What can we classify as a superfood? The way I see it, superfood products are characterised by high levels of beneficial ingredients limited from other sources or one product containing several beneficial elements to our beauty and balance of the body. Superfoods are usually packed with beneficial elements like vitamins, phytophenols and minerals.
Here is a list of the superfoods I recommend: LEAFY GREENS These are an excellent source of nutrients, which include folate, zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C and fiber. They include:
- kale(use organic!)
- Spinach
- swiss chard
- basically all the green leaves you can access!
Use them in smoothies, salads, juicing- all are great! Eat raw whenever it’s possible. BERRIES Eat all of them:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- black currants
- cherries
- sea buckthorn
- cranberries
- lingonberries…and so many others!
They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber! On the plus side, they are low on calories if eaten fresh, o you don’t have to worry about them affecting your daily calorie intake. My tip: replace your dessert with berries! GREEN TEA Full with antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds which have strong anti-inflammatory effects. One of the most prevalent antioxidants in green tea is the catechin. It’s a calorie-free anti aging product and it helps deliver the much needed water to our cells!
NUTS AND SEEDS This is a must have food in any home. I use them as a snack, add them to my salads or use as a quick fix when I am hungry. They are packed with much needed healthy fats, acids, minerals, vitamins and protein. However, here is one important BUT! They are very high in calories, so please limit your seed or nut INTAKE! I eat 5 -10 nuts and max 20 -30g of seeds a day. Also, your seeds and nuts are the best when used RAW! Every calorie is a calorie – whether you use cookies or nuts. There are lots of other superfoods and I am teaching all about them in my Healthy Aging Academy on Facebook: you are invited to join the group! With love, Zane