Maca Powder
Photo by Laura Lim
Maca is a root vegetable native to South America. This nutrient-rich root, packed with potassium, iron and fiber, was the go-to food for Incan warriors before battle. Planning a romantic night of steamy passion? Eat chocolate infused with maca powder. Maca also boosts sexual function and fertility for both men and women. The herbaceous nuttiness of maca makes it versatile in savory snacks like guacamole, but it can also be used in a morning shake and as an extra nutrient boost to that PB&J. Get macho with maca.
Kale
Photo by Laura Lim
Move over, broccoli, because kale is king. Kale has been hailed as one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet. One cup of kale has 9% of the daily value of calcium, 206% of vitamin A, 134% of vitamin C and a kale-ossal 684% of vitamin K. Kale also helps to strengthen the immune system and fight inflammation. Although most health nuts prefer to eat raw kale salads, kale can be put in anything from smoothies to omelets to add some greens to your morning routine. Don’t like kale by itself? Try adding it into some pasta sauce for a healthy addition to your Italian-inspired meal.
Kombucha
Photo by Laura Lim
Kombucha originated from China and has been nicknamed the “elixir of life.” What is this deliciously life-changing drink? Essentially, kombucha is a fermented tea (or sometimes coffee) that obtains its carbonation and probiotics from the fermentation process. Make it match your mood; any kind of tea can be used to make kombucha–go calm with chamomile or bold with black tea. Regular consumption helps detoxify the immune system and boost liver function, metabolism and energy. Packed with B vitamins and folate, kombucha is great for maintaining sexual health and wellness.
Nooch (Nutritional Yeast)
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Photo by Laura Lim
Nutritional yeast, otherwise known as nooch to frequent consumers, is not your typical yeast. Nooch is made from a single-celled organism that is grown on molasses, harvested and deactivated. Since nutritional yeast has an earthy flavor reminiscent of nuts and cheese, many vegans use nutritional yeast as an alternative to Parmesan. Unlike Parmesan cheese, however, nooch is low in fat, gluten-free and contains no added sugars or preservatives, making it a guilt-free addition to any meal. As a plus, it contains large amounts of folic acid, protein and zinc.
Goji Berries
Photo by Laura Lim
Native to Tibet and Mongolia, goji berries have been used for centuries in Asian culture. Goji berries contain nearly twice the recommended amount of daily vitamin A and are a great source of fiber and iron. Unlike any other fruit, goji contains all the necessary amino acids and has a reasonable amount of iron. Goji berries also have the highest concentration of protein compared to any other fruit. Feeling a sickness coming on? Goji berries are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and packed with antioxidants, which can help prepare you for any type of infection. Add dried goji berries to your oatmeal to kick-start your morning or to trail mix to help you get over the afternoon grind. Goji berries can also be juiced, if preferred, and can be used as a substitute for raisins. Get healthy and try some goji.