Many a times, we are eating all healthy and do not tend to realize it. There are foods that we consume regularly and still they get the B-list treatment from most of us. Some ‘regular’ foods are worth noting and these seven foods, with their numerous health benefits, deserve the attention that other superfoods usually get. Take a look at the list below and learn more about the superfoods that we often tend to pass off as just regular foods.
1. Beetroot
If you are ignoring beetroots for a while now, they deserve a good second chance now. Beetroots are loaded with betaine and folate, which are among many essential nutrients required by the human body. These nutrients in this deep red vegetable reduce the risk of heart diseases to a great extent.
To consume enough beetroot, wash and peel one fresh beetroot and shred it with the help of a grater. Toss the shredded pieces with one tablespoon olive oil and squeeze out some lemon juice to sprinkle on the top. Add a little salt and serve it.
2. Guava
Guava is a delicious, sweet fruit often loved by many around the world. Its flesh is either pale yellow or pink, and this fruit has a very high concentration of the anti-cancerous element known as lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant found in watermelon and tomatoes as well, but its concentration is much higher in guava than in other fruits. Lycopene is nothing but the protective red pigment found in these fruits.
You can consume the whole fruit of guava. Even the rind and the seeds are edible and do not need to be removed.
3. Cabbage
Although cabbage might form gas in the stomach, this vegetable is packed with sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is a chemical that increases the production of certain enzymes in the body that destroy cell-damaging and cancer-causing free radicals.
To use cabbage generously in your diet, make a coleslaw. You may also top your burger with crunchy cabbage leaves instead of those soggy lettuce leaves.
4. Goji Berries
Goji berries are loved by almost all smoothie enthusiasts. Goji berries contain natural sugars that give a good boost to the immune system. Recently, it has been found that goji berries have shown to reduce insulin resistance in rats; this means that it might help in offsetting diabetes in the long run as well.
To increase your intake of goji berries, mix the berries with plain yogurt and enjoy it like a cold dessert. You may also sprinkle them on cold cereal or your bowl of oats during breakfast.
5. Dried Plums
Dried plums have been found to contain a very high amount of neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids. These fruits have also proved to contain a high amount of antioxidants that are quite effective at protecting people against the growth of cancerous cells.
You can consume dried plums by wrapping a slice of prosciutto around the plum, secure it with a toothpick, and then, bake it at a temperature of 200°C in the oven. Bake it for not more than 10 to 15 minutes and enjoy its delicious taste.
6. Purslane
Purslane is a common garden weed found. This weed, pronounced as “perslen”, has proved to contain one of the most heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, higher than in any other edible plant. When you take a small bite, you will find the stems and leaves of purslane to be succulent and they contain a mild, lemony flavor. You can have purslane from time to time as an alternative to other leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, and kale.
Use purslane generously to make a flavorful bed for your grilled chicken topped with lemon vinaigrette.
7. Swiss Chard
If you have a soft corner for spinach, you will love Swiss chard as well. This vegetable is loaded with nutrients and just half a cup of cooked chard leaves deliver 10 mg of lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids. These nutrients effectively guard us against retinal damage that is caused by aging.
To cook Swiss chard, just toss some chopped chard leaves with a little olive oil and finely chopped garlic. It can always serve as a simple and healthy side dish.
Next time you visit the grocery store or the supermarket, make sure you get enough of these superfoods home.
