We often hear about the term superfoods, especially in the news with stories hitting the headlines almost regularly about foods with newly discovered health benefits. In contrast there is also a lot of discussion of what we shouldn't eat, often with contradictions coming months later. Today however we're here to give to a list of the best superfoods you should be eating and why!
Blueberries
Packed full of Vitamin C these little berries not only taste great but have some massive health benefits. Studies have found they also contain cancer fighting compounds. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, they "anthocyanins, as well as ellagic acid and the urolithins that form from it, decrease free radical damage to DNA that can lead to cancer."
Blueberries have also been linked to reducing memory loss however no solid confirmation as to whether this is true or not has been confirmed. Never the less, they're full of antioxidents and goodness and make for both a great snack or part of a healthy dessert.
Kale
The next Superfood is Kale! 'Kale or leaf cabbage refers to certain vegetable cultivars of the plant species Brassica oleracea. A kale plant has green or purple leaves and the central leaves do not form a head.' Source: USDA
Kale is considered to be a superfood because of it's various multi-vitamins and antioxidants. It contains more than most vegetables and is rich in iron and calcium. Kale can be enjoyed in a number of ways from boiled, roasted to even chip form! There's a variety of recipes online such as Jamie's 8 killer recipes which incorporate Kale. It's great in stews and quiches for example, however to gain the most from it, it's best enjoyed on it's own!
Broccoli
This super duper member of the cruciferous vegetable family is brim full of goodness. It's one of the richest in Folate and Vitamin C which is great for preventing the likes of heart disease and certain Cancers.
According to the NHS:
Eating more non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, is associated with a reduced risk of some cancers (including mouth, throat and stomach cancers), according to a good quality 2007 review of the evidence on cancer prevention by the World Cancer Research Fund. It is possible that some of the compounds in broccoli may have health benefits, but clinical trials are needed to investigate this further.
Spinach
Pop-eye come to mind? Spinach is very well known for a number of properties particularly it's iron content.
The dark green colour of spinach leaves indicates they contain high levels of chlorophyll and health promoting carotenoids (beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin). These phyto chemicals have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties and are especially important for healthy eye-sight, helping to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. - NHS
Lentils
This pulse is cheap, vegan friendly and full of protein. Lentils have more protein than beef in single gram did you know? "Unlike other fruits and veggies, which can leach nutrients when cooked, the body actually absorbs the calcium, iron, and zinc from lentils more easily after the lentils are cooked" - Greatist
