Superfood Roll Call: Healthy Choices

Super healthy superfoods are one of the most popular trends in eating, especially for health-conscious food lovers. From antioxidant properties which fight free radicals, to enzymes designed by nature to help balance our weight, superfoods are packed with benefits. Many benefits of superfoods are known to cultures outside of North America for their properties, and every day science seems to find new benefits to our health and well being.

But if you ask me, the best part about superfoods is that most are easy to find and easy to work in to your diet; especially by making healthy choices with the foods you eat. Even restaurants are getting in to the superfood groove, so be sure to keep an eye out for these ingredients on the menu!

• Goji berries
• BlueBerries
• Blackberries
• Strawberries
• Avocados
• Raisins

Fruit like the ones listed above can all be easily added to your morning cereal or snacking routines. Many restaurants now offer smoothies and fruit-focused dessert options, which can also satisfy your berry apetite. I personally am no fan of raisins, but they do offer some impressive health benefits.

 

• Quinoa
• Flax
• Whole grains

The value of whole grains like wheat and oats has been well established, but don’t forget about the lesser known flax and quinoa. Both offer added benefits and quinoa is particular is a true superfood – packed with protein and fibre, a small serving goes a long way. Look for it as a side or salad option when ordering from restaurants!

 

• Beets
• Carrots
• Kale
• Beans

As a passionate veggie lover (not vegetarian – I just LOVE my veggies!) this is probably the category of superfoods where I shine. Beets are one of the sweetest root vegetables when prepared properly, and local restaurants have taken to adding beet root salads – if you’ve never had a beet you liked, take the plunge next time you see them on the menu. Carrots are equally beneficial.

Kale is a superfood recently introduce to me by a Freshii campaign when I ordered in, and as a big fan of spinach I have no qualms about trading up to this very similar superfood. Beans are a similar love of mine, and I’ve been working them in to my sauces, chilis and stews as much as possible. They also make a great addition to nachos, to boost iron, protein and deliciousness.

• Red Wine
• Tea
• Water

While not strictly ‘food’, the best news to come out of the superfood craze is that red wine is good for you. Consumption of wine comes with many pros and cons, but red wines contain high levels of healthy ingredients like resveratrol, melatonin and flavonoids. It also pairs well with delicious food, so cheers to this superfood!

As a major tea drinker, I’ve long known about its health benefits. Green tea in particular is touted for its anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties. Black tea is also extremely healthy, and many benefits of tea are attributed to its high fluoride content. Of course, everyone knows that Water is extremely important, both for digestion and in the metabolism of every superfood listed above.

Of course, there are MANY other superfoods to enjoy. Canadian Living has compiled their Top 10 Superfoods here, which builds on our list and adds some interesting dietary info. And these Super Foods are everywhere!

If you know of a restaurant that carries a particularly tasty superfood-featured dish please share it below.