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With increasing emphasis on better nutrition and healthy living, certain foods are considered super foods simply because they contain a huge amount of nutrition and vitamins so are great for your body to keep you healthy.

What Is A Superfood?

A superfood is so classified because it is packed full of vitamins and minerals, making it nutrient rich to improve health and well being. The term superfood is generally a marketing tool to help increase sales of a certain type of food but it stems from a nutritional basis. The following are great options to include in your pantry to get the most out of your diet.

1. Quinoa

Quinoa has received a lot of press lately as a great food choice for your pantry, it is great to replace traditional carb-rich foods such as rice and couscous. Quinoa is one of the best whole grains that you can eat and it is surprisingly high in protein, with as much as 8 grams in one cup when cooked. That is huge per portion as an addition to a meal. There is also a lot of fiber with up to 5 grams a cup and its a really good source of iron. There are also high levels of zinc, vitamin E and selenium which have been linked to weight loss and lowering the risk of heart disease.

2. Salmon

This fish is a superfood because it is contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have been heavily linked to protecting the heart and lowering the risk of developing heart disease in the future. The American Heart Association states that you should eat fatty fish like salmon up to twice a week as it is low in calories and high in nutrients. Salmon is also high in protein and is a great source of iron, the biggest bonus is that it is very low in saturated fat.

3. Kiwi

Surprisingly, kiwis are one of the most nutritious fruits because they are full of antioxidants. There are many other minerals in them such as potassium and it also contains a high level of fibre which not many fruits do. One of the main reasons for Kiwi's being a superfood is because they are high in vitamins A, C, and E. In particular one large kiwi provides your daily dose of vitamin C and vitamin E is rarely found in food so is a great choice. They can easily be eaten on their own or as part of a fruit salad because they are quite low in sugar.

4. Beans

There are two main types of fibre; soluble and insoluble, both are important in the diet. Beans have both which is a bonus because insoluble helps to lower cholesterol and the soluble fibre is what makes you feel full to help lower the chance of over eating. Beans also contain large amounts of protein for their size and are low in fat, but they also include great levels of magnesium and potassium which are essential minerals for the body. Soya beans are a good choice because they also contain omega-3's so if you dislike fish you can get what you need from soya beans instead.

Continue reading after recommendations

  • www.webmd.com
  • www.health.com