The term ‘superfood’ gets thrown around a lot and while here at ele we are big promoters of a balanced and healthy diet packed full of goodness, there are some foods like berries and broccoli that we always try to incorporate into our diets. Doing a little more research we have found 10 surprising superfoods that you may not have heard of but are sure to become some of your new favorites.
1. Moringa
Moringa is a tree native to India and is often referred to as the “miracle tree” due to its numerous health benefits. The leaves of the moringa tree are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals such as iron and calcium. Moringa can be eaten raw or cooked and is often ground into a powder that can be added to smoothies, yoghurt and other dishes.
2. Goji berries
These bright red goji berries are native to China and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are packed with antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Goji berries are also a good source of vitamin C, iron, and other minerals. They can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked, and are often added to teas, yogurts, and granolas.
Photo by Dimitar Dimitrov
3. Acai berries
You have probably heard of acai as a smoothie bowl favorite. The berries are native to South America, and like goji are also high in antioxidants and are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. They are a good source of fiber and heart-healthy fats. Acai berries can be found frozen or in powder form, and can be added to smoothies, bowls, and homemade energy bars.
4. Cauliflower
The humble cauliflowers may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of superfoods, but it is actually jam packed with nutrients. Cauliflower is high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber, folate, and other vitamins and minerals. It can be eaten raw, cooked, or even used as a low-carb substitute for grains in dishes like cauliflower rice or pizza crust. (ele note – you can also buy pre-made cauliflower rice at most supermakets).
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
5. Kale
One of the all-time best leafy greens, kale is well-known for its health benefits, but did you know that it is also a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds? This superfood is high in vitamins K and C, as well as calcium and other minerals. It can be eaten raw in salads, juiced, or cooked in dishes like soups and stir-fries. Try our Roast Chicken and Kale Salad recipe here.
6. Chia seeds
These tiny seeds may be small, but they pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. Chia seeds are high in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. Add them to smoothies, oatmeal, or muesli bars and homemade muffins for an extra boost of nutrients.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric is our absolute go-to at ele HQ, this yellow spice, commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking, is high in curcumin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We love to add it to our morning smoothie, curries, Turmeric lattes and in our Immunity Tea. Our Good Morning Sunshine Smoothie is the best way to get the day started.
8. Lentils
These small, protein-packed legumes are a good source of fiber, iron, and other minerals. They can be used in soups, stews, and salads, and can also be ground into flour for baking. Try this Red lentil and Coconut Dahl with Fish recipe.
This blue-green algae may not be the most appetizing-sounding superfood, but it is a highly nutritious source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is often available in powder form and can be added to smoothies or mixed into other dishes. Plus the color is so pretty in your smoothie!
These small, nutty seeds are an excellent source of nutrients. They are high in protein, containing all the essential amino acids, and are also a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. Hemp seeds are also high in antioxidants and contain a range of minerals, including calcium, iron, and zinc. These seeds can be eaten raw, cooked, or ground into a meal or flour.
The term ‘superfood’ gets thrown around a lot and while here at ele we are big promoters of a balanced and healthy diet packed full of goodness, there are some foods like berries and broccoli that we always try to incorporate into our diets. Doing a little more research we have found 10 surprising superfoods that you may not have heard of but are sure to become some of your new favorites.
1. Moringa
Moringa is a tree native to India and is often referred to as the “miracle tree” due to its numerous health benefits. The leaves of the moringa tree are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals such as iron and calcium. Moringa can be eaten raw or cooked and is often ground into a powder that can be added to smoothies, yoghurt and other dishes.
2. Goji berries
These bright red goji berries are native to China and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are packed with antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Goji berries are also a good source of vitamin C, iron, and other minerals. They can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked, and are often added to teas, yogurts, and granolas.
3. Acai berries
You have probably heard of acai as a smoothie bowl favorite. The berries are native to South America, and like goji are also high in antioxidants and are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. They are a good source of fiber and heart-healthy fats. Acai berries can be found frozen or in powder form, and can be added to smoothies, bowls, and homemade energy bars.
4. Cauliflower
The humble cauliflowers may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of superfoods, but it is actually jam packed with nutrients. Cauliflower is high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber, folate, and other vitamins and minerals. It can be eaten raw, cooked, or even used as a low-carb substitute for grains in dishes like cauliflower rice or pizza crust. (ele note – you can also buy pre-made cauliflower rice at most supermakets).
5. Kale
One of the all-time best leafy greens, kale is well-known for its health benefits, but did you know that it is also a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds? This superfood is high in vitamins K and C, as well as calcium and other minerals. It can be eaten raw in salads, juiced, or cooked in dishes like soups and stir-fries. Try our Roast Chicken and Kale Salad recipe here.
6. Chia seeds
These tiny seeds may be small, but they pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. Chia seeds are high in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. Add them to smoothies, oatmeal, or muesli bars and homemade muffins for an extra boost of nutrients.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric is our absolute go-to at ele HQ, this yellow spice, commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking, is high in curcumin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We love to add it to our morning smoothie, curries, Turmeric lattes and in our Immunity Tea. Our Good Morning Sunshine Smoothie is the best way to get the day started.
8. Lentils
These small, protein-packed legumes are a good source of fiber, iron, and other minerals. They can be used in soups, stews, and salads, and can also be ground into flour for baking. Try this Red lentil and Coconut Dahl with Fish recipe.
9. Spirulina
This blue-green algae may not be the most appetizing-sounding superfood, but it is a highly nutritious source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is often available in powder form and can be added to smoothies or mixed into other dishes. Plus the color is so pretty in your smoothie!
10. Hemp seeds:
These small, nutty seeds are an excellent source of nutrients. They are high in protein, containing all the essential amino acids, and are also a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. Hemp seeds are also high in antioxidants and contain a range of minerals, including calcium, iron, and zinc. These seeds can be eaten raw, cooked, or ground into a meal or flour.
Want more foods that support good health? Try our ELE Beauty Salad here and our Cherry Tomato, Pomegranate, Red Pepper and Feta Salad here.
Share this:
Like this: