We’re a nation who are conscious about consuming more healthily and there are more foods and ingredients that boast a number of health benefits. For instance, sardines, seaweed and cottage cheese have been named as three of the surprising superfoods that can pack a nutritional punch.
Health and fitness experts at Vivotion.com share with us nine surprising superfoods:
Cottage Cheese
It might remind you of your Grandma serving it up with pineapple, but it is high in protein and low in calories and sugar, and its steady release energy helps to control hunger.
Sardines
The humble sardine has long been overlooked in favour of canned staples such as tuna and salmon. But sardines are a powerhouse of B vitamins and essential nutrients and are an important source of Omega 3 fatty acids.
Dark Chocolate
Who doesn’t love chocolate? The problem is, many chocolate products are high in sugar and calorific. However, studies have shown that eating dark chocolate can be beneficial. It has powerful antioxidants and it has been suggested it can even improve your heart health.
Insects
Just 100g of crickets contain 214% more protein than 100g of chicken breast meat – perfect if you’re bulking up.
Seaweed
Surprisingly, seaweed contains more vitamin C than an orange and packs in plenty of calcium. It also boasts anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Mushrooms
This humble fungus is rich in vitamin D and is a great way of adding flavour to food without cholesterol-raising salt.
Watermelon Seeds
The seeds of watermelon are in fact more nutritious than the flesh we normally eat – packing an impressive 34g of protein in every 100g serving and a host of nutrients.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut might not come to mind when you think of superfood, as it’s often used as a condiment for fast food. However, fermented food benefits digestion by introducing good bacteria into the stomach. Sauerkraut also has high levels of Vitamin K and high fibre content.
Blackberries
High in beneficial vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants, Blackberries are a versatile superfood. High in fibre, too, they’ve even been known to reduce cholesterol and make you feel fuller longer, so you’re less likely to overeat.
