OUR CHOICE OF THE TOP 5 SUPERFOODS FOR ATHLETES

1. Spirulina -  a blue-green algae, is the immortal descendent of the earth's original life form. Over 3.5 billion years ago, blue-green algae produced our oxygen atmosphere so life could evolve.  After decades of extensive research and testing, spirulina is considered one of the greatest and most important nutritional discovery in history. This blue green algae offers the most powerful concentration of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients ever seen in any food, plant, grain or herb. Because of this high concentration of easily digestible nutrients, spirulina is preferred as a food supplement by athletes, dieters, convalescents, vegetarians, bodybuilders, health practitioners and people of all ages.  Spirulina markedly increases available energy - it is very rich in vitamin E and bio-chelated iron (for enriched blood/cellular oxygenation) & is the world's richest source of antioxidants.  Unsurpassed in its power to help enhance metabolism, spirulina optimises nutrition and normalise weight, making one feel younger, stronger and sharper, giving a powerful sense of potency and aliveness and a greater resistance to stress, tiredness and disease.

2. Bee Pollen - is the male element of flowers. Bees gather pollens which are mixed with nectar to make pellets that are carried into the beehive. Pollen is a nutritionally complete food and possesses 185 known nutritional ingredients, including twenty-two amino acids (and more of all the eight essential ones by weight than any traditional high protein foods), twenty-seven minerals, the full range of known vitamins, plus enzymes, carbohydrates, fats, and plant growth hormones.

Pollen has twice as much iron as any other common food type, over seven times more iron than beef and contains up to 50% more muscle-building protein than beef does. Bee Pollen has the highest natural level of folic acid (folate) of any food.  Bee Pollen has long been shown to assist with energy levels, stamina, and athletic performance.

3. Chia Seeds - Native to Mexico & known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. Aztec warriors thrived on chia seed. The Indians of the south west would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a 24 hour forced march. Indians running form the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the Chia seed for their nourishment.  Chia seeds typically contain 20% protein, 34% oil, 25% dietary fiber & significant levels of antioxidants & a variety of amino acids. The oil from chia seeds contains a very high concentration of omega-3 fatty acid — approximately 64%. Chia seeds contain no gluten.

Two tablespoons of chia – about 25 grams – provide about seven grams of fibre. This dose also includes calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, copper, niacin, and zinc.  Can be eaten dry but is usually soaked first or added to a smoothie or pudding.

4. Cacao - powder, nibs, liquor & beans - "Food of the Gods" this incredible superfood provides one of the richest sources of magnesium, iron & antioxidants in its raw state.  Also contains caffeine & mood-enhancing properties, making it an excellent food for high-performing athletes.

5. Maca - A Peruvian root vegetable that looks very much like a turnip or radish, is considered to be one the best natural foods due to its excellent and scientifically tested properties.

The Maca plant was domesticated about 2,000 years ago by the Incas; primitive cultivars of maca have been found in archaeological sites dating back as far as 1,600 B.C.