But what gives locals such a health advantage? Among many factors — active lifestyle, strong community, low stress — one pillar stands out: what they eat. In this fertile land, superfoods grow abundantly. These powerful plants, seeds, roots, and herbs nourish body and mind in ways that go far beyond flavor.
At Origins, this philosophy is reflected in our two signature restaurants. Here, traditional recipes are lovingly reinterpreted with a modern, luxurious twist — perfect for sharing in gastronomic style at El Salto overlooking Origins Floral overflowing pool or in a more brasserie style at El Cosmo overlooking Origins Astral fire pit on one side and Miravalles volcano on the other side.
Key Costa Rican Superfoods & Their Benefits
Lemon Verbena / Juanilama
Known locally as juanilama, this aromatic herb is traditionally used for digestion, calming nerves, and reducing inflammation. Steep it as a tea or infuse it in broths — ideal for warming up during festive evenings.
Chan Seeds
A local relative of chia, these tiny seeds swell in water, creating a soothing gel that supports digestion, lowers blood pressure (via magnesium), and maintains hydration. Perfect for seasonal smoothies or holiday morning drinks.
Raw Cacao
Costa Rica’s raw cacao isn’t just for pleasure. Rich in magnesium, flavonoids, and antioxidants, it supports mood, blood flow, and cognitive protection. See how cacao ties into wellness in our Origins cacao & ceremony blog. Holiday hot chocolate with a modern twist? Absolutely.
Ancestral Roots & Tubers
Yuca, malanga, sweet potato, and taro provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and B vitamins. In holiday feasts, they sustain energy and add texture to both classic and contemporary dishes.
Medicinal Herbs & Wild Greens
From culantro coyote to wild basil and mint, Costa Rica’s rainforest hides dozens of medicinal leaves. Used in soups, stews, and festive sauces, these herbs provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Coconut & Coconut Water
An icon of tropical life, coconut water hydrates and replenishes electrolytes. Coconut flesh and oil bring healthy fats, skin benefits, and immunity support — perfect for festive recipes and celebratory drinks.
How These Foods Contribute to Longevity
- Antioxidants & Anti-inflammation: Many superfoods in Costa Rica are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that neutralize oxidative stress.
- Mineral Density: Magnesium, potassium, zinc, and trace elements are abundant in these plants and seeds, supporting nerve, muscle, and cardiovascular health.
- Fiber & Gut Health: Roots, seeds, and greens feed the gut microbiome, which is increasingly proven to influence immunity, mood, and metabolic health.
- Plant-Based Base: Diets centered on plants, as seen in Blue Zone populations, correlate with lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancers.
Costa Rica’s recognition as a Blue Zone validates this approach: a diet rooted in local, whole foods is one of the pillars enabling longer, healthier lives.
Integrating Superfoods Into Your Festive Season
- Start your day with a moringa or green-leaf blend or a chan-seed cordial.
- Use culantro and wild herbs in festive soups, sauces, or grain dishes.
- Include a small portion of raw cacao nibs or cocoa-infused desserts.
- Rotate traditional starches like sweet potato, yuca, malanga, and cassava.
- Stay hydrated with coconut water or herbal infusions.
- Sip lemon verbena or mint tea to wind down holiday evenings.
These rituals nourish not just the body, but also the spirit — mirroring the tradition of sharing meals and moments with loved ones during the festive season.
A Subtle Connection: Origins & the Superfood Philosophy
At Origins Luxury Lodge, both our kitchens and gardens embrace this philosophy. From forest-harvested herbs, roots, and local seeds to the festive reinterpretation of traditional recipes, every dish is designed to heal, connect, and delight.
During the holidays, savor a cacao-inspired dessert at El Salto or a chan-seed infused festive cocktail at El Cosmo. When you stay with us, you taste a piece of Costa Rica’s superfood legacy — its flavors, vibrancy, and vitality — all served with love during the most magical season of the year.At Origins Luxury Lodge, both our kitchens and gardens embrace this philosophy. From forest-harvested herbs, roots, and local seeds to the festive reinterpretation of traditional recipes, every dish is designed to heal, connect, and delight.
During the holidays, savor a cacao-inspired dessert at El Salto or a chan-seed infused festive cocktail at El Cosmo. When you stay with us, you taste a piece of Costa Rica’s superfood legacy — its flavors, vibrancy, and vitality — all served with love during the most magical season of the year.
Further Reading & Partnerships
- Explore the Blue Zones Project to understand diets and longevity practices globally.
- Study how Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula embodies longevity in practice.
- Read “5 Traditional Costa Rican Foods for Health and Longevity” for insights on chan seeds, culantro, and more.
- Check the health benefits of coconuts via Playablanca.
Book your next stay Origins Floral or Origins Astral to discover our unique culinary experiences making the most of what nature and inspired cuisine have to offer
