Supplements have played a key role in my life ever since I went vegan three years ago. Whether you are vegan or non-vegan, getting your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and protein is extremely important along with a healthy diet. This weekend, WholeFoods is having a 25% sale off all their supplements, therefore, I decided to share some of my favorite supplements and superfoods with you! A few of these I bought yesterday at WF to enjoy the sale, other’s I have at home. They are my everyday musts! The powders I use in my morning shakes. A teaspoon of each combined with strawberries, bananas, blueberries, almond or coconut milk, and a scoop of my vegan protein. The pills and drops I take as described below. You can find all of them at WF, of course
POWDER FORM:
-Moringa: this is one of the best superfoods out there. It is made from the leaves of the Moringa plant. It is known as the Tree of life, and its name couldn’t suit it better! It prevents diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, anemia, arthritis, liver disease, and respiratory, skin, and digestive issues. It also has seven times more Vitamin C than oranges, four times more Vitamin A than carrots, four times more calcium than milk, three times more potassium than bananas, and two times more protein than yogurt!
The taste: Like green tea.
-Maca: It is made from the Maca root and found in high regions of South America. Its benefits include: hormonal balance, energy booster, health booster, increased fertility, immune system booster, improved sexual function, and improved memory and focus. It is rich in Calcium, protein, amino acids, fatty acids, iron, potassium, Vitamins B, C and E, and Zinc.
The taste: Earthy and creamy.
-Camu Camu: It is made from the fruit of a tree that grows in Brazil. The fruit looks like a red version of the Acai. Its benefits include: immune system boost, inflammation reduction, detoxification of the body, and overall body health. It has a massive amount of Vitamin C in it, carrying one of the highest concentrations in any food source. This helps your immune system and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
The taste: Bittersweet.
-Lucuma: It is made from a fruit native to Chile, Peru and Ecuador containing high amounts of Vitamin B3, calcium and protein. It has a maple-like taste that gives Lucuma a perfect use as a 100% natural sweetener. Use it in your smoothies, desserts, baked goods, nice cream, etc. It is also known for improving skin health, cardiovascular health, and blood sugar levels.
The taste: Like maple syrup.
-Golden Milk: It is the perfect combination of turmeric, dates, cardamon, ashwagandha, vanilla and black pepper. I add 1 teaspoon of it to a warm cup of almond or coconut milk, and drink it in the mornings or right before bed. The flavor is delicious, and it has two of my favorite superfoods: turmeric and ashwagandha. Read below to find out about their health benefits.
-VEGA protein: It is made from greens and grains. I've tried dozens of vegan protein powders and the only one I truly connected with was VEGA. Beside of the delicious flavor, VEGA carries 50% of your daily vitamins and minerals, 20g of plant based protein, omegas, probiotics, fibers and antioxidants.
The flavors I love: coconut almond, vanilla chai, and chocolate.
-Cacao: I don't think I need to talk much about Cacao. We've all heard of it and probably LOVE it! It is one of the strongest antioxidant carriers. I use it to create yummy desserts like cacao mousse, or add 2 tablespoons of it to my morning chocolate-mint shakes. Check my daily Instagram stories for recipes :)
PILLS:
-Turmeric (you can also get it in powder form): I take these whenever I have body aches, cramps, headaches, etc. They are 100% natural and vegan. They are made from the turmeric root (looks like an orange-yellow ginger) and traditionally used in Asian foods for taste and color. Turmeric has also been used in Ayurvedic Medicine for years as a natural anti-inflammatory and a source full of antioxidants. It is also known for boosting brain activity and health, lowering the risk of heart issues, preventing arthritis, and fighting depression.
Whether you choose to take it in powder form, golden milk or pills, turmeric is great for menstrual cramps, irritable bowls, headaches, and body aches.
The taste: Strong and bitter flavor. A combination of ginger and oranges.
-Ashwagandha Root: It is made from the root of one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing: Ashwaghanda. It is used in India to treat stress, fatigue, lack of energy, concentration issues, and a weak immune system.
I take a pill every morning with my breakfast.
DROPS:
-Bach flowers: A combination of water, brandy, and dew from healing flowers. They were developed by Edward Bach who believed in the natural healing properties of flowers. I remember taking these drops when I was little. I’ve always been a hyperactive soul, therefore, my parents used to give me a few drops of Bach flowers to calm my hyperactivity. I now take them during the days I feel stressed, low on energy, or even low on self-love. There are over 38 different flower remedies to choose from.
The taste: Like brandy :p
