These Superfood Alternatives Should be Top of Your Shopping List!
Superfoods are always a great addition to your daily diet. They are rich in the micronutrients your body needs to thrive and to function, micronutrients including vitamin C, B vitamins and minerals like magnesium and iron. They may also have antioxidants, which are natural plant molecules that can benefit your overall health.
There are a wide variety of superfoods to choose from. These include kale (and other green, leafy vegetables), pomegranate, turmeric and quinoa. In addition, don't forget about seeds, berries, legumes, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut.
As much as we would all love to include these superfoods in our diet, it is not always possible.
So if that is the case with you, here are some superfood alternatives to use instead:
Organic Spirulina Powder which is ideal for smoothies, providing plant based protein while contributing to the maintenance of muscle mass and normal bones. Spirulina is also rich in iron, vitamins A and B1 to help the normal functioning of your immune system and heart. In addition, it is also a source of vitamin B2 (riboflavin), manganese, magnesium and calcium.
Organic Maca Powder is gluten-free, suitable for vegans and vegetarians and ideal for sprinkling over your porridge or yoghurt. The powder is a source of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and iron, which support the normal function of the immune system.
Organic Cacao Powder can be combined with dates and agave nectar to make delicious and nutritious energy balls being rich in the minerals magnesium and copper, helping to support the body’s energy-yielding metabolism. In addition, cacao powder comes with compounds known as flavonoids helping to benefit heart health.
Organic Wheatgrass Powder is another healthy plant protein that can be added to milkshakes, yoghurts or soups. A single tablespoon contains almost three times as much iron as 2.5 ounces of kale - and is rich in fiber and vitamin A too.
Baobab Superfruit Powder is a useful breakfast addition. It has a sherbet-like, citrusy flavour, providing a valuable source of vitamin C to help with energy, immune system function and skin health. And in addition, it also contains thiamin (vitamin B1), calcium, potassium, magnesium and manganese.
Milled Organic Flaxseed comes with alpha linolenic acid (ALA) which is an omega-3 fatty acid that helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels – one tablespoon contains almost two and a half times more omega-3 than an ounce and a half serving of herring. It is also a source of fiber and protein, too. Flaxseed can be added to muesli, pancakes, ice cream and used in meat and veggie dishes too.
Look out for these superfoods online or in your local health store and stock up so that you always have a supply when fresh superfoods might not be as available as you would like.
SOURCES:
Carrots, Blueberries, and Spinach-Vision Superfoods - PubMed (nih.gov)
Sustainability | Free Full-Text | The Public’s Understanding of Superfoods (mdpi.com)
Written by Jane Chitty
Jane writes for Healing Natural Oils, a producer and retailer of high-quality, all-natural treatments for a variety of conditions as well as a range of beauty products. Apart from writing about those various conditions, she also covers general health, environmental and other subjects of interest. She has lived in Kenya as well as Cape Town, South Africa and spent time in San Diego, USA. She now lives in Somerset, England with regular visits from her far-flung children and grandchildren. She is a keen gardener and enjoys growing fresh fruit and vegetables with her husband on their joint allotment. As a result, there is something available to use in the kitchen virtually all year round. Her regular posts can be found on our blog.