If you’re on a mission to get gorgeous on the inside, make sure you add these trendy and smart superfoods to your diet.
1. Coconut Oil
Not really a food, but definitely worth being on your list! We often receive contradictory messages about coconut, but there are some great benefits of eating coconut oil. First, it can lower your cholesterol because it contains lauric acid that boosts the body’s good HDL cholesterol. It also has some dieting benefits – a 2009 study found that women who ate 20 mls of coconut oil every day for a total of three months had less abdominal fat. Replace your cooking oil with coconut oil for a splash of health.
2. Chia Seeds
If chia seeds were a powerful celebrity, they would be Oprah Winfrey. Packed with antioxidants that fight the effects of aging, these seeds also boost your fibre levels while giving you a variety of nutrients. They’re great if you need omega-3 fatty acids but don’t eat fish. If you’re on a diet, chia seeds can give you that feeling of fullness, so they prevent overeating without making you lose out on important nutrients.
3. Kale
Called the queen of all superfood greens, kale is a must for your diet. What it lacks in calories it makes up for in nutrients: Vitamin A, C, K, iron and antioxidants. If you’re deciding to go on a detox, make sure you consume kale as it is packed with sulphur and fibre which help to detox your body while keeping your liver in good condition. Add the pretty purple flowering kale to your salad!
4. Greek Yogurt
You might wonder why Greek yogurt is better than any of its counterparts, so here’s the lowdown: plain Greek yogurt is packed with protein and half the carbs as regular yogurt. The great thing is that it is so versatile. You can use it instead of other fats, such as oil or butter, when baking. Plus, you can make it part of your favourite savoury dishes.
5. Ancient Grains
These are very trendy and include superfoods such as quinoa, millet, buckwheat and amaranth. They are known as ancient grains because were praised by ancient civilisations such as the Romans and Egyptians. Ancient grains contain essential parts that make up a whole grain, but also extras, such as vitamins, potassium, protein, iron, fibre and antioxidants. This is what gives them their edge. The bonus? They’re not just healthy but really tasty!
