The word superfoods has been making the rounds on social media for some time now. And with snow-capped mountains slowly thawing and the wildflowers finally springing, coming out of hibernation in search of glowing skin is inevitable. Cue the entrance of superfoods. But just what makes these foods so super?
What are superfoods?
While adding various superfoods to your diet should not only be confined to the summer months, think of these nutritious goodies as wholesome, nutrient-rich foods that provide your body with endless health benefits.
However, it’s important to note that there is “no single food that holds the key to good health or disease prevention,” cautions Healthline. But there are plenty of benefits to adding a few superfoods to your diet to help balance blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight. An array of colourful foods such as kale, blueberries and beetroots have been branded as superfoods, providing a nutrient-rich food packed with minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Red Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are loaded with Vitamin C and B6 – both crucial for boosting your immune system and fighting off flu-like symptoms. Red bell peppers are especially great, as they provide a sweeter taste to any dish. Even better is the fact that these particular bell peppers contain more beta-carotene than green bell peppers, which will add a few extra nutrients like Vitamin A to your diet.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate-lovers rejoice, because chocolate is actually good for you! Well, dark chocolate anyway. This bitter-sweet snack is chock-full of antioxidants, iron and magnesium, and is an excellent way to boost your mood and lower your blood pressure. Adding this to your snack cupboard is a great way to get your “sugar-fix” while indulging your healthy lifestyle.
Avocado
Another nickname for this creamy and popular fruit is green gold, thanks to its often exorbitant price tag and nutritious properties. Filled with around 20 different vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin k, c, e and potassium, there’s no question as to why avo and toast is such a popular choice. Despite its fatty content, it does not contain cholesterol, making it the ideal fruit to have in your health-conscious arsenal.
Lemongrass
Not just for your diffuser at home, lemongrass is a sweet-smelling plant that can be added to a range of dishes. It’s jam-packed with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is ideal for those looking to up their game when it comes to their gut health. Along with whipping up a few delicious recipes with this nutritious ingredient, you can add it to your water for a refreshing burst of flavour or sip on some lemongrass tea.
Green Tea
Not everyone is a fan of this bitter-tasting tea, but those that are brave enough to add a cup or two to their daily routine will be happy to know that it’s bursting with nutritious properties. It’s rich in antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds which offer strong anti-inflammatory effects. The added benefit of catechin epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG is another possible reason why this tea has been added to the superfoods list as it provides protection against chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Also read:
Power through the day with these energy-boosting breakfast foods
Picture/s: Instagram / Unsplash
