What Are SuperFoods?

‘Superfoods’ is a term that is often used to describe nutrient-rich foods that provide various health benefits due to their contents of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It’s important to note that a lot of the time, the term ‘superfood’ is used for marketing purposes but there are foods out there that provide health benefits.

Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and others are full of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect cells from damage, and they are often high in vitamins.

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, chia seeds and flax seeds are great sources of healthy fats, protein and other nutrients. They aid heart health and provide substantial energy.

Wholegrains

Brown rice, oats and quinoa are all wholegrains. These are fibre-rich and provide a good amount of energy.

Avocado

Not many people are keen on avocado, but it’s a great source of healthy fats, fibre and vitamins. Avocado is also very versatile, it can go in a salad, on toast and can even be made into a dip!

Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale and other leafy vegetables are rich in minerals, vitamins and fibre. A great thing about green leafy vegetables is that they’re low in calories but high in nutrients, you can hide them in any meal.

Fish

Not all fish is classed as a superfood, but fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is essential for heart and brain health.

Can Anyone Eat Superfoods?

It can be frustrating being told you can’t eat something that’s good for you, but food intolerances can play a huge role in your everyday life. A food intolerance occurs when your digestive system struggles to break down certain foods, resulting in symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, headaches and acne. If you discover that you have a food intolerance, it’s recommended to cut out the trigger food to keep your symptoms at bay.

When it comes to superfoods like nuts, a lot of people are allergic or intolerant to them. If this is the case, it’s important to avoid the superfood and incorporate some that your body can tolerate. This way, you can still eat nutritious foods whilst managing your food intolerance.