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What’s so super about superfoods?
The term superfood has been around for a while and refers to a diverse range of natural foods that are promoted as being better for you. But is it just a marketing hype or is there something to it?
While healthy foods usually contain two or three particular nutritional properties, superfoods can boast a whopping 12 or more vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and antioxidants. What’s more, it’s simple to include them in your everyday eating.
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Best for immune boosting
There are plenty of superfoods to choose from but if you’re looking to strengthen your immune system, you can’t go wrong with this fab four.
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The best bit is they’re all deliciously versatile – add ginger in everything from stir-fries to bakes, while turmeric will transform dishes as diverse as porridge and pea soup. Cranberries aren’t just for Christmas and kale is hailed as a king superfood fit for all kinds of eats.
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Super seeds
As well as fruit, veg and spices, superfoods come in many forms and at the smaller end of the scale are super seeds. But don’t let size fool you; these marvellous mini superfoods pack an impressive nutritional punch.
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Chia seeds are bursting with goodness and have all sorts of uses. Try this juicy raw strawberry jam or these chia seed and banana cereal bars , a yummy, dairy-free snack for when you’re on the go.
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Pronounced keen-wah, quinoa is a protein-rich, gluten-free seed that makes a nutritious alternative to rice. These quinoa and kale muffins are delicious topped with avocado and chives, while quinoa is the magic ingredient in these succulent meatballs.
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Far flung and closer to home
It’s not all about papaya, quinoa and coconut; many superfoods are native to the UK such as blackberries, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. But are exotic better? We’ve done a bit of digging…
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Grow your own
Want to try growing your own superfoods? Sprinkling some spinach seeds in a pot or tending to a few strawberry plants doesn’t take a lot of work, but did you know you could grow your own ginger?
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While you’re feeling green-fingered, check out which other superfoods are easy to grow in the garden.
That’s one healthy serving of superfoods news – time to tuck in!