The superfood fad is here to stay. Sipping on green goodness is as part of many routines as brushing your teeth. We are all aware that leafy greens, fresh berries, salmon, olive oil, and avocados are among the top achievers when it comes to superfoods, but did you know that ordinary pantry staples can pack a nutritional punch too?
Joining the ranks of superfoods are items you might not think of as healthy at all. Foods that supercharge your health should be included in daily meals. However, it’s important to remember that “superfood” is purely a marketing term, since no single food is really that powerful when it comes to nutrition and health. Good health is best supported by eating a variety of nutritious foods every day.
We have a few unexpected, but tasty superfoods to pack a powerful nutritional punch to your diet:
- Canned fish. Canned fish is often less expensive than fresh fish but are certainly loaded with vitamins and minerals. Sardines, mackerel, and salmon are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Super tasty in a salad or on a sandwich. And for winter, canned fish works well in a grain bowl or with a saucy pasta.
- Red bell peppers. Did you know that they actually pack more vitamin C than an orange? These low-calorie, nutrient dense vegetables contain vitamins and nutrients to improve your mood, making it the ultimate happy food.
- Coffee. Seriously! A recent study from Harvard University revealed that drinking 3 cups of coffee a day could actually help you live longer. Just go easy on the cream and sugar.
- Marmalade. Slathering this tasty preserve on your toast is actually good for you. The antioxidants in the orange peel help lower cholesterol, while the active ingredient pectin is found to relieve constipation and ease a sore throat.
- Popcorn. This go-to movie snack – minus the salt and butter of course – has a higher level of antioxidants than fruit and vegetables. Who knew?!
- Dark chocolate. Research indicates that dark chocolate – no less than 70% – is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, iron, and phenylethylamine, which may increase serotonin levels and protect against cognitive decline.
- Wasabi has a number of health benefits. It can prevent blood clots, clear your sinuses, and help to stop a cough. Studies also found that it can improve liver health when combined with broccoli or cabbage.
- Black garlic’s sweet clove-and-caramel flavor has plenty of antioxidants to help lower cholesterol and can help to decrease the risk of cancer. Also, the black stuff comes with no nasty breath! Try it in fondues, sauces, or on a pizza.
- Tomato paste. The no or low-salt variety contains a high concentration of lycopene, a phytochemical that acts as a natural blood thinner and a strong defense against prostate cancer. Excellent in soups or sauces.
- Nut butter. Whether you’re team almond or team peanut, the energy boosting protein and healthy fats in a 2-table spoon serving of nut butter will relax the nervous system and stave off cravings for less nutritional foods.
Love a curry this time of year? You probably know that a switch from white rice to brown rice is much healthier. What you might not know is that brown rice contains the amino acid GABA which acts like a mild tranquilizer to reduce stress and anxiety. Winner winner curry dinner!
Stay healthy everyone.
Source: goodhousekeeping.com, cosmopolitan.com, glamourmagazine.co.uk, everydayhealth.com, healthline.com, forbes.com, lovefood.com, thehealthy.com, realsimple.com, medicinenet.com, womenshealthmag.com
