Superfoods for active women

We all know that to maintain balanced health and a good mood, it's good to get foods rich in various nutrients. This is often difficult in our busy daily lives, so we'll share with you 4 of our favorite superfoods that every active woman can add to her diet for more smiles, energy, and tone.

Maca Powder – A Symbol of Youth and a Natural Aphrodisiac

It's no coincidence that maca powder is at the top of the list. This is probably one of the superfoods every woman should try!

The herb is valued for its root, which has high nutritional and medicinal properties. Maca contains a combination of sterols, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, which are claimed to have a synergistic effect. The dried root is rich in vitamins C, B2, B3, B6, minerals – potassium, calcium, iron, copper, fatty acids, including linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acid, amino acids, polysaccharides, and more.

Maca intake has been found to increase energy, relieve physical and mental fatigue, and slow down aging processes. But even more interesting is that it helps with sexual dysfunctions (in both sexes) and is especially beneficial for women as it regulates hormonal imbalances, relieves symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and those of menopause.

Maca powder is an exceptionally suitable superfood for every active woman! Maca's taste is slightly sweet caramel and can be added to smoothies, shakes, hot and cold drinks, muesli, ice cream, raw desserts, and more.

Whole Cacao Beans – A Natural Antidepressant

You're probably not surprised that cocoa is on our list. Yes, that's right, but with one detail – we recommend you consume whole cacao beans.

Whole cacao beans do not contain sugar and are rich in protein, fat, fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, B vitamins, and other important ingredients. They contain serotonin, tryptophan, anandamide, dopamine, phenylethylamine, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (enzymes). All of these have a positive effect on the brain by improving the metabolism and bioavailability of various neurotransmitters.

Whole cacao beans are recommended for depression, kidney and liver diseases, asthma, reduce bad cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular diseases, strengthen bones, support pancreatic function, and help maintain normal blood sugar levels. Cacao beans contain theobromine and tryptophan (an essential amino acid responsible for serotonin production), which are at the core of their stimulating effect and mood-enhancing property.

Whole cacao beans are consumed directly, you can eat 5-10 beans daily. It is advisable not to consume them with dairy products, as they block the body's ability to absorb antioxidants from cocoa.

Ashwagandha – Reduces Stress and Improves Sleep

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng, is a primary medicinal herb in Ayurveda – traditional Indian medicine.

Ashwagandha is rich in iron, antioxidants, tannins, glucose, alkaloids, fatty acids, lactones, and more. It beneficially affects both body and mind functions and has a very wide range of action. The main medicinal effect of ashwagandha is to restore strength, vitality, and energy, including recovery after illness. The herb effectively fights against all forms of stress, improves sleep quality and the condition of the nervous system, and also shows strong aphrodisiac properties. It strengthens the body, stimulates the immune system, and increases resistance to infections and colds.

The calming properties of ashwagandha greatly alleviate conditions such as insomnia and anxiety – its Latin name means "that which induces sleep." For people suffering from insomnia and/or anxiety, it is recommended to drink 1 teaspoon of ashwagandha dissolved in warm water or juice before bed.

Reishi – For Cleansing the Body of Toxins

The Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used in Eastern medicine since ancient times. Reishi is an edible mushroom with a reddish cap and a characteristic horseshoe-like shape. It grows on various types of trees, stumps, and logs. Due to its great rarity, significant health benefits, and wide application, its cultivation began in the 1970s.

It is considered that, along with maitake, reishi is one of the most beneficial remedies in the fight against cancer cells. The phytochemicals and polysaccharides, in which the mushroom is rich, stimulate the production of antibodies by the immune system and increase the body's natural defenses. Reishi beneficially affects seasonal allergies due to its proven antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces histamine production (which means it reduces sneezing, watery eyes, and excessive nasal secretion) and improves liver functions (processing and elimination of toxins).

Reishi powder can be consumed with food, water, juice, smoothies, and is increasingly used for making tea.