Health stores can be intimidating especially when you’re new to a healthy eating lifestyle. There are plenty of seeds, grains, and other superfoods to choose from. Here’s a list of basic items you can buy and how to consume them:
Here are my personal suggestions and the items I personally have and use in my kitchen:
1. Flax seeds – a massive source of fiber and the best way for me to describe fiber is that it sweeps away all the bad things in our gut so you can literally flush them in the toilet as well as potential health problems like diabetes and cancer. Read more: Flax seeds health benefits
How to use – You have to grind the flax seeds so better buy the flax seed meal which is already ground. If not, just put the seeds in the blender to crush them. I add 1-2 tbsps. in my daily oatmeal, when baking, in smoothies, in my tuna/egg sandwich spreads, in my pancake mix.
Where to buy – Healthy Options
2. Quinoa – more expensive than flax seeds but is a complete protein source. This is great for people who work out as it also contains lysine for muscle and tissue repair. Read more: Quinoa health benefits.
How to use – Some people like me use it as a rice substitute (I only do this once a week because a 1kg bag of quinoa costs about P800). Take 1 part quinoa (i.e. 1/2 cup) and boil it in 2 parts water (i.e. 1 cup). Cook it like rice, about 15-20 minutes until the grains expand. So 1/2 cup quinoa when cooked becomes 1 cup.
Where to buy – S&R, Healthy Options, G Stuff in Rockwell
3. Chia seeds – I consume chia seeds to boost my energy especially on a workout day to improve energy, power, and endurance. This superfood is also packed with fiber, Omega 3, and protein. Read more: Chia seeds health benefits.
How to use – Chia seeds double in size when soaked in water. You can use them on your oatmeal, just make sure to let it stand 15 minutes or so; smoothies; pancakes, and when baking any kind of bread or cake to make them more nutritious. When you do bake, consider using wholewheat flour.
Where to buy – Healthy Options, online stores
4. Acai berry – is the latest addition to my personal superfood list. Organique Acai Berry are high in anti-oxidants more than blueberries, protein, Omega 3, 6 & 9, and fiber. For persons actively working out or are into physical fitness, acai berry can help in energy and stamina. Read more: Acai berry health benefits
How to use – the acai berry I have is in concentrate form, I drink it 1-2 times a day. I only drink 30ml or 2 tbsps every morning, 30 minutes before my breakfast.
Where to buy – Mercury Drug, Watsons, Robinsons Supermarket, Southstar Drug
