Superfoods: What is really in them?

That time has come around again when we are all starting our New Year’s resolutions and aiming to stick to them for as long as possible… Some of us vow to get in touch with long lost friends, others decide this is the year to revamp their style. But the one resolution that many of us try to implement into our lives is to be healthier, to drink more water, eat less junk and dust off cobwebs from our gym memberships.

Sometimes you can get tired of constantly trying to find new and inventive ways to make broccoli and carrots more interesting so we have done our research to see what different superfoods are out there for you to try and vamp up your healthy living for 2016.

What are superfoods?

‘Superfoods are natural food products which contain a high concentration of nutrients and phytochemicals that are shown to have health benefits beyond those of ‘common’ foods.’ (Bioglan, 2016) It is believed that if you eat various superfoods as part of a healthy and balanced diet, they are going to increase your energy, metabolism, and ward off diseases along with other great benefits.

What superfoods should we be eating?

Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with so many good nutrients that your body needs to keep away certain diseases and to help you live a long and healthy life. They are full of vitamin K, vitamin C, fibre and many other antioxidants. Although no one can resist a blueberry muffin, you would be slightly missing the idea of eating blueberries for the health benefits consuming them this way! But they are a fantastic mid-morning or afternoon snack to have as not only are they packed with all the good things, they also burst with juicy flavours.

Image source: freshcitymarket.com

Salmon

Salmon is a really tasty fish and it can be bought to life with different seasonings and flavours. When you are eating salmon you are giving yourself so many good nutrients that your body needs to live long. As well as good quality proteins, vitamins and minerals, salmon is packed with omega-3 acids vital for a healthy brain function, your joints and general wellbeing. With just a squeeze of lemon juice and a side of couscous you have yourself a hearty and healthy lunch.

Image source: Wolvesfitness.co.uk

Goji Berries

Goji berries are very popular with many celebrities as they are said to boost the immune system and brain activity whilst also improving your life expectancy. Packed with all the vitamins you need, it is no wonder why these are said to be a superfood. Eaten as a snack they are delicious and make a good change to grapes or strawberries, however if you are looking for something different to do with them, how about sprinkling some over your cereal as a substitute to raisons? Alternatively you can blend them to make smoothies or juices along with your other favourite fruits.

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Spinach

We all learned from Popeye that spinach gives you strength, however what is really in this leafy green vegetable that makes it apparently so good for us? Along with various vitamins including A, C and K, Spinach is also packed with iron, magnesium and vitamin B2. It is hard to find many other vegetables that provide the necessary amount of vitamin K you need like this one, so it is important to introduce spinach into your diet to keep your bones healthy. Mixed into an omelette or within a veggie pasta, you can make this veg really tasty for your palate.

Image source: womensdietnetwork.com

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are a fantastic substitute to the normal baked potato, and although the baked potato isn’t bad for you, it gives you nowhere near the same amount of nutrients as its sweet cousin. As well as tasting delicious, the sweet potato is high in vitamin C to help ward of viruses and vitamin D vital for your immune system. They taste sweet with natural sugars and these natural sugars get slowly released into the bloodstream giving your body a constant boost of energy. Whether you like your sweet potato in wedges or baked with some tuna, you are doing your body the world of good incorporating them into your diet.

Image source: Ontariosweetpotato.com

Eggs

Whether you like your eggs boiled, poached or scrambled, any type of egg is fantastic for you (so long as you cook them right!). Many still believe that eggs are going to sky rocket your cholesterol, however it is proven that the cholesterol found in eggs has very little to do with the amount of cholesterol in your body. You just need to focus on the great stuff eggs have, they are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals so what could be worse for you?! Next time you fancy scrambled egg, why not load it with tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and peppers? You’ll get yourself a hearty lunch along with a few of your 5 a day!

Image source: Chatelaine.com

So there you are, our top 6 superfoods for you to try out and implement into your diet this year! Tasty but nutritious, you are not going to turn your nose up at these and what you can do with them. Test each out and be creative, they aren’t going to hurt you!