These days superfoods are all the rage. They are said to do everything and anything – from anti-aging to better sexdrive and the most dreamy sleep. Who doesn’t want that? I know I do. So in to the health store we go to get us some of that ashwaganda.. Just to find that it’s gonna be 45 dollars for a jar that lasts you a month – and that’s just the first one on your list…
It’s important to know that superfood is not a scientific term but a marketing one.
When you are eating a balanced diet filled with a variety of greens and legumes and limit your processed food and sugar intake (you’ll stop being a contributor to the destructive palm oil industry at large by taking this step btw – win win), you are probably getting more or less all the nutrients you need to thrive.
However, some foods are for sure more healthy than others. Good news are, they don’t have to break your bank! When you go grocery shopping, make sure to fill your cart with colorful foods that are in season. A big plus is that they are usually the ones with the best price too!
If you feel the need to bring some everyday hero-foods home, check out this list I made with some of my favorites!
K a l e – large amounts of vitamin A, K and C
C o c o a – releases endorphins, causing you to feel happy and invigorated!
C a u l i f l o w e r – a detoxifying agent, ridding the liver of harmful chemicals.
B l u e b e r r i e s – great for heart health. Aids in the prevention of memory loss and improve your attention span!
L e m o n s – Lemon contains vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus! A cup of tepid water with lemon juice is the first thing I drink every morning upon waking up!
A v o c a d o – monounsaturated fats, fiber and vitamin C (this healthy avocado chocolate mousse is to die for)
A c a i b e r r i e s – fiber, antioxidants, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals
G o j i b e r r i e s – fiber, antioxidants, phytosterols and valuable trace minerals and vitamins
B l u e b e r r i e s – antioxidants, manganese, polyphenols, vitamin C and K
C h i a s e e d s – omega-3 essential fatty acids (try this recipe for the most amazing chia seed breakfast!)
Q u i n o a – large amounts of protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B (Quinoa stuffed zucchini boats anyone?)
B r o c c o l i – contains high amounts of vitamin C, calcium and fiber
S p i n a c h – folate, fiber, vitamin C and iron
S w e e t p o t a t o – niacin, vitamin A and C (this black bean, sweet potato and quinoa chili = superfood x 3!
B u c k w h e a t – fiber, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, iron, vitamin E, zinc, magnesium and phosphorus
N u t s – zinc, iron and unsaturated fat (Raw tiramisu? YES PLEASE!)
W a t e r – helps carry nutrients and oxygen to cells (and if both are in low supply can lead to fatigue and nausea)
B e a n s – Contains anticancer isoflavones and phytosterols, high in fibre, protein, vitamin B, potassium and iron (this chickpea bread is sooo good)
H e m p s e e d s – contain 20 different varieties of amino acids and all nine of the essential amino acids, protein, vitamin E and trace minerals
P u m p k i n s e e d s – High in fiber, vitamin E and B, copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium and they boost numerous health promoting antioxidants. 100g seeds provide 30 g or 54% of recommended daily allowance of protein! (make this kitten protein crunch and thank me later ;))
These are just some of my favorites. It’s so amazing that our dear planet provides us with everything we need to thrive. If you are looking for more recipes, just go to the eat well part of my page, I’m always cooking so there’s plenty! xx
