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Super Foods
Smooth as Ken

Superfoods, we can't shake them. Be it the London Lite or Sainsburys, this nutritional buzz word is omnipresent. And UJ - ever on a mission of self and health improvement - is biting.

Sadly, our first foray into the world of acai ended up in the bin (the distributor failed to note "assembly required"). A few test drives later, we give you an insider's guide in to the more obscure of these dietary wonders.

Acai

The Dirt: Pronounced ah-sah-yee, in its original form this fruit is a berry, but (outside of its native Brazil) is generally sold as a frozen pulp. Surprisingly rich, acai has a flavor that lands somewhere between a fruity berry and chocolate.
Why Bother? Having been deemed one of the most nutritionally rich and powerful antioxidants in the world, acai is also an excellent source of B vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Recommended consumption: Our favorite of the ambiguous Superfood bunch, acai must be sweetened but once prepared is delish, satisfying and (like its Latin roots) sexually charged. Try blending acai (1pkg), banana (1), honey (to taste) and milk into smoothie and sprinkle w/ granola-summer's answer to winter's all day energy giving porridge.
Daily Dosage: 1 packet
Price: £3.99/6 serving package

Cacao:

The Dirt: Cacao beans (a nut by origin) grow on jungle trees and are the source of all things chocolate. In its raw form, cacao beans are simply an unsweetened, less-rich version of dark chocolate.
Why Bother? The word is that cacao beans-despite their petite size-house over 300 chemically identifiable compounds and are one of the most complex foods on earth. Aside from antioxidant properties, cacao has high levels of magnesium essential for healthy heart function and, just like chocolate, has mood elevators to help you forget that recent row with your boyfriend.
Recommended consumption: As chocolate purists, UJ enjoys munching these nibs on their own; a healthier, craving killing alternative to a Mars bar. However, the flavor may not be suitable to all palates. For Lindt lovers, we'd propose a sprinkle on muesli or a milkshake blend.
Daily dosage: 10-20 grams.
Price: £1.99/60 gram package

Bee Pollen:

The Dirt: Bee pollen is the brilliantly yellow dust a bee gathers from the inner part of a flower called the stamen. Once in the hive, bees turn the pollen into small pellets that are picked up by bee keepers and air-dried. Logically, the resulting taste is similar to a grainy honey.
Why Bother? While possessing a multitude of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, bee pollen's superstar role is that of an immune system booster. Ironically, it is also one of the most effective ways to treat hay fever and air born allergies.
Recommended consumption: Bee pollen is an easy and not too invasive addition to the daily diet. Depending on our menu of the moment, we sprinkle it onto cereal, fruit, salad or practically anywhere we want a little sweetness.
Daily dosage: 1-3 tablespoons.
Price: £5.99/150 gram canister

Maca:

The Dirt: A root resembling a turnip, Maca is Peru’s natural Viagra. Once cultivated, the Maca plant is dried and ground. The result is a strong, smoky and distinctivly flavored powder that can take a bit of getting used to.
Why Bother?: Maca is said to boost sexual health and function for all, normalize periods in women and, due to its hormone regulating properties, aid in the treatment of acne.
Recommended Consumption: General wisdom advises adding Maca to cereal, yogurt or coffee, but UJ tends to find the flavor a bit too savory in the a.m. We suggest sprinkling this wonder dust on cooked veggies, soup or mixing it into salad dressing.
Daily dosage: 2 tablespoons.
Price: £7.99/ 220gram packet

Goji Berries:

The Dirt: This Chinese raisin-like red berry is famously temperamental. If touched by human hands during harvesting, goji berries will turn black, a sort of anti-Midas quality that cultivating a magical air of mystique. Flavor-wise expect a slightly medicinal blend of cherry and strawberry.
Why Bother? Chinese Li Qing Yuen, who consumed iron rich Goji berries daily apparently lived to the age of 252 years (1678-1930). Reason enough for us.
Recommended Consumption: For the raw food veteran goji berries may be enjoyable on their own, but newbies (like us) will probably prefer adding them to their morning muesli or trail mix. Daily Dosage: 10-20 grams.
Price: £1.99/150 gram packet

All products available at Fresh & Wild.

Fresh & Wild Soho
69–75 Brewer Street, W1 - 020 7434 3179

Fresh & Wild Camden - 49 Parkway, NW1
020 7428 7575

Also check out Dana Centre's debate: Superfood Sellout Wednesday May 16

by EDX
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