"Superfoods." Which ones should you be eating?

The term ‘superfood’ gets thrown out there a lot in the health and fitness industry today with everyone eager to push the latest and greatest detox, whiz bang diet and fab food list to entice gym goers and the like to spend. Whilst a number of these so called “superfoods” are high quality and generally pushed to help people with their goals, the industry is rife with poorly created, marketing boosted products that can do more harm than good!

One thing that has always been tried and true to humans is the quality of eating a balanced, healthy diet filled with various food groups that give the essential vitamins and minerals along with the carbohydrates, fats and proteins that people need. Here is a list of foods that stay true to the word "superfood."

Kale

A favourite in smoothies and salads, this green machine packs a whopping punch to your daily vitamin levels whilst remaining a low calorie option. One cup of Kale (around 30g uncooked) provides a massive 200% of your daily Vitamin A needs (vitamin A is great for your vision and immune system), 130% of your Vitamin C (healing wounds, skin, teeth and bone strength), and an astounding 700% of your Vitamin K! (essential for blood clotting). So next time you’re at the local market or food grocer be sure to pick up a bunch of this green game changer!

Avocado

Another go-to green food, this small fruit (yes it’s a fruit, the trees fruit) has been slowly changing peoples “fat makes you fat” viewpoint and is becoming a staple in healthy breakfasts and snacks (nachos with guacamole anyone?), avocados are a fantastic choice for those looking to introduce more fibre in their diet – with ½ an avocado providing 40% of a females fibre needs, as well as 30% of females folate needs (folate is great for women looking to fall pregnant). Being a healthy fat option carries more calories however, and an avocado will provide you with 240 calories per cup, but don’t be put off by this notion, most of the fat in an avocado is the healthy monosaturated fat.

Almonds

Another high calorie food, the tiny almond nut will jam pack your calories when eaten in bunches! Not to worry though, big things come in this small package, with a cup of almonds providing a massive 37% of your hard-to-get Vitamin E needs! (Vitamin E aids in helping our cognitive function as we age gracefully) as well as a range of other vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium and calcium. Along with the nutritional benefit almonds provide, they are also greatly flexible and can be used in bars, butters and mylks – just remember to always choose raw!

Although there are many of these so called "superfoods" out there, these three truly live up to this name and are a must add to your diet!