Make Superfoods Your Fresh Start For 2015

by Author erosenzweig_38r11gxo on Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Health & Nutrition

Superfoods!  Our menu is filled with these nutrient-dense powerhouses.  If you are looking to transform your resolutions into solutions for healthy living, boosting the superfood count is a great way to a fresh start. This is the year to leave the greasy, over-processed drive thru fare behind in favor of fresh, wholesome food and recipes made from scratch.  This month our featured superfoods are:  Kale, Chia Seeds, and Quinoa.  We chose these powerful superfoods to create with delicious menu options that also offer an array of health benefits.

So what is a superfood?  A superfood is a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.  The super factor kicks in because they tend to have large doses of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals.  Many are also said to counteract the symptoms of chronic diseases or outright prevent them.  Here’s how our featured ingredients stack up:

Kale

Ah Kale, the megastar of superfoods.  When Kale is not riding in its private jet or fielding offers for yet another reality show it is on the red carpet of nutrition.  A few benefits include:

• Kale is among the most nutrient dense foods on the planet.
• 1 cup of raw kale has 33 calories and…
  • Vitamin A: 206% of the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) (from beta-carotene).
  • Vitamin K: 684% of the RDA.
  • Vitamin C: 134% of the RDA.
  • Vitamin B6: 9% of the RDA.
  • Manganese: 26% of the RDA.
  • Calcium: 9% of the RDA.
  • Copper: 10% of the RDA.
  • Potassium: 9% of the RDA.
  • Magnesium: 6% of the RDA.
• Plus alpha linolenic acid and more!
• Kale is high in antioxidants including quercetin and kaempferol.

Enjoy this powerful superfood this month in our Roasted Vegetables with Kale* or Kale and Harvest Salad*.

Chia Seeds

Enjoyed by Mayans and Aztecs for their sustainable energy these supercharged seeds can be added to baked goods, oatmeal, smoothies or a bottle of water!  Chia seed benefits include improved weight loss, increased exercise performance, and for improving symptoms in type 2 diabetics.  Here’s what you get in one ounce:

• Fiber: 11 grams.
• Protein: 4 grams.
• Fat: 9 grams (5g Omega-3s).
• Calcium: 18% of the RDA.
• Manganese: 30% of the RDA.
• Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.
• Phosphorus: 27% of the RDA.

Try our gluten friendly Superfruit and Chia Seed Muffin* to double the superfood benefits!

Quinoa

Pronounced Keen-wah, this supergrain has a light somewhat nutty flavor and can be easily added to existing recipes. Quinoa is loaded with health benefits including:

• It’s Gluten Free!  A great option for those with gluten sensitivity or intolerance.
• 1 cup contains
  • Protein: 8 grams.
  • Fiber: 5 grams.
  • Manganese: 58% of the RDA.
  • Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.
  • Phosphorus: 28% of the RDA.
  • Folate: 19% of the RDA.
  • Copper: 18% of the RDA.
  • Iron: 15% of the RDA.
  • Zinc: 13% of the RDA.
  • Potassium: 9% of the RDA.
• Low glycemic index

Try our Quinoa & Feta Prepared Salad* to get the benefits of this superfood.

These delicious superfood menu choices are a great way to get a fresh start on healthy living.  Cheers to a year of healthy habits!

*Some menu items may not be available at all locations.

References
Gunnars, Kris. 11 Proven Health Benefits of Quinoa. http://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-benefits-of-quinoa
Gunnars, Kris. 10 Proven Benefits of Kale http://authoritynutrition.com/10-proven-benefits-of-kale
Gunnars, Kris. 10 Proven Health Benefits of Chia Seeds http://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds