Superfoods such as quinoa and coconut oil have been all the rage for years now, and although they’re still among the best superfoods, chances are you’re feeling a bit bored with some of them (we’re looking at you, kale chips).
But that doesn’t mean you should stop eating superfoods – you just need to switch out the ones you’re sick of and try some different ones.
RELATED: Superfoods that cost $3 or less
The good news is, Jodie Langley, naturopath for Nature’s Own, has pulled together a crop of fresh superfoods to add to your diet, all of which will boost your health thanks to their high vitamin and mineral content. Keep scrolling for your all-new, must-try superfoods list…
JODIE LANGLEY’S 6 BEST SUPERFOODS TO EAT NOW
#1. Alfalfa
Regardless of whether you use the seeds or sprout, this simple legume from the pea family has been shown to help alkalise and detox the body. Alfalfa is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, plus it also contributes to your daily intake of vegetables.
Tip: Add it to salads and sandwiches to boost their health-factor.
#2. Kelp powder
Originating from a water-based plant, kelp powder contains iodine, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin B1 and B2, and polysaccharides. It’s great for kick-starting the metabolism and can be used as a salt replacement.
Tip: Sprinkle some over popcorn with other seasonings or add to Asian dishes to give them depth. Kelp Powder doesn’t have an overwhelming flavour, so you can still mix it into smoothies, too.
#3. Barley grass
Barley grass has been shown to balance the body’s pH levels and ensure optimum cell function throughout the body. The green superfood contains protein, enzymes, chlorophyll, vitamin B, calcium and vitamin C, and can be grown year-round, making it easily accessible.
Tip: Add it to your green juice or smoothie.
#4. Inulin
Inulin is a starchy substance, which cannot be absorbed during the digestive process. So its superfood power comes from its ability to pass through to the bowel and support the growth of good bacteria. Inulin is naturally present in some everyday foods such as asparagus, leek, onions and banana, but the highest concentrations can be found in herbs such as chicory root.
Tip: Sprinkle inulin powder over breakfast foods such as yoghurts, muesli and cereal.
#5. Amaranth
Amaranth is a gluten-free grain packed with nutrition thanks to its high calcium, iron phosphorous and carotenoids content. With an appearance and texture similar to quinoa, amaranth can be used as a gluten-free replacement for rice.
Tip: Add it to soups or salads to help keep you fuller for longer.
#6. Berries
The health benefits of berries have been widely touted, but have you considered using eating, juicing or pureeing pomegranate, elderberries or goji berries? Pomegranate packs a punch on the superfood scale because it is high in vitamin C, folate, calcium and manganese; elderberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, iron, potassium, vitamin B6 and beta-carotene; and goji berries are a great source of antioxidants, vitamin C, calcium, zinc and selenium.
Tip: Toss some pomegranate seeds into your salads, add juiced or powder-form elderberries to your smoothies and yoghurt, and pop some dried goji berries into your handbag for a healthy snack on the run.
These berries can also boast some great benefits for the skin when applied topically.
Try:
- Pure Essense Goji Berries Body Bar
- The Body Shop Pomegranate Softening Facial Wash
- BABOR Phytoactive Combination ($55, au.babor.com)
- Weleda Pomegranate Firming Eye Cream ($41.95, weleda.com.au)
Do you consume superfoods on a regular basis? Which one of these superfoods would you like to try most?
