Breakfast boosters
Psyllium Husks, Flax Seeds, Chia Seeds... Which one should you be adding to your morning muesli?
We all know the importance of a good breakfast. Boost the nutritional value of yours with one of these breakfast boosters.
PSYLLIUM HUSKS
Psyllium has many benefits. It slows down the absorption rate of carbohydrates, adds more bulk to the meal, binds to cholesterol as it passes through the gastro-intestinal tract (as well as potentially toxic substances) and decreases the gastro-intestinal transit time, i.e. speeds up the rate at which food passes through the intestines. The easiest way to obtain the benefits of psyllium is to add a tablespoon of ground husks to your cereal, or include a sprinkle in your favourite smoothies.
LSA
LSA is a ground up mixture of three parts linseed, one part almond and two parts sunflower seed. LSA is a good source of protein, fibre, omega-3, 6 and 9 essential fats, vitamins A, E, D, B1, B2 and B5, magnesium, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, copper and zinc… What’s not to love? Add a tablespoon to your breakfast daily to receive a valuable vitamin and mineral boost.
CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds are extracted from the plant salvia hispanica, which is from the mint-related plant family, indigenous to Guatemala and Mexico. Chia seeds are an excellent source of proteins, vitamins, fatty acids, antioxidants and fibre. They contain twice the protein of any other seed or grain, five times the calcium of milk, twice the potassium content of bananas and three times more iron than spinach. And they are an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
FLAX SEEDS
Flax seed is high in most of the B vitamins, magnesium and manganese, are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and you’d be hard-pressed to find a food higher in fibre – both soluble and insoluble. Flax seed is high in phytochemicals, including many antioxidants and it is perhaps our best source of lignans, which convert in our intestines to substances that some say might balance female hormones. There is evidence that lignans may reduce peri-menopausal symptoms and prevent type 2 diabetes.
PLANET ORGANIC MAQUI BERRIES
When it comes to super foods, the maqui berry takes the gold medal for its high levels of antioxidants. It contains extraordinarily high levels of anthocyanins and polyphenols – four times higher than acai berry and 50 times more than a glass of red wine. Premium freeze-dried maqui berries supply in excess of 6,000 total ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance cvapacity) value per gram – more than double the daily recommended by health practitioners. Eating foods that contain empty calories can make you even hungrier and start a cycle of food craving. Maqui berries can help to stop this cycle by providing essential nutrients and powerful antioxidants, increasing the feeling of fullness and reducing the urge to snack. www.planetorganic.com.au
BREAKFAST BOOSTER
Melrose Breakfast Booster is a combination of wholefoods and minerals designed to provide a kick-start to your day. A good source of fibre, it aids bowel movement and contributes to good colon health and regularity. Contains barley grass, an alkaline food and natural source of cholorphyll essential for natural cleansing of the blood and support to the immune system. Plus, it helps you feel fuller for longer so reduces the urge to snack. Sprinkle over cereals or yoghurt, or mix with water, juice or blend into smoothies.
Browse healthy breakfast ideas, read up on the latest health findings, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for natural health tips every day.
