Superfoods at a Glance (Part 2)

Also check superfoods at a glance (part 1)

When we think of superfoods think, we soon think of all kinds of exotic products, such as goji berries, chia seeds or raw chocolate. Products from faraway countries, pure from nature, packed with vitamins, minerals and more. Yet you can also find many superfoods closer to home. They may even be products, which you have been using for a long time, but didn’t even know they can fall under the heading of superfoods. Hence, in this article, we list a number of ‘local’ superfoods and their health benefits listed for you.

Garlic

Garlic is used incredibly often in the kitchen and can do a tremendous amount for your body. For that you don’t even have to eat a lot of it, a few cloves a day is enough. Among other things, garlic is full of potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium and contains small amounts of vitamins (B1, B6 and B11). Garlic can be the lower blood pressure and thus supports the circulatory system. In addition, it works anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, antivirus and antifungal. It is best to eat garlic raw (for example, in a dressing) and together with fats or oils, such as olive oil. In this way, the substances, which only dissolve in oil, are also well absorbed by the body.

Blueberries

Blueberries and many other purple fruits, such as elderberries and red cabbage, it contains a blue plant pigment called “anthocyanin. This substance is also found in the exotic açai berries and is a valuable secondary plant material. Blueberries also contain many vitamin C and antioxidants, but also potassium, zinc, folic acid and iron. Blueberries are said to help with a better digestion and bowel movementsbut are also good for the blood vessels and urinary tract. A berry full of good nutrients, which you can just go pick yourself in the woods in June and July!

Walnuts

Walnuts contain many important nutrients and you can collect them yourself during a nature walk! Please note that notes high-calorie are, so don’t eat too much of it. Because they are full of proteins, fiber, minerals (potassium and magnesium among others) and unsaturated fatty acids are present, nuts definitely belong under the heading of superfoods. The walnut is even the nut with the most omega-3 fatty acids and the most antioxidants. It therefore protects against free radicals and helps to lower the cholesterol content. A handful of walnuts is also considered a good local alternative For the exotic avocado. A handful of walnuts daily would also help against high blood pressure and make you more resistant to stress ability.

Green (leafy) vegetables

You’ve probably heard it before: green vegetables are good for you. This is not a fable, but a fact. Two examples are broccoli and kale. Two absolute local superfoods. They are vegetables with an awful lot of health benefits. Both vegetables are all-rounders and in addition to their anti-inflammatory qualities a overall positive effect on the body by being rich in essential vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.

Flaxseed

Linseed from Europe is seen as a local alternative For chia seeds. The seeds are just as nutritious and even have a higher content of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha–linolenic acid. Because of this, flaxseed is good for heart and blood vessels. Flaxseed is mainly used to promote the stool, because it is very rich in fiber, which fills up with moisture in the intestine. In this way, it cleanses the gut. The fiber also reduces the rate at which sugars are absorbed into the blood, making it the regulates blood sugar. The seeds also contain polyphenols, which are rich in antioxidants.

Oats

Oats grows in large parts of Europe and is a high quality carbohydrate, which really shouldn’t be missing from any kitchen. Oats contain a large quantity of fibres and many minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. In addition, oats are also the cereal with the highest content of vitamin B1 and B6. Scientific research shows that the fiber in oats is the cholesterol content in the blood can be lowered if you eat about 75 grams of oatmeal daily. The small amount of oil in an oat grain is made up of 80% unsaturated fatty acids. Starting each day with a little oatmeal is very healthy. Just be careful not to take in too much. This is because oats contain the substance phytic acid and if you have too much of this in your body, the absorption of minerals such as magnesium, iron and calcium is inhibited.

Seaweed

Seaweed: vegetables from the Dutch sea. It’s not the first thing you think of when you think of seaweed perhaps, but it’s incredibly healthy. It is packed with protein, vitamins (e.g. B12), minerals and trace elements. Among other things, seaweed helps to regulate blood sugar levels and the cholesterol levels. In addition, seaweed can contribute to the recovery of the natural balance in the mineral balance of your body, which ultimately leads to a healthier intestinal environment. Seaweed is easy to prepare. You can eat it in a variety of ways and add it to your diet. For example, you can start by adding seaweed to soups or add it in dried, ground form as flavoring in dishes.