If you drink smoothies to improve your daily nutrient intake, then you’re already healthier than most, but did you know there are ways to boost your smoothies and juices with very little effort? Superfoods, a group of foods with increased health benefits, are an easy way to improve your drinks. Not into juicing? That’s ok, we also have a bunch of really tasty ways to include superfoods in your diet, even some desserts!

Avocado

We’re certain that you don’t need more reason to eat avocado. While avos may seem an unlikely addition to smoothies, they help create a creamy texture without any added flavour. Avocados are packed with (good for you) monounsaturated fat, which helps lower bad cholesterol. They also aid the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K; and contain folate, vitamins C, B5 and B6, and a host of minerals. They really are little nutrition bombs!

Avocado Flapjacks

Sneak some extra nutrients into your stack of pancakes by adding avocado as the fat source.
Recipe for Avocado Flapjacks

Green Pizza with Guacamole, Veggies & Chickpeas

These gorgeous, green pizzas are a fresh and tasty way to feed a group of hungry veggie-loving friends.
Recipe for Green Pizza

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Blueberries

In the world of superfoods, blueberries may just be the most super. For starters, they are very rich in antioxidants, as well as B-complex; vitamins A, C and E; selenium and zinc. Blueberries also contain iron, which promotes immunity by raising haemoglobin and oxygen concentration in blood. They’re able to boost your immune system, prevent infections, prevent loss of vision, and lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. In winter, when they’re out of season, simply pick up a frozen pack to pop into your blender.

Quinoa and Blueberry Breakfast Parfait

A healthy and tasty way to start your day.
Recipe for Quinoa and Blueberry Breakfast Parfait

Polenta Blueberry and Coconut Muffins

Deliciously moist and tender muffins with sweet blueberries. The polenta adds a lovely bit of texture and makes this a really substantial muffin, that is great for snacking and adding to your lunchbox.
Recipe for Polenta Blueberry and Coconut Muffins

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Cherries

Cherries are not only a fantastic way to add a fruity element to your bakes and lend a sweet-sour note to savoury dishes, they also have loads of health benefits. These bright red beauties are filled with antioxidants, and incredible vitamins and minerals. Cherries are high in vitamins A and C – great for boosting your immune system. They also contain vitamin K, which is essential for calcium metabolism and cardiovascular health. Fresh cherries make for a healthy snack, you could even use it to infuse your tea.

Flatbread with Prosciutto, Brie cheese, Rocket & Cherries

Cherries aren’t the first topping that comes to mind when making flatbread, but this delicious recipe reminds you why it should be.
Recipe for Flatbread with Prosciutto, Brie cheese, Rocket & Cherries

Cherry Crumble Bars

These high-energy bars are delightfully fruity and filled with the goodness of cherries.
Recipe for Cherry Crumble Bars

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Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an omega-3 fatty acid. It’s also been reported that ALA limits the growth of cancer cells in breast and cervical cancer. Chia seeds are one of the best plant-based protein sources, and can prolong hydration and the absorption of electrolytes, as they absorb ten times their own weight in water. The best way to eat them is ground up or soaked in water and added to a smoothie.

Milk Tart-flavoured Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seeds are fantastic! They’re healthy, surprisingly tasty, low-carb, and have a natural thickening quality, making them the perfect ingredient for desserts.
Recipe for Milk Tart Flavoured Chia Seed Pudding

Chilled Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding with Poached Plums

A delicious chilled pudding with the flavours of plum and vanilla.
Recipe for Chilled Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding with Poached Plums

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Cacao Nibs

With a slightly nutty flavour, cacao nibs (dried and fermented cacao beans) can be a healthy and tasty swap for regular chocolate. They’re also incredibly good for you. A single serving (30g) of cacao nibs provides 18% of your daily intake of fibre, and 21% of it for iron. They are also loaded with protective antioxidants and magnesium. In fact, raw cacao nibs are one of the best food sources of magnesium – an essential mineral involved in over 300 chemical reactions in our body, from nerve function to bone health. Add to your smoothies or simply snack on them as is.

Dark Chocolate Mud Cake With Cacao Nibs

Who can resist a moist chocolaty slice of cake? Add in cacao nibs for a bitter crunch and you have yourself a winner.
Recipe for Dark Chocolate Mud Cake With Cacao Nibs

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Goji Berries

Often found in dried form, these little powerhouse berries contain all the essential amino acids needed for building muscle tissue. They also have the highest concentration of protein of any fruit, are loaded with vitamin C, and contain more carotenoids – linked to reducing cancer risk and improving eye health – than any other food. They’re high in fibre and boast fifteen times the amount of iron found in spinach, as well as calcium, zinc and selenium. Need more encouragement to add a handful to tomorrow’s smoothie?

Coconut Granola with Goji Nuts and Berries

Start the day with this coconut and nut based granola; the goji berries make it extra tasty.
Recipe for Coconut Granola with Goji Nuts and Berries

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Coconut Oil

There is no end to the health benefits of the entire coconut fruit, but with a number of amazing properties, coconut oil is probably the superstar. It’s been linked to preventing liver and kidney diseases, strengthening the immune system, as well as maintaining cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It’s also important to add a tablespoon or two to your morning smoothie, so that your body can absorb vitamins D (found in soy milk and cereals), E (in kiwi fruit and almonds) and K (found in leafy greens like spinach and kale). These recipes are a little bit of an indulgence, of course, but to incorporate coconut oil into your diet, simply add a spoonful to your morning smoothie or use as an oil to cook with.

