Six SuperFoods That Will Get You Feeling Great From The Inside Out
Environmental toxins are all around us, and often times are difficult to avoid. They exist in our homes, office and on our daily walks. One of the best ways to defend ourselves from these toxins, short of making all of our own cleaning products, clothes and never leaving the house, is to boost your immune system by taking advantage of nutrient rich SuperFoods. These foods contain high levels of anti-oxidants, natural energy boosters and a slew of vitamins and minerals that are especially beneficial for health and well-being. While you don’t need to eat these types of foods exclusively, peppering them into your diet can help you be your best you. We’ve sussed out the most delicious ways to round out your diet with superfoods.
6 Spots to Get Your Superfoods in Scottsdale
Beets
For some, when you hear reference to beets, memories of the mushy, picked can variety can haunt your thoughts. Fresh beets are a whole different, delightful vegetable. Beets contain a slew vitamins and minerals that are especially beneficial to pregnant women as they can assist in the growth of new cells during pregnancy as well as replenish much-needed iron. The men aren’t left out, not by a long shot. Beets are thought to be nature’s Viagra and were once used by ancient Romans as an aphrodisiac because of their high levels of boron.
SOL Mexican Cocina presents a colorful, clean and immune-boosting delight with their Beet & Watermelon Salad with Salted Pepita Brittle. These carefully selected dish components are brimming with exquisite flavor complexities and vitamin-rich ingredients.
SOL Mexican Cocina: 15323 N. Scottsdale Road| Scottsdale| 480.245.6708
Cacao
Cacao beans contain flavonoids which are an antioxidant compound that promotes overall health and could lower your risk for certain diseases. These flavonoid antioxidants can help to decrease oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol.”
I can’t think of a better delivery of this free-radical fighting decadence than the Raw Cacao Bars from Nourish. These artisanal confections are indulgent and rich with a velvety texture. If you’re going to partake of sweet treat, you might as well make it one that has some serious health benefits.
Nourish: 7147 E. Highland Ave.| Scottsdale| 480.684.2233
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt contains a plethora of probiotics that, basically, promote a healthy gut. This superfood can be an important source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium believed to help lower blood pressure. An added benefit is that the protein in Greek yogurt can assist in weight loss and the calcium in combination with other nutrients assists in promoting bone strength.
The Original ChopShop Co. offers up a decadent and belly-filling delivery of Greek yogurt in their PB & J Greek Yogurt Parfait. They use a non-fat Greek yogurt along with all natural peanut butter, strawberry preserves, fresh fruit and low-fat granola. The familiar flavors of peanut butter and jelly will envelop you in comfort and make you forget how healthy this treat is.
Original ChopShop Co.: 7158 E. 5th Ave.| Scottsdale| 480.794.1536|
Kale
Kale is the darling of the superfoods, being very low in calories and zero fat. Not only is it easy and healthy to fill up on, kale contains high levels of fiber, iron, calcium and vitamins K and A. One of the best detox foods around, the fiber and sulfur in kale help to keep you liver healthy and is a huge aide to your immune system, metabolism, and hydration.
Grabbagreen’s South Beach salad is a great way to take your kale. The salad boasts heart healthy ingredients like spinach, kale, beets, avocado, feta, blueberry, nuts and it lightly dressed with a Mediterranean pomegranate dressing. This salad will quickly become addictive with every crisp and healthy bite.
Grabbagreen: 15689 N. Hayden Road| Scottsdale| 480.991.9901
Quinoa
Quinoa embodies everything that a superfood should; it contains anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and an array of antioxidants. High in protein, low in fat and with high levels of vitamin E quinoa is also a great source of fiber and is great in helping to reduce the risk of diabetes and lower cholesterol levels. This is one superfood that you can easily incorporate into your diet simply by using it to replace pasta and rice.
Eddie’s House offers up a Niman Ranch Pork Chop served with quinoa, apple, and a sweet potato poblano boat. Did you know that ounce for ounce pork contains less fat than a chicken breast? Combining the healthy aspects of the farm raised pork with the outstanding attributes of quinoa and you have an indulgent tasting meal that you can really sink your teeth into and feel good about at the same time.
Eddie’s House: 7042 E. Indian School Road| Scottsdale| 480.946.1622
Salmon
Salmon is quite possibly one of the best things that you can incorporate into your diet; it’s loaded with protein, high in Omega-3 fatty acids and is swimming in vitamins. Salmon can decrease the risk of macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and type-1 diabetes…and that’s just to start.
Elements prides itself on its use of fresh, local ingredients with dishes catering to your health. Their Asian-inspired dishes result in exciting dishes with pure flavor profiles. Their Grilled Organic Salmon is served with somen noodles, summer vegetables, and ginger coriander and is brushed with a delicate miso sauce to enhance the natural flavors. This healthful dish in combination with the picturesque scenery will create your own private oasis in no time.
Elements: 5700 E. McDonald Drive| Paradise Valley| 480.607.2300
This article was originally featured in the July 2014 issue of So Scottsdale Magazine.