Food Profiling

In the business of health + wellness, chances are you're going to hear the term superfood sooner or later if you haven't already. Typically, it refers to a spectrum of nutrient - dense foods and supplements that have a high profile of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants etc. 

While this is the case with this class of edibles, it's important to remember as you introduce new foods into your diet that not everything is digested the same in every body type, especially if you are making some radical changes in your lifestyle. You can easily overwhelm your system incorporating these foods all at once and especially if coupled with a new exercise routine. If your body and digestive system are not accustomed to these powerful foods, you may find that it goes through an intense detoxification process as it tries to restructure the internal landscape. Foods high in saturated fat, especially animal products, instant and frozen prepared foods typically contain white flour and sugar, corn syrup, simple sugars that depress the immune system, preservatives, nitrates, artificial colors and dyes, carcinogenic compounds and so on that get deposited into little pockets all over the digestive system, the lining of the liver and the kidneys, the bloodstream, cellular walls and connective tissues. 

These things compromise the delicate balance of flora in our gut and prevent our bodies from functioning efficiently. This can lead to fatigue, headaches, allergies, depression, joint pain, digestive disorders, weight gain, high blood pressure and heart disease - just to name a few! 

This super bowl I made has twelve ingredients and each one of them certainly has a super profile:

• QUINOA || An incredible digestive aid, this little Spanish grain was considered the mother by the Incas. It sweeps the colon and contains more calcium than milk, per serving. The fats it contains are the omega essential oils that are healthy and unsaturated. They feed the brain and the connective tissues. High in zinc, niacin and amino acids. Good source of energy and plant based protein, rich in minerals and stimulates the milk flow of nursing mothers.
• BLACK BEANS || All beans reduce cholesterol and regulate the insulin of the body. They lower blood pressure and clean the arteries and the bloodstream and nourish the heart muscle. Also high in protein and fiber, they also regulate the proper metabolism of fat.
• SWEET POTATO || Incredibly rich in beta carotene and vitamin A, this is evident from it's bright orange color like carrots. Alkaline and high in antioxidants, it detoxifies the entire body and binds to metals as it aids in the elimination of them. It addresses ulcers, colon function, circulation and elimination
• KALE || A systemic cleanser, extremely high in antioxidants and anti-cancer compounds, calcium and sulphur. It protects the eyes from macular degeneration and aids the body's digestive and nervous systems.
• GARLIC || The most medicinal of all of the alliums, which is the onion family of plants. Antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, antibiotic, expectorant. Digestive aid and prevents heart disease, regulates blood pressure. One clove of raw garlic is equal to 100,000 units of penicillin. 
• RAW SAUERKRAUT || Fermented foods are high in probiotics and provide a vegan source outside of yogurt. Probiotics nourish our gut and our digestive tract. Anti-inflammatory, high in vitamins A and C, it restores the gut and it's lining, repairs the intestinal tract and wall, it enhances the absorption of other foods.
• BLACK SESAME || Emollient and laxative, it relieves swelling and addresses tumors and overgrowths. High in vitamin E, it's good for the heart and the nerves. The black is superior to the hulled variety as it contains higher levels of minerals, especially iron. It assists with liver and kidney function and soothes the joints.
• CAYENNE || An appetizer, it stimulates the stomach acids that digest food. A powerful blood cleanser and metabolic booster. Good for blood pressure, circulation, depression and sweat gland function which is essential for detoxification.
• CUMIN || Carminitive, aromatic and a digestive aid. A taste enhancer that improves circulation, relieves pain and cramps in the abdomen, prevents gas and warms the body.
• CILANTRO || Antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative and diuretic. A stomach aid, cooling, purifies the blood and cell tissues, prevents nausea, regulates insulin, eliminates metals, increases pancreatic function, addresses UTI's, diaphoretic (increases sweat), reduces fever and gas pains, anti-inflammatory, treats headaches, cough and stress.

My point in writing this is to deepen the dialogue about the importance of nourishing our bodies with the things that give back to us and allow us to work like a well - oiled machine. It can be overwhelming to introduce a bunch of unfamiliar foods all at once, so start gently but consistently with a few. Prepare them in ways that are pleasing to your palette while eliminating combinations that don't work together. Start by replacing a fried or starchy item with a salad or steamed vegetable for your side. Switch out your canola oil for olive oil. Bake instead of fry. Eliminate white flour and sugar. Accessorize the food you like with one from the list and begin trying something new each week until you feel comfortable stepping outside of your comfort zone more. Get creative with your kids food. Don't cultivate a picky eater - put new things on the table and do it together. It's okay if you don't like something - make it a different way next time, just don't stop trying and tasting. There is an incredible world of foods, textures and flavors out there waiting for you.