What are Superfoods?
Jun 14, 2023
The term superfood is often associated with specific foods or supplements, but in reality any food that packs high amounts of different nutrients and health benefits is super! When we think of nutritional density, we think of things like vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, fibre, or any other components that are beneficial for health. Let’s have a look at 10 different superfoods!
Acai Berries
Have you ever had an acai bowl? An amazing ice cream alternative made from Acai berries! These berries are packed with fibre, calcium, iron, vitamin A and C, phytochemicals and antioxidants (they are delicious too!) These berries are often sold as a frozen fruit puree, dried powder or pressed juice. Studies have found that acai berries may have anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and neuroprotective effects. If you can't get your hands on a fresh bowl, they are also available as tablets!
Maca
Maca is a cruciferous vegetable known for its potential benefits for fertility, libido and menopause. Studies have suggested that maca has a significant positive effect on sexual dysfunction or sexual desire in both men and women, possibly due to its phytosterol and phytoestrogen content. It is usually sold in a powder, capsule or tablet form, and is a great source of fibre, copper, potassium, manganese, vitamin C, B vitamins, and iron.
Cacao
Would you like an excuse to increase your chocolate intake? Besides its delicious flavor, cocoa is an excellent source of healthy fats and antioxidants, as well as minerals such as magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and copper! And polyphenols in cacao have been related to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease! Chocolates with the highest percentages of cocoa will pack more nutrition compared to chocolates high in sugar and dairy, so try opting for bars that contain 70% or more cocoa!
Moringa
Moringa leaves contain 25 times more iron than spinach and 17 times more calcium than milk - putting MOBU Moringa on my shopping list right away! Moringa is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolics and carotenoids, and is an excellent source of important nutrients such as vitamin A, potassium, protein and fibre. Studies have shown promising results in using moringa to treat hyperglycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes, and the high antioxidant content may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Oats
Oatmeal is the breakfast of champions! Not only are oats high in fibre, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, but they also contain a special type of fibre known as beta glucans. Beta glucans have been found to help lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (aka bad) cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein (aka good) cholesterol. Oats can therefore play a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular disease. Beta glucans also act as prebiotics that feed the beneficial bacteria in our gut - is there anything oats can’t do?!
Turmeric
Turmeric is commonly used by arthritis patients due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties which can help relieve pain, some studies have even shown that turmeric is as effective as other anti-inflammatory drugs - without the adverse effects! You can even get turmeric in the form of a delicious peach flavoured gummy! In addition to this, turmeric is delicious and can be incorporated to both sweet and savory dishes and provides a gorgeously vivid yellow colour to your plate - time to try some new recipes!
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are an excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, so they are a great addition to your diet (especially if you’re vegan!) They contain nutrients that are beneficial for bone and heart health, and are also a great source of antioxidants, fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and B vitamins. Fat, fibre and protein in chia seeds also help make us feel satiated, so try sprinkling some onto your yogurt or oatmeal to help keep you fuller for longer!
Garlic
Not only does garlic pack a tonne of flavour, but it is rich in manganese, vitamin C and vitamin B6. It also contains a special compound called allicin, which is a defense molecule which is formed when a garlic clove is chopped or crushed. Allicin is the mastermind behind some of garlic's incredible health benefits, which includes the ability to reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol. On top of that, garlic is high in antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation. If you're not a big fan of garlicy foods, we've got you covered with a garlic tablet - no need to worry about bad breath!
Spirulina
Spirulina is the superfood of the sea, a blue green algae that grows in salt and freshwater - often sold in a powder, capsule or tablet form. Spirulina is an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids and one of the few plant based sources of DHA and EPA. It is also a complete protein and contains B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron. Additionally, studies have shown that supplementing with spirulina can help improve cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
Beets
Beets are relatively low in calories and fat, but contains antioxidants, B vitamins as well as vitamins C, A, E, K, and a variety of minerals such as manganese, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, copper, boron, silica and selenium. Beetroot supplementation has also been found to lower blood pressure, and even improve athletic performance by increasing the amount of oxygen your body can utilise during intense exercise - will beetroot juice be your new favourite sports supplement?
