Top 5 Superfoods to Include in Your Diet

What are Superfoods? 

Loosely defined as foods that may be of benefit to your health that may also aid in treating medical conditions, Superfoods are noted for their abnormally high value of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. 

Below are my top 5 Superfoods to compliment health & wellness and boost training performance: 

5. Goji Berries

A relatively recent superfood phenomenon in western diets, goji berries have been used in far-eastern medicine for over 6000 years. Goji berries are extremely high in antioxidants, as well as being a valuable source of vitamin A and vitamin C. 

Suggested health benefits include reduced risk of heart disease and some cancers, increased life expectancy and an improved immune system. A small handful a day is all that's necessary! 

4. Artichoke

Native to Southern Europe and North Africa, the artichoke is known for it's rich nutritional content which is most potent in it's leaves. 

Proven to be a safe and effective way to treat high cholesterol, artichokes also contain quercetin, an anti-carcinogen flavonoid that works as an antioxidant preventative against heart disease, rutin  which promotes cardiovascular health and acts as an anti-inflammatory, and Gallic acid which has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation in prostate cancer cells.

The best way to cook artichokes is by steaming them, as this preserves more nutrients and requires less time. However boiling is fine, and grilling after steaming or boiling brings out more flavour. 

3. Pumpkin Seeds

Long touted as beneficial to prostate health, pumpkin seeds have also been found to be preventative in the formation of kidney stones. 

A rich mineral source of zinc and antioxidants, pumpkin seeds have also been found to prevent many forms of cancer and even have a use as a natural anti-depressant! 

2. Seaweed 

Whilst it may not look particularly appetising, seaweed boasts many health benefits! Seaweed provides a daily dose of iodine, vital to thyroid function, seaweed is loaded with more calcium than broccoli and a brilliant source of vitamin A and vitamin B-12.

Health benefits include aiding weight loss, lowering cholesterol and improving digestive health. Popular variants include kelp, kombu and nori. 

1. Blueberries 

The number one superfood pick is probably the most tasty of the lot! Ranked as having one of the highest levels of antioxidants amongst all fruits and vegetables, blueberries are a terrific superfood to include in your daily diet. 

The greatest nutritional benefits come from the consumption of raw blueberries. They have been proven to help preserve vision, promote urinary tract health, stave off heart disease, and prevent and fight many forms of cancer.

One handful of blueberries a day is all that's required!