LCHF Coconut and Almond Donuts

A tasty treat for sure. Kids and adults alike will love these.
Recipe for LCHF Coconut and Almond Donuts

Homemade Chocolate Slab

If you love chocolate and the melty goodness of coconut oil, then you will love this recipe. Make your own chocolate at home and know exactly what’s going into it. Make sure you keep refrigerated, as coconut oil melts at room temperature.
Recipe for Homemade Chocolate Slab

Learn about the difference between coconut oil and MCT oil

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Green Tea

Green tea is made with the same tea leaves as black tea but hasn’t undergone the withering and oxidisation process. The health benefits of green tea have been celebrated for free-radical-fighting antioxidants, contains B-vitamins, folate (naturally occurring folic acid), manganese, potassium, magnesium and caffeine. Brew up a teabag or two, cool the liquid and add it to your smoothie or juice.

Green Tea, Onion and Potato Soup

This irresistibly creamy onion and potato soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe for Green Tea, Onion and Potato Soup

Matcha and Mint Ice Cream

A refreshing and healthy way to end any meal.
Recipe for Matcha and Mint Ice Cream

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Ginger

Ginger really is a miracle plant; it’s known to reduce fevers, soothe sore throats, and helps remove mucus from the chest. The chemicals in ginger give it that spicy kick that stimulates blood circulation and opens your sinuses. It’s also proven to cure upset tummies, nausea or travel sickness. Grate a piece and blend it with your smoothie ingredients. Try adding carrot or beetroot to the mix, or juice it and enjoy as a health shot to feel instantly better.

Rooibos Gingerbread Latte

A warming cup of gingery goodness, sure to fight off any impending germs.
Recipe for Rooibos Gingerbread Latte

Morning Ginger and Lemon Detox Water

There’s no better way to kickstart your day and cleanse your system. A trusted cuppa that will get you going in the morning.
Recipe for Morning Ginger and Lemon Detox Water

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Kale

One cup of kale (containing just 33 calories) includes 3 grams of protein, 2.5 grams of fibre, which helps you feel fuller for longer. This superfood also boasts vitamins A, C and K; as well as vitamin B9 and omega-3 fatty acids – both proven to be key in brain development. The best way to up your daily intake is to include a handful of kale leaves to your smoothie or juice.

Oven Roasted Kale Chips

Simple but delicious – this kale recipe will become a favourite.
Recipe for Oven Roasted Kale Chips

Matcha and Kale Soup

Two superfoods in one bowl, that can only be good for you!
Recipe for Matcha and Kale Soup

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Matcha

Matcha has become really popular in recent years, but this green tea powder has actually been around for centuries. It’s now known as one of the most powerful superfoods on the market; its antioxidant properties makes it a great mood enhancer, a memory and concentration-booster, and so much more. It also contains vitamins A, B-complex, C, E and K and trace minerals. Matcha is made from Japanese tea leaves (tencha), which are grown in the shade to increase their chlorophyll content. The leaves are then harvested and ground to create this bright green super powder.

Green Egg Sarmie with Matcha Mayo

Add a little pizazz to your mayo and enjoy the health benefits of matcha.
Recipe for Green Egg Sarmie with Matcha Mayo

Matcha, Mint and White Chocolate Tarts

Matcha is super popular as a dessert ingredient and lends a wonderfully earthy flavour. Who said superfoods can’t be a treat?
Recipe for Matcha, Mint and White Chocolate Tarts

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Quinoa

Quinoa may be a mouthful to say (pronounced ‘keen-wah’), but it’s a seriously healthy and power-packed mouthful too. Known as a super grain (but actually a seed), it is full of high-quality protein, has plenty of fibre and is gentle on the tummy. It looks a bit like couscous and has a pleasantly neutral, slightly nutty flavour and works in dishes from sweet to savoury. It also contains iron, lysine (tissue growth and repair), magnesium and vitamin B2, amongst other things. It’s extremely versatile – in short, we love it.

Quinoa Salad with Mint and Lime

Easy to prepare and so delish. Make for supper and have the leftovers for lunch.
Recipe for Quinoa Salad with Mint and Lime

Prune and Quinoa Power Balls

Perfect little energy bombs; keep these treats on hand for when you need a boost.
Recipe for Prune and Quinoa Power Balls

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Spirulina

Possibly the least impressive tasting of all the superfoods, spirulina, is a natural algae harvested from non-contaminated ponds and bodies of water – hence why it tastes a little like pond scum. It is unbelievably good for you though… spirulina contains 65% protein and amino acids, including the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which has gotten a lot of attention for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also especially high in omega-3,6 and 9. Sprinkle a bit of the powder into your smoothie, so that it doesn’t taste bad.

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Wheatgrass

Unlike the name suggests, wheatgrass contains no wheat at all. This little super plant, which somewhat resembles lawn clippings, is packed with all sorts of goodness. It contains high levels of nutrients (calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc) and live enzymes, which make it easily digestible. Because of this, nutrients are delivered into your bloodstream quickly and work their magic by cleansing and detoxifying. Certain juicers will be able to extract this powerful green juice from freshly clipped grass, alternatively, if you don’t have a green thumb, you can purchase dried wheatgrass.

Add these adaptogens to your daily diet.
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