5 superfoods you should know about
We all know that when it comes to food, not all choices are equal. Fruit and veg are always going to be better for you than a plate of chips! But did you also know about the superfoods that can give your diet a real boost?
There are some types of food that are so packed with nutrients and healthy vitamins that they’ve been dubbed superfoods. Introducing a high concentration of superfoods into your daily diet could offer a wide range of health benefits, helping you to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of developing diabetes and much more. Give these five great superfoods a go and see how much better you feel.
Salmon
Rich in Omega-3 fatty acid, salmon is a fantastic choice for a healthy heart and the British Heart Foundation recommends at least two servings of oily fish a week. Salmon is also low in calories yet high in protein content and is a good source of iron. Best of all, it’s delicious when simply baked or grilled.
Blueberries
If there’s one type of fruit you should be sure to pop in your shopping basket, it’s a punnet of blueberries. These small, tasty berries are full of antioxidants and phytoflavinoids as well as high levels of potassium and vitamin C, making them a popular choice among nutritionists. Do remember, when buying your blueberries, that the darker their colour, the more antioxidants they have.
Spinach
Spice up your salads with some fresh spinach or steam for a tasty side dish. Not only is it full of antioxidants, vitamin C and beta-carotene, but spinach is also a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin – which both work as a sunscreen to protect your eyes and can help prevent macular degeneration. It’s also full of iron and just one cup of spinach can provide almost twice the daily requirement for vitamin K.
Red Bell Peppers
If you’re looking for a way to boost your vitamin C intake, a red pepper is a great choice. Containing twice as much vitamin C as an orange as well as other great antioxidants like beta-carotene and lycopene (which have been linked with protecting against eye conditions such as cataracts), they are an excellent addition to your salads or stir fries.
Beetroot
This rich, red vegetable is a great source of iron and folate (naturally occurring folic acid) as well as a range of antioxidants, including nitrates, betaine and magnesium. Eat the vegetable itself or switch for a juiced variety for an easy way to enjoy the benefits. Beetroot juice has been associated with a reduction in blood pressure and another study has found that it can create moderate improvements in exercise performance.
Check out Men’s Health and its list of age-defying superfoods to see if you could eat your way to younger looking skin and learn some more about the different categories of superfoods on the Food Matters website. Start experimenting and see how many superfoods you can easily add to your menu today.
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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