What makes a food super? It’s got to be loaded with important nutrients that do good work in the body; it’s got to be easy to find and prepare; and ultimately, it’s got to be delicious.
The following 10 foods fit the bill “ and will keep you fit too. Enjoy!
1. Kale
Hands-down the healthiest leafy green veg out there, kale is good for your brain and your body. It has more substance than spinach, and is just as easy to prep “ simply trim the leaves from its thick stems, wash well and steam for five minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt, lemon juice and olive oil.
2. Quinoa
Pronounced kee-no-ah, this super grain packs a load of protein (which women don’t get nearly enough of), but masquerades as a comforting carb. It cooks up the same as rice and is excellent hot in stirfries and soups, or cold in salads with beans and vegetables.
3. Oatmeal
An excellent daily source of fibre that will sweep offenders out of your system, keeping you healthy and regular. Try it unsweetened with a sprinkle of cinnamon and chopped nuts.
4. Canned salmon
Loaded with omega-3 healthy fats (particularly mood and brain boosting EPA), the canned kind is typically caught from the wild, meaning no threat of mercury contamination.
5. Ricotta cheese
It’s loaded with muscle-building protein “ plus it’s creamy and delicious. Mix in lemon rind and include a refreshing dollop on the side of a tomato-based pasta dish, or mix it with berries and shavings of dark chocolate for dessert.
6. Walnuts
Healthy omega-3 fats in these nuts help to keep skin and hair moisturized from the inside out.
7. Whole eggs
Forget their cholesterol-raising rep “ we should be eating more eggs, yolks and all. The yellow stuff contains a host of hard-to-get nutrients, including choline, which is linked to lower rates of breast cancer, plus they help maintain good eye health.
8. Beans
Good things come in these small packages “ one cup provides loads of fibre, protein, calcium and magnesium. There are so many kinds to choose from and so many ways to use them, there’s really no excuse not to.
9. Coffee
There are more and more reasons to enjoy your antioxidant-packed morning cup. The latest research shows it can lower chronic inflammation and even raise good cholesterol. Just be sure not to load it up with loads of sugar and whipped toppings.
10. Rhubarb
This tart, pink sign of spring can help keep bones strong: one cup of cooked rhubarb contains more than one-third of the daily recommended dose of calcium, and is a great source of vitamin K, which helps the body to use calcium more effectively. It’s also an excellent source of fibre and vitamin C.
What’s your favourite superfood and why? Let us know!
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