12 Amazing Superfoods You Didn't Know Were Super: Part Two

This is the second part of a three part blog on superfoods that you might not think are so super. If you're here for the first time, and missed part one, have a look here. Below are a few more foods that you might see regularly in the shop that you never knew were so super!

5. Avocado

Superfood?

A quick glance at an avocado on a nutrition website will tell you that a half (100g) contains 15g of fat, but you need to read in to this. The fat is only 2g of saturated fat, and it contains 1.6g of omega-6 fatty acids, which are great for you, so the high fat level isn't all bad. Certainly with a high amount of monounsaturated fat, its good essential fat that you're getting. The half avocado contains 9g of carbohydrates, but 7g of that is fibre, so you get excellent digestive transit. As for vitamins and minerals, the avocado is a big hitter. They have good levels of magnesium and phosphorus, and excellent (14% RDA in ½ an avocado) levels of potassium, which is essential for good heart function and muscle contraction. Its also packing 13% RDA of vitamin B6, 20% RDA of folic acid and 14% of your RDA pantothenic acid, which is essential for energy metabolism. The avocado also has excellent levels of vitamin C, E and K, so its an all round exceptional source of healthy nutrition.

6. Pink Grapefruit

How is grapefruit good for you?

Pink grapefruit is a sweet fruit with hidden benefits. Half a grapefruit will give you only 52 calories, so it's a great snack food for those on a diet. As a fruit, it contains a lot of fruit sugars, fructose, and a lot of sucrose, but this means its glycemic load is low, so it wont raise your blood sugar very quickly. Grapefruit doesn't contain any fat or sodium, so it is a basically healthy base, and it is filled with vitamin A and C. A half grapefruit contains 28% of your daily amount of vitamin A, which improves eyesight and healthy skin and hair. It also contains 64%of your daily amount of vitamin C, so it is filled with antioxidants, and perfect if you are trying to beat a cold.

7. Salmon

Salmon is an excellent source of protein

Salmon is a pink coloured fish that has been known for its health benefits for a long time, but it has moved into the superfood category over time as people have realised its level of nutrition. 100G of salmon has 25g of protein, which is more than beef, chicken, lamb or pork. That means it is a perfect meat for muscle building, and for recovery. The 100g of fish only contains 8g of fat, with only 1g of fat being saturated, and extraordinary levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for brain activity. It gives you no extra carbohydrates, and only minimal levels of sodium. Salmon is full of B vitamins, with high levels of thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, B6, B12 and pantothenic acid. That means its great for all types of cell processes and metabolism of energy. It also contains high levels of potassium, phosphorus and copper, and is particularly high in selenium, which is essential for antioxidant activity, so it helps you more than you know!

8. Broccoli

More than just a salmon side

If you do choose salmon, or if you're looking for some very healthy vegetables, broccoli can be an excellent addition to your plate. If you boil it, it isn't as healthy as steaming, but still does a good job. It's fat, cholesterol and sugar free. It has virtually no salt and it fills you up with hardly any calories. It doesn't sound too super yet, but its packed with antioxidants. It contains a lot of vitamin C, which boosts immune function, as well as exceptional levels of vitamin K, which synthesises proteins and helps with blood clotting. This means that you are genuinely healthier when you choose broccoli. It is also packed with all other vitamins and minerals, so it covers you across the board.

That's all for this blog, but look out for part three where we will look at four more superfoods you didn't think were so super.

Part 3 of the blog is available by clicking here

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