Your Health

What Are Superfoods? The Lowdown

green superfood smoothie bowl with fresh fruit and granola on top

Superfoods have become increasingly popular, but when you hear the word, what comes to mind?  

 

If you’re thinking of a potato with superpowers, you’re not alone.  

 

But to put your mind at ease, we’ve compiled all the information you need, from what superfoods are to the top 10 to include in your diet. 

 

What are Superfoods?

 

A relatively new term coined in the early 21st century mostly for use in marketingsuperfoods are foods that are packed with high volumes of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, so deliver plenty of health benefits.  

 

Even though many foods could be considered “super,” superfoods are of high nutritional value and are mostly plant-based, but some do fall into dairy and seafood categories.  

 

Packed with antioxidants and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, they are a great way to enhance your health.   

 

What Are the Benefits of Superfoods? 

 

When incorporated into a well-balanced diet, the high nutrients and flavonoid content of superfoods may work to deliver a wide range of benefits, such as: 

 

  1. Improved energy  
  2. Promoted heart health  
  3. Supported immune health 
  4. Reduced inflammation  
  5. Lowered cholesterol 

 

bowl of superfood blueberries and raspberries

 

Top 10 Superfoods to Add to Your Diet

 

Although there may not be a ‘miracle food’, the following foods are so nutritious, that they could have a positive impact on your health  

 

Check out our top 10 superfoods that make an important part of a nutritious, balanced diet: 

 

1. Blueberries

 

Out of all the berries, blueberries always come out on top as the best superfood. Rich in both vitamins and fibre, these little fruits are packed with anthocyanin, which is a type of flavonoid that provides essential antioxidants to help protect against free radicals.  

 

If we don’t have these antioxidants, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which could be harmful to your organs and tissues. Blueberries are a great superfood to add to your morning oats or smoothies, as well as being just as delicious to consume on their own. 

 

Try our delicious vegan protein smoothie for a great way to add more blueberry superfood into your diet:

 

The Perfect Blueberry & Pineapple Vegan Smoothie Recipe

Recipes

The Perfect Blueberry & Pineapple Vegan Smoothie Recipe

Try this delicious vegan smoothie recipe, made with protein powder.

2019-08-15 11:59:41By Garden of Life

 

2. Garlic

 

Garlic is a flavoursome superfood. This pungent and super popular plant is a staple ingredient in an abundance of dishes throughout the world.  

 

Not only does it pack a punch with its flavour, but garlic is also a superfood because it’s highly nutritious. It is a good source of fibre, carbohydrates, vitamin B6, potassium and contains antioxidant properties that may be used to support heart health.  

 

3. Turmeric

 

We’ve added this spice to our list of superfoods due to the incredible purported health benefits of turmeric. 

 

Known for its antioxidant properties, you can easily introduce this superfood to your diet with turmeric powder or in the form of supplements such as our Organics Herbal Turmeric Tablets. With added black pepper to improve bioavailability, these tablets are a quick and effective way to add turmeric to your diet. 

 

 

4. Fish

 

Oily fish like salmon and tuna are great superfoods. Providing a wide range of health benefits thanks to a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, oily fish definitely makes our list of the top 10 superfoods. 

 

You can introduce omega-3 into your diet using omega-3 supplements, such as our Dr Formulated Advanced Omega-3 Softgels, or cod liver oil. Studies also suggest that omega-3 is beneficial for concentration and brain function, as well as supporting eye and brain health. 

 

 

5. Maca Root

 

You may not have heard of the maca plant, but it’s certainly growing in popularity! Also known as Peruvian ginseng, the root of the maca plant is a superfood that contains an array of essential vitamins and minerals. There are a range of health benefits maca may provide, such as improving your mood and energy. 

 

Our Garden of Life Organics Herbal Maca Root Powder,can be mixed into your oats or smoothies for an added nutritional boost. 

 

 

6. Leafy Greens

 

Loaded with essential nutrients and fibre, you’ll often find leafy greens such as spinach and kale at the top of any superfood list. 

 

Providing vitamins A, C, and K, plus a whole host of other nutrients and minerals, green superfoods are perfect for adding to your daily diet – whether they’re added to salads, blended into a smoothie or enjoyed as a green superfood powder. 

 

Mix our Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood Powder into juices, smoothies or water for a quick and easy way to get all the goodness. 

 

 

7. Whole Grains

 

Did you know that there are over 20 different kinds of whole grains? These include oats, barley, wheat, quinoa and brown rice – all of which are high in iron, fibre and B vitamins. 

 

A study highlighted that whole grains are considered to be superfoods as they are known to support heart health and could reduce the risk of heart disease.  

 

Get inspired with these five delicious protein overnight oat recipes to introduce more whole grains into your diet. 

 

5 Delicious Protein Overnight Oats Recipes

Recipes

5 Delicious Protein Overnight Oats Recipes

Try our favourite protein overnight oats recipes for a filling, nutritious breakfast.

2020-02-23 10:24:06By Garden of Life

 

8. Chia Seeds

 

Another relatively new addition to our list of superfoods is chia seeds. Although tiny in size, these small seeds are packed with a huge variety of nutrients. From essential antioxidants to providing one of the best sources of fibre and omega-3. Simply sprinkle them over some yogurt, overnight oats, add them into a smoothie 

 

wooden sppon in a pile of chia seeds superfood

 

9. Legumes

 

Legumes as a category covers a wide range of superfoods, including chickpeas, soybeans, lentils, peas and beans. They are often used as a meat replacement for vegetarians and vegans, as they provide high levels of plant-based protein, as well as fibre.  

 

Try adding more pea protein into your diet using a superfood powder like our Sport Plant-Based Protein, available in a tasty chocolate or vanilla flavour. 

 

 

10. Nuts & Seeds

 

Last but not least, nuts and seeds are superfoods you don’t want to miss out on. Nuts get their superfood status from the good fats and protein they contain, along with the vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants.  

 

Almonds are one of the most versatile superfoods, as you can add these fibre-filled nuts to salads, curries, as well as to healthy sweet treats and baked goods – or simply eat them raw. 

 

Seeds are also worthy of superfood status. From sunflower seeds to flax seeds, these small superfoods naturally contain an abundance of vitamins, minerals, fibre and protein. They also contain plenty of healthy fats. 

 

Our list of superfoods is not exhaustive, as there are plenty more foods out there that provide extra nutritional value and health benefits. 

 

How to Eat Superfoods 

 

Superfoods are easy to incorporate into your diet, whether you snack on them throughout the day or add them to a meal.  

 

But if you struggle to get them in, our top tip would be swapping out less nutrient-dense choices like crisps and sweets, with superfoods like nuts and blueberries. 

 

Simply blend some superfoods like berries, chia seeds, leafy greens, turmeric and maca root into a delicious smoothie. 

 

For more inspiration, discover the best protein smoothie recipes from Garden of Life below:   

 

Our Best Protein Fruit Smoothie Recipes

Recipes

Our Best Protein Fruit Smoothie Recipes

Try our delicious protein fruit smoothie recipes for a healthy breakfast idea.

2023-05-31 16:26:53By Garden of Life



Garden of Life

Garden of Life

Writer and expert