Get ready folks, we’re about to ask the big question: what exactly is so SUPER about superfoods?
Over the past decade, there has been a boom in healthy food items, swaps and alternatives, and dishes jam-packed with nutrients. One thing that seems to lie at the heart of all these things are superfoods — so how come they’re only getting cool now?
Superfoods are food items that carry exceptional nutritional value, and are deemed to be the healthiest items that you can fuel your body with. We’re proud to carry many of these superfoods in their raw form — for example, blueberries and natural leafy greens like kale. We also have a large health food section in each of our stores which combine superfoods to create SUPER superfoods… is that a thing? And if you’re still not convinced that we’ve fully jumped on the superfoods bandwagon — we even have an entire store (Romeo’s Organics at North Adelaide Village) dedicated to organic, healthy products, which DEFINITELY includes plenty of superfoods.
For those that are still scratching their heads and searching for superfood inspo, we’ve put together a list of some of our fave superfoods, along with some suggestions of how to use them — just remember that the key to a healthy diet is balanced eating. If you’re unsure of anything, ask your doctor for advice. Enjoy!
Avocado
Benefits: Lots of nutrients and antioxidants, like folic acid, Omega 3, magnesium, potassium, lutein and fibre. RIch in A, C, D, E, K vitamins and B Group vitamins. Has a presence of copper, manganese and iron.
Suggestion: Guacamole, of course! Best enjoyed with salt, pepper, lemon, and a touch of cumin.
Salmon
Benefits: Essential omega-3 fatty acids , which support heart and eye health.
Suggestion: Grilled on the barbeque, and served with a fresh salsa — such as a mango and coriander salsa!
Ginger
Benefits: Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Suggestion: Add to fresh juices, or chop finely and include in your next stir fry. You can also make tea from fresh ginger, which is great if you’re feeling a little under the weather.
Nuts and seeds
Benefits: Rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium, all of which serve to reduce blood pressure.
Suggestion: You can use nuts and seeds in EVERYTHING! Make your own nut milk or nut butter, add to stir fries and pastas, toss in some salads, enjoy on their own as a snack. The opportunities are endless!
Berries
Benefits: Contains antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, plus potassium and vitamin C. Can lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, and are also anti-inflammatory.
Suggestion: Blueberry pancakes, blueberry and oat muffins, or even just chucked into a smoothie!
Green tea
Benefits: Neutralise the components that cause damage to the body. Rich in antioxidants, which are great for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and good digestive health.
Suggestion: While traditionally enjoyed hot, you can also make green tea and pop it in the fridge with some slices of lemon for a refreshing drink.
Quinoa
Benefits: Contains more protein than any other grain while also packing in iron and potassium. Also naturally gluten free!
Suggestion: You can use quinoa for so many things! Porridge for breakfast, tossed through a salad for lunch, mixed into muffins for a snack, and also served with curry for dinner. Delicious and so versatile!
Acai
Benefits: Contain antioxidants and fiber. Claimed to help health issues including arthritis, weight loss, and high cholesterol.
Suggestion: We ALL love a smoothie bowl — and acai is one of the best additions!
Romeo’s Organic Wholefoods is an Organic Supermarket and Health Food Shop specialising in Organic and Alternative foods. It is dedicated to providing environmentally friendly products that help to care for our planet and our health.