Five superfoods to incorporate into your diet
Looking after your health and your family’s health is important, and it doesn’t have to be a chore.
Incorporate these five superfoods into your diet and reap the benefits they have for your skin, teeth, hair, body and overall sense of vitality!
1. Oily fish
Salmon, tuna and other types of oily fish are great sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids. A diet high in omega-3s has been linked with improved heart, joint and mental health.
The National Heart Foundation recommends that people eat at least two to three servings of oily fish per week – why not make one of your regular meals a delicious tuna salad or smoked salmon pasta?
If you are vegetarian, then you can also get omega-3 from linseeds and chia seeds. These little nutritious seeds are perfect for adding to cereals, baking, smoothies and salads.
2. Blueberries
Most types of berries are great for your health, but blueberries have an especially good reputation because they are a good source of antioxidants.
These taste delicious sprinkled on your muesli in the morning, or just eaten raw as a tasty snack.
3. Coconut
Some people avoid eating coconuts because they are concerned about the high fat content, but when consumed in moderation this fruit has excellent health benefits.
Research has linked coconuts with increased metabolism, good heart health and improved energy. In particular, coconut oil has been associated with weight loss, and is said to be good for cooking because of its low burn-rate.
4. Leafy greens
You can’t go wrong with adding more leafy greens into your diet! Greens such as spinach, kale and cos lettuce are all excellent sources of fibre, vitamins and minerals.
The best thing about leafy greens is that they can be easily added to your diet. Enjoy them in salads, stir-fries, soups or even add them to your morning smoothie!
5. Chilli
It’s a great idea to try experimenting with chilli in your cooking – just be careful not to overdo it, some strains of chilli can be incredibly hot!
Chilli is a great source of fibre, and has been known to help stabilise blood sugars, improve heart health and even fight against cancer.
And of course, it is a great way to boost your metabolism!
Crushed mild chilli is available at most supermarkets. Start off slow by adding a tiny amount to dishes such as pastas, soups or eggs and work your way up to a higher heat.
30 Apr 2013