Not all foods are created equal. There are some that are so full of minerals, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals yet have minimal calories, that they are regarded as being ‘superfoods’. Packing a powerful nutritional punch, some superfoods may help lower cholesterol, improve digestive health and protect against cancer and heart disease.
Some are also said to help you live longer. Although no single ‘superfood’ can provide us with all of the energy, nutrition and health benefits we need, they can certain boost a healthy, balanced diet overall. We’ve rounded up some of the best and with the benefits they have to offer.
Macadamia nuts
We don’t have to look far from home to find antioxidant-packed superfoods. Australia is home to the macadamia nut, which is regarded by some aboriginal tribes as a delicacy and has become one of our most successful exports. Now seen as a healthy everyday snack, the macadamia nut is rich in nutrients, high in healthy fats and has essential vitamins and minerals like thiamine, manganese and magnesium. They contain a type of vitamin E called tocotrienol, which may have powerful anticancer abilities and helps protect brain cells from Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Studies have shown it can lower the risk of coronary artery disease.
Kakadu Plum
Another home-grown superfood, Australia’s Kakadu plum contains the highest recorded levels of natural Vitamin C in the world and is 100 times that of an orange. It has five times as much antioxidant value as a blueberry, as well as containing vitamin E, zinc, calcium and magnesium. It can help lower your chances of cardiovascular disease, reduce premature aging and protect against immune system deficiencies.
Maca
A cruciferous vegetable that is native to Peru, maca is often called a superfood due to its strong nutritional profile. A good way for vegans to add iron to their diet, it’s also high in potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc and vitamin B3. Adding maca to your meals is said to have several health benefits, such as increasing libido, reducing blood pressure and promoting antioxidants in the body to help fight off free radicals.
Spirulina
Usually consumed either in powder form or as a supplement, this nutrient-dense blue-green algae is packed full of vitamins such as A, C, E and B. It also contains calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Another great natural source of iron for vegans, spirulina is also high in protein. Adding spirulina to your diet has plenty of benefits, including adding good bacteria to your gut and being a natural antihistamine.
Quinoa
Derived from the seed of a plant in the same family as spinach, this superfood contains a high amount of essential amino acids to assist your body in building muscle and repairing itself. With protein and a dose of healthy fats, quinoa also supplements your diet with vitamin B6, copper, zinc, magnesium and folate. Ideal for people with a gluten intolerance, it’s loaded with fibre, protein and is good for controlling blood sugar.
