Food is always a topic of conversation — especially when the British public feel as though they aren’t taught what they should be eating. Recent years has seen the emergence of the likes of sweet potato, kale, and quinoa. However, sometimes healthy eating can be costly and is it actually worth the extra money you spend? And what exactly is a superfood? Well, to be a superfood a product must give a high quantity of nutritional value and antioxidants.
With the help of Suttons Seeds, retailers of hanging baskets, we take a look at some of the most popular super foods.
The love of avocado
You can’t go wrong with avocado — the taste and texture are close to perfection. It’s becoming more of a major player in restaurant menus due to its easily adaptable approach to recipes. It offers a host of vitamins, including A, C, D, E and K, as well as folic acid, magnesium, potassium, Omega 3, lutein, and fibre.
Believe it or not, there is a lot of omega 3 in avocados which can help lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. The grease can be used instead of butter or oil when cooking and the actual flesh can also be used to create hair and face masks. Super, right?
There are multiple ways that you can incorporate avocado into your diet, whether this becomes a core ingredient in your soup, juice or salad.
The love of sardines
Although your office probably hates the smell of sardines, they’re amazing for your body.The little nutrient powerhouse may provide a strong scent that smacks you in the face, but they can go a long way in helping to reduce inflammation and promoting bone, heart, and skin health.
Believe it or not, a can of sardines has more calcium that a glass of milk. As well as this they are high in vitamin D and, like avocado, have a great omega 3 fatty acid profile. Some of its great qualities include immune-boosting properties due to its high amount of selenium. This is normally found on its skin, so don’t go skinning this fish! The skin also helps your skin, aiding conditions such as psoriasis.
As sardines are reasonably cheap, this will be great if you aim to diet over a long period of time as they’re extremely filling.A recipe to rely on could be fresh sardines on toast with sweet pickled red onion.
The love mango
Known as a quick-digesting carbohydrate, mangos are a favourite on any persons dietary list. It’s bursting at the seams with over 20 vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is thought by many to be one of the tastiest ways to support a healthy lifestyle. The fruit can rapidly boost your energy at a time when your body needs it.
If you don’t want to eat mango on its own, why not add it to your chicken salad? A great way to get the most out of the mango in a tasty, light and cheap dinner.
The love of quinoa
Featuring all 10 essential amino acids, quinoa is understood to be a complete protein which can help your muscles repair. Due to it being a complex carbohydrate, offering 46 grams each cup, it provides longer lasting energy.
This is also a good option for those who need gluten free alternatives. As well as this, it’s also high in fibre. It has a low glycemic index which can help be part of a lower calorie intake. With many believing quinoa is an expensive commodity, a quick and easy cheap recipe is spinach and mushroom quinoa.
The love of sweet potato
Power house is becoming increasingly popular. Jam-packed with carbohydrates, minerals and antioxidants, this orange tuber is a great source of potassium. This, according to studies, aids muscle tissue repair and can help prevent fatigue in your muscles. Their fibre content is higher than the average potato and, when combined with the likes of magnesium, the sweet potato can help improve your digestion. Elsewhere, they are an effective remedy to curing congestion of the nose, which can help relieve asthma and treat bronchitis. Other benefits are said to include a boosted immune system, helping to cure stomach ulcers, and maintaining the body’s water balance.
You can’t go wrong with a shepherd’s pie. Simply replace the normal mashed potato topping with sweet potato and you’re onto a winner!
The superfoods listed above don’t seem to be budging — with more healthy restaurants opening their doors and more products on our supermarket floors. With so much goodness to offer, they don’t have to be part of an expensive recipe and by researching meals, you can incorporate into your diet without adding too much cost to your weekly shop.
