothie bowls or in fruit salads, for a sweet and healthy dessert.

Goji Berries

Even if you haven’t tasted them, I’m sure you’ve heard of goji berries by now. Proclaimed a superfood due to their super-impressive antioxidant content, these delicious fruits have loads of nutrients to offer. They are especially high in Vitamin A, which is vital for your immune and reproductive systems, but they also have a remarkable amount of minerals, such as selenium, copper and iron, and other vitamins, including Vitamins C, E, and B2. There is no added sugar in these berries, but they’re yummy enough without it and naturally sweet – perfect for trail mixes, salads or just plain snacking.

Golden Berries

Rasberries.

Like goji berries, these little balls of yumminess are nature’s candies. If you like sweet, tart fruits, then you’ll adore these! Loaded with Vitamins A, C and B vitamins, plus minerals like iron and phosphorous, these little beauties are powerhouses for your teeth, bone, immune and reproductive health. Golden berries are also a great source of protein and make for satisfying guilt-free snacks.

Maca Powder

You can make maca powder from ground maca root. It’s particularly famous for its positive effects on hormones and libido. It can also increase energy and fertility, lower blood pressure, improve your mood and even strengthen your memory. Like all superfoods, it has an impressive antioxidant profile and is a great source of both protein and fiber. Add maca powder to smoothies, homemade energy balls, or hot drinks like coffee or cocoa, for a little extra flavor and a healthy boost.

Macambo

These beans are a bit hard to describe in terms of flavor. Some liken them to cashews, others to peanuts, and still others to things like potato chips or even malt balls. Macambo are a bit like all of that rolled into one – salty, but not too salty, with a nutty flavor that’s pretty unique. They make a great addition to smoothie bowls, trail mixes, and salads, and they offer plenty of protein and fiber. They also contain theobromine, a compound which can improve your mood and energy, as well as plenty of antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

Sacha Inchi

The seeds of the sacha inchi vine are known for their high amount of complete protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The nutrient profile of these seeds makes them perfect for a vegan diet, as it can be hard to get complete protein when you aren’t eating animal protein. They are one of the best natural sources of omega 3 you will find, other than salmon. They’re super crunchy, and Imlak’esh’s ones are Amazon’s choice for sacha inchi.

Sacha Inchi Protein

This is the powdered version of the sacha inchi seed, and it’s perfect for adding to things like pie crust or even soups, as its nutty flavor adds a little extra something. It’s got a high vitamin content and is easier to digest than most nut powders.

Spirulina

In case you haven’t heard of it before, spirulina is an alga, bluish-green in color, that comes from freshwater lakes. Sounds a bit like fish food at first, I know, but it’s one of the most incredible superfoods out there. Spirulina is full of B Vitamins and contains a lot of minerals like iron, copper, and magnesium. It has the potential to lower your cholesterol levels, lower your blood pressure, and has anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Imlak’esh sells their spirulina in powder form, perfect for adding into energy balls, smoothies, or any other kind of drink.

Conclusion

When it comes to keeping your body healthy, diet is obviously one of the most important factors (if not the most important). Superfoods are all about foods that offer numerous health benefits for all parts of your body. They are low in calories and have extraordinary nutrient content. Imlak’esh takes these foods a step further, by sourcing their products from the best places around the world. They work together with the farmers to ensure fair labor, a limited carbon footprint, and safe and delicious food. They’re a company with the right idea, and you know that when you buy their products, you’re doing the best thing for your health and body, helping farmers around the world, and keeping our planet safe.