Superfoods - A look towards a healthy future
When you hear ‘Superfoods’, what comes to your mind? Beetroot in a cape? Or a potato with X-ray vision?
But what exactly are superfoods? And what are their benefits?
A superfood is nothing but a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. Nowadays you can easily buy superfoods online and make your diet healthy.
We have compiled a list of superfoods and their benefits. Here’s the list:
1. Baobab
The fruit of baobab is taking the world by storm. While its pulp is rich in Vitamin C, its leaves are rich in calcium. In parts of the world, where fresh fruit is unavailable, baobab is generally consumed as baobab powder.
2. Moringa
Included in the superfood family, moringa is a new grassy-hued food. Its leaves are Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and amino acids. It may regulate histamine production, which lowers blood sugar levels.
3. Avocado Oil
Avocados’ fat, fibre, and unbelievable benefits make them a beloved staple for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert. You can use avocado oil as a hair oil too as it helps strengthen your hair, reduce hair fall and prevent dandruff.
4. Amaranth
Amaranth is naturally gluten-free, high in protein, anti-oxidant rich and eases inflammation. Amaranth grains and Amaranth nut clusters can be used just like rice and oats.
5. Blueberries
Blueberries are tasty little berries that have a beautiful blue shade thanks to the antioxidant anthocyanin. They also provide 4 grams of fiber per cup, helping to keep you satiated. Relish them in yogurt, smoothies, salads, oatmeal, and fruit salads.
6. Almond butter
Fat helps make food taste pleasant and keep you quenched. One tablespoon of almond butter contains 9 grams of the stuff. Mixing almond butter with your carbs can help prevent a surge in blood sugar, thanks to its fat and protein. Add a spoonful to oatmeal for protein, flavor, and fat. Or go the basic way and munch on apple slices with almond butter.
7. Quinoa
Quinoa is a pretty enigmatic superfood, and it’s as filling as it is adaptable. The ancient grain includes both fiber (3 grams per 1/2 cup) and protein (4 grams per 1/2 cup), which is an extraordinary nutrient blend. Have quinoa instead of rice in stir-fries for better consumption.
8. Extra-virgin olive oil
This kitchen staple in many households is among the chief multitaskers of all time. Olive oil is mostly preferred for sautéing or roasting veggies and meat, or creating the base of a pasta sauce or salad dressing. It’s filled with rich flavor, mouthfeel, and mono-unsaturated fatty acids.
9. Chia seeds
These little seeds are loaded with major nutritional content. A tablespoon of chia seeds contains 4.5 grams of heart-friendly fats and 5.5 grams of fibre. It’s no surprise they are never missed out on smoothies and puddings.
10. Popcorn
One of the undeniably best snacks of all time, popcorn is a whole grain, which means it is loaded with good content like fibre. Sprinkle it with spice mixes and oils to mix things up, or toss some with nuts and chocolate chips for salty and sweet munch bites.
11. Dark chocolate
Superfoods for dessert? Dark chocolate! Taste aside, the cocoa that your favorite chocolate is made from contains antioxidants called flavonoids. The higher the percentage of cocoa, the bitter the chocolate, and the more flavonoids you will consume.
12. Lentils
Lentils are a bonafide superfood, thanks to the legume’s fibre and protein content. One cooked cup offers 16 grams of fibre and 18 grams of protein. There are numerous varieties of lentils, like red, black, yellow, green. Add cooked lentils to pasta sauce or rice for a heartier meal.
13. Goji berries
Goji Berries are chewy, tart little balls full of fiber, Vitamin C, and natural sugars. Generally sold dried, they are great in yogurt parfaits, trail mix, or grain bowls.
14. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are a superfood that’s not in the limelight often. These nuts are cholesterol-free and rich in fiber. Known to be an extremely beneficial nut, it is often eaten with salads and breakfasts. It is a heart-healthy food that may even reduce obesity.
Superfoods are here to stay and make you healthier. Eat or snack on them for a satisfying and delicious addition to your everyday meal.