Super Foods

We are often bombarded with health and diet-related information about super-foods. We’ve heard the advice to eat an apple a day, and that we must have five portions of fruit and veg each day. Sometimes we might be a bit daunted by what constitutes a portion of veg, but it’s really only a spoonful of this or a dollop of that. Unless you live on take-aways and fast food, you may well be having your five a day without realizing it.

I have highlighted a couple of my favourite “super” foods below, and welcome other people’s thoughts about what foods are super.

Baked beans are a humble food, a staple in the cupboard of all students. However, it is also a super source of nutrition in the form of fibre, protein, calcium and iron. In addition, baked beans come in a tomato source, which is an anti-oxidant and helps to prevent some cancers and heart disease.

Yogurt is a super food. It is a great source of calcium and is easily digested. I am sure we have all seen adverts highlighting the benefits of the good bacteria contained in some yogurts which aid digestion in the gut. There are so many varieties of yogurt available, and in so many different flavours. One word of caution would be to check labels and avoid pots which contain high levels of sugar or added unnatural ingredients. A pot of yogurt on top of chopped up fruit will also help you reach your “five a day”, and makes a great snack.

Not a food – but a super drink is tea. Tea contains caffeine which helps to stimulate mood and alertness. It also has antioxidant properties, it may help to protect against the damage done to artery walls by heart disease, and prevents the formation of blood clots. Provided you don’t drink bucket-loads of tea with lots of milk and sugar every day, the morning cuppa can certainly be classed as a super start.