The ABC’s of Vegan Superfoods

Food food food. I LOVE FOOD.

I love food so much that I am going to sing my ABC’s to a number of superfoods that we should all try adding to our diet. I haven’t even tried all of these, but writing this post has certainly inspired me to GET ON THAT SHIT.

A – acai – Antioxidants, fiber and heart-healthy fats. This tasty little berry packs quite a punch. I add acai packs to my smoothies for an extra boost.

B – barley – Oh hulled barley, I love you so. Hulled is healthier than pearled because it is not overly processed. It’s fiber-packed and can help lower cholesterol. My favorite grain ever!

C – cacao – No Portlandia, we will not say cacao to cacao. It’s way too delicious and healthy! Loaded with antioxidants that stabilize and ultimately destroy free radicals in your cells and tissues. I make this killer cacao morning mixer to reap the benefits.

D – dates – Medjool dates, in particular, are God’s gift to man and woman. Easily digestible, fiber-filled, and provide a natural energy boost. Snack a few before a workout.

E – edamame – Apparently, the calcium and magnesium in soy may help to lessen PMS symptoms. So, there’s that. Plus, YUM.

F – flaxseed oil – My favorite smoothie additive. Great source of omega-3s, fatty acids, and fiber.

G – ginger – Stomach ache? Ginger is my go-to for a natural remedy. It can help with nauseas, motion sickness, and morning sickness. Plus, ginger is just so incredibly tasty.

H – hemp seeds – Excellent source of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and 6. They are also a great source of vitamin E. I toss them in smoothies or on a salad.

I – incan berries – Never tried these bad girls, but now I’m intrigued! They are high in antioxidants and have some sort of healing power. I like the sound of that. Anyone ever tried them?

J – jicama – This root veggie is at the top of my list of things to try. It’s a great source of fiber and features important minerals like magnesium, copper, iron and manganese.

K – kombucha – This fermented probiotic beverage is supposed to do wonders for your gut health. Reported benefits include improved digestion, mental clarity, and mood stability.

L – lentils – Lentils all day, everyday. That’s my motto. Small, but don’t be fooled. SO filling and packed with protein. Great for heart health and weight loss. Super cheap, too.

M – maca – This powder is supposed to be some kind of sex goddess. I mean, a libido booster. It’s also a superfood for the ladies, as it relieves menstrual issues and menopause – from cramps to mood swings. Oh hell yeah, pass the maca.

N – nuts – Walnuts, almonds, cashews… you just can’t go wrong. Great source of heart healthy fats and a choice snack to keep your energy up and stomach full.

O – oats – Lower your cholesterol with a big bowl of hearty oats. If you are already vegan, you probably already have stellar cholesterol… but hey, still good to know!

P – pomegranate – These babies are gorgeous and a health powerhouse. Contain high levels of flavonoids and polyphenols, two potent antioxidants offering protection against heart disease and cancer.

Q – quinoa – If you’re going gluten-free, this is your guy! Quinoa is a great source of B-vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, and fiber.

R – rabe – Broccoli rabe is so understated, but it is one of my favorite greens. It contains lutein, an antioxidant that protects the retinas of your eyes from damage caused by those nasty free radicals. It is also known to help protect against birth defects. Here’s one of my fave ways to prepare rabe.

S – spirulina – I am so scared of the taste of this one, but I know I need to try. Why? I mean… its’s 65% protein and amino acids, including gamma linolenic acid (GLA),known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Oh, and it has a high B12 content… so!

T – turmeric – Another fave of mine. I name a number of turmeric benefits in this blog post, along with my recipe for my favorite Golden Cashew Milk.

U – ugli – This citrus fruit is high in vitamin C. It’s recommended for skin and heart related diseases. It is also recommended to prevent kidney stones (hey, guys!)

V – vinegar – I’m focusing on one of my all-time favorites here: apple cider vinegar. ACV is good for your body, skin, and hair.

W – wheatgrass – I took a shot of wheatgrass once and wanted to die. Dying aside, this is like… the ultimate superfood. I need to learn to stomach its grassy/earthy taste, because it is so good for you.

X – avocado – WILD CARD! Nothing can possibly go here, right? Please prove me wrong in the comments below. Anyways, probably one of my favorite superfoods in the whole world.

Y – yams – I love yams, and that’s a good thing, because they are great for energy, fiber, B-complex vitamins.

Z – zucchini – Because zucchini noodles (or zoodles) are the best damn thing ever. Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, making it the perfect main star of your healthy dish.

Anything on this list that you haven’t tried yet? Or maybe you have and have some thoughts – share below, as usual. I am always so interested in kombucha, but kinda scared of it for some reason. Should I be? xx bianca