What are Superfoods?
- low in calories
- high in antioxidants (particularly vitamin C and E)
- high in anthocyanins
- high in manganese
- and high in dietary fibre.
Because of all these great properties we call them superfoods. Unfortunately the term isn't regulated at present so it's often used as a marketing ploy.
What makes them ‘super’?
These superfoods though very common have been tagged as ‘super’ because of the superior health benefits they provide. They can act as natural supplements of anti-oxidants and nutrients which are vital for a healthy body. Including plenty of superfoods in your diet can help you feel and look fantastic.
In his book ‘Superfoods RX: foods that will change your life’, Steven Pratt, MD explains why these foods are effective for a healthy body. He believes that adding such foods to diet can also help patients who suffer from age related degeneration.
Foods that are super:
- Oily Fish - fishes are superofoods because they're the best source for Omega-3 and also provide us with proteins, vitamin B, and of course they have less calories than red meat. Salmon, though not oily is still a good source of high quality nutrients.
- Apples - apples are rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C - they provide 1/4 of your daily requirement - for healthy skin and gums. They help to lower blood cholesterol levels thanks to a high conccentration of pectin and keep the digestive system healthy.
- Avocado - We love avocadoes! Because they make our skin glow and keep our immune system healthy.
- Bananas - bananas are amazing, they're packed with potassium that helps lower blood pressure, and vitamin B6 for beautiful skin and hair.
- Beans - baked beans are surprisingly good for you. Not only are they a good source of protein, fibre, iron and calcium, they're also somewhat anticarcinogenic.
- Berries - berries are packed with vitamin E that's great for our skin.
- Brazil nuts - all nuts are good but brazil nuts are amazing because they're one of the few good sources of selenium. Selenium is tentatively credited for protecting against cancer, depression and Alzheimer's disease.
- Broccoli - a brilliant source of folate which helps prevent heart disease and is great for mums to be!
- Chickpeas - A bowl of hummus provides mums-to-be with essential folic acid and are also super source of proteins, fibres, iron and vitamin E.
- Fruit - All types of fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants that protect our bodies' cells in against damage from free radicals that can cause cancer and heart disease.
- Lentils - Lentils help reduce cholesterol. The fibre content keeps our digestion system running right.
- Olive oil - olive oil keeps hearts happy, our skin glowing and our hair lustrous because it's packed full of antioxidants but make sure you use it sparingly because just one tablespoon has the same amount of calories as a large hunk of bread with butter.
- Pomegranate - packed with anti-oxidants and dietry fibres.
- Tea - yaaay, tea is good for you. Studies say it counts towards your recommended liquid intake and even one cup can protect against heart disease and blood clots.
- Turkey - You don’t need the excuse of Christmas to enjoy Turkey for a meal. Low calories, high proteins and vitamin B make it a favourite superfood!
- Wholegrain bread - wholegrain bread has a low GI which means it keeps you full for longer. It can help protect against heart disease and when seeded also contains beneficial fatty acids.
- Yoghurt - a superfood because it's an easily digestible form of calcium and can also be used as a conduit to get good bacteria into your gut.
Other superfoods include Oranges, Beetroot, Peppers, Tomatoes, Beans, Oats, Spinach, Walnuts, Pumpkin, Sweet potato, Soya, Tea, Yoghurt, Walnuts, and Watercress.
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