An A – Z Guide To Superfoods That Have Great Health Benefits

Superfoods are foods with high phytonutrient content that are believed to confer health benefits as a result. So the next time you go to NTUC, be sure to stock up on these ingredients!

Alfalfa Sprouts

This superfood claims to be able to detoxify our body and enrich our liver. It is purported to rejuvenate our body system as well as help lose weight. Alfalfa sprouts are filled with zinc, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, Vitamins A, B5, B6, C and a hefty amount of Vitamin K.

Beet Root

Beet Root is rich in Vitamin C, folate, dietary fiber as well as antioxidants. Vitamin A, protein, potassium and phosphorous are also found in beet root. It also contains betaine, which can help in maintaining the health and capacity of the blood vessels thus reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Coconut Oil

The coconut has long been considered the Tree of Life in many countries in Asia. Coconut oil contains Lauric acid which has the ability to destroy viruses that are lipid coated such herpes, influenza and many others.

Flax Seed

Flax seed has the ability to lower our LDL (bad cholesterol) levels as well as the total cholesterol levels. There are also studies that have shown that it can help to lower blood triglyceride as well as reduce hypertension.  In addition, Flaxseed is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and high in fiber.

Ginger Root

Ginger root has a considerable amount of Vitamin B6 (no wonder it is credited to relieve nausea) and magnesium. It also has an abundance of potassium and Vitamin C.

Honey

This great tasting superfood has antioxidant and antiseptic properties as well as cleansing properties for our body. The overall nutrition found in honey will actually depend on what flowers the honey bees are gathering.

Kale

Kale is a form of cabbage that contains amazingly high amounts of Vitamin A and C as well as Beta Carotene. It is a nutritious plant that is also packed with calcium, and Vitamin B6. Kale also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Milk

Milk is actually the primary source of nutrition for mammalian infants so it follows that milk is highly nutritious. Cow milk contains high amounts of Riboflavin, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and calcium.

Oranges

Oranges come in many different species and varieties. These fruits are noted to have very high amounts of Vitamin C and Thiamin. Other vitamins and minerals found in oranges are potassium, magnesium, calcium, folate and Vitamin B6 as well as smaller amounts of zinc, iron and phosphorous.

Parsley

Around 3.5 ounces of raw parsley contains more than two hundred percent of the RDA of Vitamin C. The same amount of parsley also has 50% iron RDA and considerably high amounts of Riboflavin, Zinc, Potassium, Magnesium and Folate.

Rosemary

About 3.5 ounces of dried rosemary contain more than 100% RDA levels of iron, calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. This plant can also give us high concentrations of Zinc, Potassium, Magnesium, Folate, Riboflavin, Thiamine and many more.

Spinach

Spinach contains amazing amounts of Vitamin K, well over 400 % of the recommended daily allowance. It also has plenty of iron, calcium, beta carotene, folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin C.

Tea

Tea has long been used by Asians as a beverage. It contains lots of antioxidants that help to combat diseases and ailments as well as keep your body in great shape. The kinds of tea that have the highest concentration of valuable antioxidants are white and green teas.

Walnuts

These nuts are rich in Omega 3. They are supposed to help in improving the flow of blood to and from the heart as well as reduce cholesterol levels in an individual. Walnuts are also rich in melatonin which can help individuals achieve better sleep as well as function as an antioxidant.They also contain ellagic acid that functions as an antioxidant and aids blocking the metabolic pathways that can result in cancer.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a great source of milk benefits for lactose intolerant individuals. Since the bacteria have already processed lactose, they will not react to it badly. Calcium, riboflavin and protein are among the benefits of yoghurt.