This week we have Mike Cambell explain to us The Real Superfoods 

Our friend Mike has helped thousands of men achieve their goals in fitness, health and  life in general. He is about to release his book “Eat like a man, train like a beast, operate like a gentleman and become a legend”. Looking forward to grabbing a copy Mike! 

The Real Superfoods by Mike Campbell 

Yes, I said superfoods. If ever there was a buzz word around nutrition, this was it. However, unlike most, which are usually rare and exotic berries or the latest leafy green to hit vegan palates, this list of alternative superfoods is a ‘bit path less trodden’.

Sure, Maca, goji, Açaì and kale are good for you, however, in terms of bang for your nutritional buck they simply do not cut it. Rare, expensive and isolated they can’t match what served early humans for millennia, and continue to serve indigenous populations, as well as those more health conscious of us.

These foods that aren’t spoken about much, but can be a strong weapon in the arsenal of any person, regardless of your health or body goals. This list adds monumental nutritional, health and flavour benefits to any diet. Start getting some of these into your diet today!

1.       Fermented foods- sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), Kim Chi, carrots, beetroots, coconut flesh, quality yoghurt, kefir- any products using liquid whey from raw milk or using a natural fermentation process. You may have heard of probiotic supplements for your gut, well this stuff does that and more. Acting to fortify gut health, aiding in digestion and overall health. Try having a tablespoon with each meal and your gut and subsequently your health and body will thank you no end.

2.       Organ meats- Often the forgotten parts of animals, however, if the animal is healthy and naturally raised (think grass-fed beef/lamb) then their organs are a superpower of nutrients. The two I recommend most for nutrient power and versatility in cooking is liver and kidneys. The liver stores many important nutrients (vitamins A, D, E, K, B12 and folic acid, and minerals such as copper and iron), while acting to flush toxins- not store them which is often thought when it comes to eating liver (this goes to fatty tissue and nervous system). Organ meat has been shown to contain vastly more nutrients than apples and carrots (including Vitamin C, although not flavonoids and polyphenols- making fresh produce important to anyone’s diet).

3.       Bone broths/stocks-  Containing all the amazing nutrition from the bones, marrow, cartilage and vegetables, and are a tremendous addition to any diet, be it losing fat, gaining muscle or just seeking great health. Containing the incredibly beneficial gelatine which acts to aid digestion (among other health benefits) and also acts as a ‘protein sparer’, meaning your body can better utilise the complete proteins you take in- making it brilliant for those on a quality meat budget. This means homemade, however, not necessarily by you. Many butchers and small deli style stores sell homemade versions.

4.       Herbs and spices- Not only do these add brilliant flavour and vibrant colour to meals they are jammed packed full of nutritional goodness that help your overall health in numerous ways, such as flighting oxidation and chronic inflammation, and with these- serious illness. They have fat burning properties, help to build muscle, aid digestion and get your body operating better on a daily basis. There are many options and they all have different benefits, but let’s run through a few of the more common ones:

• Turmeric: Has powerful natural anti-inflammatory properties as well as being an effective antioxidant. This alone makes turmeric a must have. Used for centuries as a prized health food in the treatment and prevention of a number of illnesses and conditions. Try using in smoothies, adding to marinades, or simply sprinkle on meat.
• Cinnamon: Another ancient powerhouse, cinnamon has been shown to regulate blood glucose, have a positive effect on cholesterol and inflammation, as well as being a tasty addition to many dishes, foods and recipes.
• Cumin: Similar to the above, cumin has been linked with blood sugar regulation, fighting inflammation. Cumin also has anti-bacterial properties and aids in digestion by stimulating pancreatic enzyme secretion which assists in the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients.
• Chilli & Cayenne pepper: The potent ingredient capsaicin and vitamin A in these spicy powers act to improve health in a number of ways; they will fight inflammation, stimulate the digestive tract and boost immunity.
• Paprika: An awesome flavour addition in many things, paprika is high in vitamin C which aids in healing, recovery and iron absorption. It also contains capsaicin and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Nutmeg: Nutmeg also has a number of beneficial properties, including increasing circulation, calming muscle spasms & anxiety, lowering blood pressure and helping concentration.
• Fennel: A versatile vegetable with powerful seeds. Fennel seeds have been shown to help with the maintenance of bone, preventing breakdown of bone. It has also been used for centuries as a digestive aid, while having high iron content and potentially helping the body flush toxins.
• Rock salt or sea salt: Mineral dense salts such as these (as opposed to rubbish table salt) are not only crucial to the bodies normal functioning, but aid in optimal health. To go without is a slow death sentence, to have on cooked foods and small amounts in water means vital trace minerals can play their roles in aiding the body to work efficiently and effectively.
• Black pepper:  Also a great addition to most foods to enhance taste, however, it also aids in the uptake of other compounds into the body. As well as containing manganese and vitamin k to help bone strength, making it a great addition to any meal, and works well to ‘turn on’ turmeric’s benefits.

Creating dishes with broths and organ meats can be tricky, however, finding a restaurant/deli that has a quality pâté , or dish using liver that you can frequent is a good option. Also real homemade soups with broth are a great find when dining out and you can add broth to soups at home, or casseroles, curries, even making rice or quinoa. Otherwise try adding a little liver to a meatball mixture or adding a little broth to a mug, add boiling water and sip on like tea to get broth in regularly.

Enjoy being super!

Mike Campbell, www.unleashyouralpha.com