Seven superfoods you should incorporate in your diet

We all know the benefits of maintaining healthy eating habits but for most of us, our taste buds tell us otherwise. We prefer those tasty chips over fresh fruit, and burgers over steamed fish, because they just seem so much more appealing. But those fried and carbohydrate-laden foods simply don’t have much in the way of nutritional value, and they’re certainly not contributing to a healthy eating habit.  

But the good news is you can have the best of both worlds and eat nutritious foods that are also delicious. Here we share our top 7 superfoods that you can incorporate into your diet – we’re sure that many of them will convince your taste buds that they are indeed better than those fast foods.

Blueberries have very high levels of antioxidants – and the benefit is the same regardless of whether they’re fresh or frozen. Antioxidants help to lower the risk of infections and are good for your heart too. Blueberries also contain Anthocyanins which are natural plant compounds that give their deep colour and may help in combatting diabetes. Instead of indulging in an afternoon cappuccino, why not swap it for a nutritious and tasty blueberry milkshake instead!  

Leafy green vegetables have long been a superfood especially the dark ones such as spinach, kale, watercress, beet greens, swiss chard, and basil leaves. They’re full of iron for good blood circulation and they also contain Vitamin A, which is good for your immune system and bones, and lutein for eye health. What’s more they’re packed full of omega-3’s, which are good for brain, heart and eye health. So, the next time you get a craving for some pasta, up the nutritional value by throwing some fresh basil leaves and chopped kale into it. 

Speaking of omega-3’s, walnuts contain more omega-3 fatty acids than any other nut. They can help prevent heart disease and stroke, and may also help control eczema, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Omega 3’s may also play a protective role in cancer and other conditions. Instead of indulging in those artificially flavoured chips, go ahead and grab a pack of walnuts to nibble on while watching your favourite TV show. Best eaten raw but if you need a little crunch just give them a quick blast in the microwave then let them cool down before eating. 

Oh yeah - now we’re talking! And why not? Everyone loves chocolates but just keep in mind that dark chocolate is your healthier option, with way higher levels of antioxidants provided by flavonoids. These are substances that have been shown to improve blood circulation, suppress coughs, improve memory and reduce the risk of cancer, asthma, and stroke. So, go ahead and indulge - just remember, moderation is key. It’s high in fat so the doctor’s order is to limit yourself to no more than a 20 – 30 gram dose of dark chocolate a day. 

As they say, start your day with a healthy breakfast - and of course, eggs always make a great start. They are high in protein, which helps build and repair tissues. Eggs also contain lutein and zeaxanthin - two antioxidants that promote good eye health. Lutein may also help in shielding your skin from the UV damage. So, if eggs aren’t already part of your daily breakfast regime, it’s time to add some in. 

Sweet potatoes contain alpha and beta carotene, which are responsible for their brilliant orange colour. But more than just colour, sweet potatoes convert these compounds into an active form of Vitamin A which keeps your eyes, bones, and immune system healthy. Just one medium serve of sweet potato is enough to provide you with around four times the daily value of Vitamin A. Try making some homemade sweet potato chips for a tasty treat that you and your kids will love to nibble on. 

Packed with Vitamin A for healthy eyes, bones, and immune system, this superfood also has Vitamin C for healthier skin and Vitamin K for the regulation of blood calcium levels. Broccoli also contains folate, which helps convert carbohydrates into energy. Try steaming it then tossing in a little butter and toasted almonds (yet another superfood!) and your taste buds will love you for it. 

It doesn’t really take much effort to tempt your taste buds with superfoods - so go ahead and stock up your fridge and pantry with these healthy choices and you’re on your way to building healthy eating habits. Want to know more about the superfoods we’ve included in this blog plus many more?  Check out these great articles from Healthline and GuideDoc. 

Developing healthy habits isn’t always easy and it does take commitment – and depending on how serious you are, it can put a bit of a strain on the old budget. But when your finances start to get a little wobbly, we’re here to lend a hand. Just check out our fast cash loans from $1,000 to find out how quick and easy it is to get your hands on some extra funds. Once a loan is approved, we can usually deposit the money into your bank account within a few hours - so you can start planning your new, healthier life straight away!