Health is wealth – and in our current social climate, it’s also a status symbol.
We’ve all come across pictures of perfectly plated acai bowls topped with sliced bananas and strawberries on our Instagram. And in case you’re one of the very few people not on social media, then I’m sure you’ve bumped into a friend who’s either trying a gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free or vegan diet in the name of clean eating. Whatever ‘clean’ is, anyway.
But whichever way you look at it, at the very least we should be thankful that maintaining a somewhat healthy lifestyle is currently trending globally and it’s led many to be more aware of what it is they regularly consume.
What are superfoods?
In an effort to highlight the foods with exceptional nutritional value, the term superfood has become increasingly popular amongst nutrionists.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a superfood is “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.” These could include foods like salmon, kale, broccoli and blueberries which are filled with large doses of vitamins, antioxidants, fiber and minerals.
But for today, here are some superfoods you could easily add a teaspoon or two into your smoothie. They are all available locally either at Carrefour or Healthy U.
Chia seeds. This nutrient-dense food seemed to explode on the health scene a couple years ago and you can add it to your yoghurt, porridge, salad… you name it! All you need is two teaspoons in your smoothie and you’ll be injecting loads of omega-3s, protein, calcium, minerals and fiber into your diet.
Spirulina. This may not be the best smelling superfood out there but we can’t deny its benefits. Believe it or not, it’s actually a cyanobacteria that is consumed both by animals and humans. It contains iron, protein, Vitamin B1 and is packed with an incredible amount of calcium (over 26 times more than milk). Some studies also show that it lowers blood pressure and reduces cholesterol.
Cacao nibs/powder. Organic, raw cacao is actually an excellent source of magnesium, antioxidants, fiber and potassium. It’s also a great energy boost and happens to be perfect for those who crave some chocolate fix!
Turmeric. This ancient spice has been used for its medicinal value for centuries (not to mention topically thanks to its ability to even out skin tone and reduce acne). It has incredible natural healing properties and all you need is a teaspoon in your smoothie.
Moringa. This locally grown plant is vibrant green in colour and contains seven times more vitamin C than an orange and four times more calcium than milk!