Superfoods have been receiving a lot of attention lately, thanks to the recent Channel 4 series, Superfoods: The Real Story. Those with an interest in healthy living will no doubt be familiar with the likes of spirulina, maca and chlorella, but a whole host of new natural health heroes are coming to the fore, from Moroccan argan oil to Ethiopian teff. Here's a link to our Superfoods shop or read on for a quick guide to our favourites...
Here at Real Foods we stock a vast range of superfoods from all corners of the world and in a variety of formats, from drinks and snacks to powders and teas. Here is our whirlwind guide to some of the best kept secret superfoods to add to your diet today.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - Buy it here
When you have finished cooking with this multi-functional oil, you can use the leftovers as a handy skin moisturiser and hair conditioner! The extra virgin form is extracted from fresh coconut meat rather than dried and has not been hydrogenated, bleached, refined or deodorised. It is high in beneficial medium chain triglycerides, particularly lauric acid, giving it potent anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. For more information on using coconuts have a look at this article on our site.
Good news for chocolate fans! Cacao butter, which is the edible fat extracted from cacao beans, has a wonderful chocolately flavour and aroma – and it’s good for you. Raw cacao butter is made using the cold-pressed method, which preserves the goodness of its nutrients. Like coconut oil it makes a great skin moisturiser but can also be melted and added to a variety of recipes for a sweet treat. If you'd like to know more about cacao's benefits and uses, have a look at our cacao article here
Packed full of fibre, antioxidants, protein, vitamins and minerals – chia seeds truly are a nutritional powerhouse. Harvested from the Salvia hispanica plant, which grows in southern Mexico, chia seeds are the richest known plant source of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Loved by the Aztec and Mayan civilisations, these versatile seeds can be sprinkled on cereals or yogurts, added to smoothies or baked into bread and muffins.
The natural equivalent of a double espresso, guarana powder is made from the seeds of the guarana berry, which is native to South America. Its main ingredient is guaranine, which is chemically similar to caffeine, leading to its use as a natural energy booster. Guarana seeds also contain the organic compounds theobromine and theophylline, which are natural stimulants. Add the powder to smoothies, juices or hot drinks to beat the mid-afternoon slump.
These incredibly nutritious superfoods provide a balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids. They are also a fantastic source of vitamin E and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc. These nutty-flavoured seeds are a complete plant-based protein source as they contain all 10 essential amino acids. Enjoy their health benefits by adding organic hemp protein powder to smoothies or baked goodies.
To shop the full range of superfoods from Real Foods visit www.realfoods.co.uk/shop/superfoods.
Here are some of the products brought to light in the recent Channel 4 series that are also available to buy from Real Foods, simply click to follow the link to our webshop to buy them:
• Argan Oil
• Cherries
• Coconut Water
• Coffee
• Dandelion
• Dark Chocolate
• Ethiopian Teff
• Matcha Tea
• Saffron
• Seaweed
• Red Wine
• Soya Beans
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
You can find all these online at www.realfoods.co.uk/shop