You’ve probably heard the word, but what are superfoods, exactly?
Whilst there’s no exact definition, superfoods are generally agreed to be fresh, plant-based foods which are particularly nutritionally dense. Often, they are fruit and vegetables which are brightly coloured, because a strong colour indicates high levels of phytochemicals such as beta carotene and chlorophyll.
Phytochemicals act as powerful antioxidants which work to prevent the cells of your body from becoming damaged. There is a growing body of evidence that antioxidants can help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer, so incorporating superfoods into your diet can benefit your long-term health.
One of the best superfoods is kale which we recommend to many clients as an amazing way to kickstart their intake of vitamins.
A 100g serving of kale boosts your immune system by giving you more Vitamin C than an orange. It also contains around 6 times your daily requirement of Vitamin K which is essential for blood and bone health. Plus, it gives you all the vitamin A you need daily, helping to ensure healthy skin and eyes.
Here at Nutripanda, we use kale in recipes, salads and smoothies.
Try our Kale Wonder Smoothie for glowing skin, sparkling eyes and a strong immune system. It tastes great, too! Ginger helps support your immune system and adds a great pop of taste to this smoothie, along with the orange juice which ensures a hint of sweetness.
Just add...
2 handfuls of kale
1-2 handfuls of spinach
1 pear - cored and chopped with the skin still on
1 green apple - cored and chopped with skin still on
Juice of 1 lime
80 ml orange juice
½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blitz on high power until smooth.
Depending on the power of your blender, you may need to push the mixture through a sieve to achieve a smoother consistency.
Enjoy!