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10 Superfoods That You're Probably Not Eating But Should Be​

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10 Superfoods That You're Probably Not Eating But Should Be​

The world of nutrition can be confusing. Every day there seems to be a new superfood or diet that promises amazing health benefits. It can be hard to know what to believe and what to ignore. However, there are some foods that have been shown to be truly super—foods that offer significant health benefits and that everyone should be eating more of. Here are 10 of the best.

But before we begin, what exactly is a 'superfood' anyway?

The term 'superfood' is often used to describe a food that is packed full of nutrients and offers health benefits above and beyond what is typically expected. There is no official definition of a superfood, but the term is generally used to describe a food that is particularly high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other health-promoting nutrients.

So, without further ado, here are 10 superfoods that you should be eating. We’ll start with a few of the more ‘well known’ varieties and finish with a few more exotic ones.
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1. Blueberries
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Credits: Pexels
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Blueberries are little powerhouses of nutrition. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and have been shown to have a number of health benefits.

Blueberries are a good source of Vitamin C, a nutrient that is important for immune function, skin health, and wound healing. They are also a good source of dietary fibre, which is important for digestive health.

The antioxidants in blueberries have also been shown to be beneficial for health. These compounds help to protect the body against damage from free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases.


2. Salmon
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Salmon is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals. It is also one of the best sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Salmon is also a good source of vitamin D, which is important for bone health.

3. Brassicas
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Brassicas are a family of vegetables that includes broccoli, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables are packed with nutrients, including vitamins C and K, folate, and fibre. They also contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

4. Spinach
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Turns out Popeye was onto something... Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron. Spinach is also a good source of magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

Studies have shown that spinach can help to protect against cancer, heart disease, and age-related macular degeneration. Spinach is also a good food for weight loss, as it is low in calories but high in fibre.

5. Sweetspot pumpkin
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Credits: Pixabay​

Sweetspot pumpkin is a type of pumpkin that is native to South America. It is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fibre and manganese. Additionally, it contains a unique type of antioxidant called carotenoids, which have been shown to boost immunity and protect against heart disease.

6. Purple corn
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Credits: Shutterstock​

Purple corn is a type of maize that is native to the Andes region of South America. It is a rich source of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, purple corn has been shown to protect against obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

7. Açaí berries
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Credits: Shutterstock​

Açaí berries are a small, dark-purple fruit that grows on acai palm trees in the rainforests of South America. They have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties and are now gaining popularity as a superfood due to their high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

8. Camu camu
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Credits: Shutterstock​

Camu camu is a small, red fruit that grows in the rainforests of the Amazon. The fruit is incredibly rich in vitamin C, containing 30-60 times more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage, boost immunity, and promote collagen production.

9. Spirulina​

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Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is often touted as a superfood due to its high nutrient content. It is particularly rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Spirulina has been shown to have a range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and protecting against chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

10. Chia Seeds
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Credits: Pexels
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Chia seeds are tiny black seeds that come from the plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family. These little seeds are packed with nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Studies have shown that chia seeds can help to improve blood sugar control, reduce blood pressure, and promote weight loss. They are also a good source of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

So there you have it! There are plenty of other so-called 'superfoods' out there, but these 10 foods are a great place to start if you're looking to improve your health. Add them to your diet and you'll be getting a boost of essential nutrients that will help keep you healthy and feeling your best. As always though, we recommend you check with a medical professional before making any changes to your diet.
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[Misty80]

Thank you, we often have some of these in our diet, will try and add some of the others to it. Nice to know we are looking after ourselves and not knowing it

 

[Ricci]

I have never heard of, or seen, either purple corn or camu camu, nor would I know where to go to buy it. Most of the others appear in my diet on a fairly regular basis.

 

[DEL boy]

It looks like I will have to emigrate to South America!!!
I don't like Salmon, Trout, oily fish etc. What's left that will do the same in the fish world???