Have You Made Superfoods a Part of Your Daily Diet? Check out Vegetarian Superfoods with Tremendous Health Benefits Plus Delicious and Healthy Recipes Using Superfoods for Your Family (2020)

Superfoods are nutritionally dense foods, which are mostly plant-based, but also include dairy and some fish. They contain a wide variety of nutrients including antioxidants, which can keep cancer at bay. The healthy fats in superfoods help prevent heart ailments while fibre prevents digestive problems and diabetes.

The phytochemicals that give smell and deep colour to fruits and veggies have various health benefits too. So, consuming superfoods that are packed with these nutrients is key to maintaining good health. A majority of superfoods grow from the soil like nuts and seeds, vegetables, fruits, grasses, leaves, etc. However, according to experts, it is good to eat everything in moderation. Just because certain foods are ‘healthy’ or ‘super’, you cannot eat them in unlimited quantity. There is no doubt that superfoods are a good addition to a healthy diet. There are a lot of options when it comes to such foods for you to explore. Some of the best vegetarian superfoods are discussed in this article.

Dark leafy greens belong to the group of superfoods that help unlock and process the energy from the food items you consume. The nutritionally dense green veggies are easily available and are packed with vitamins A, B, C, E and K, iron, calcium, potassium and fibre. Besides this they also contain beneficial antioxidants.

For a good reason, hemp is often referred to as a superfood. It has similar health benefits as other plant-based superfoods and is consumed as flour, protein powder, oil or seed. This versatile and nutritious food is a good source of protein that vegetarians or vegans can include in your diet. It is also packed with fibre, healthy fat, minerals and vitamins.

The hulled kernels are used to make non-dairy cheese and milk, spreads, dips and breads. It is also used in an array of recipes from lasagne to biscuits. This is in fact a non-allergenic alternative to nuts. The healthy hemp seed kernels can also be consumed raw. Unrefined cold-pressed hemp seed oil is a rich source of fatty acids and has a very subtle flavour.

Seaweed is a group of algae and plants that are found in rivers, oceans and other water bodies. It comes in various shapes and types and is highly nutritious. It is not only a vital food source of marine creatures, but beneficial for humans too! This nutrient-rich superfood contains protein, vitamins and iron. Make sure the seaweed is derived from organic sources. A few common seaweeds that you can include in your diet to get real health benefits are:

From humble and magical blueberries to their distant cousins, berries stand out as a strong contender as compared to other super-fruits. Packed with phytochemicals, vitamins and soluble fibre, berries steal the show when it comes to miracle-foods. They are loaded with vital nutrients that help combat deficiencies in the body. A few-lesser known berries that belong to this family include:

Turmeric is a bright aromatic root of the plant that is known for its superpowers. Turmeric is not just used for its pretty colour in various cuisine, but also for its potential health benefits. Curcumin, a bio-active ingredient found in turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-diabetic properties. It also has cardioprotective benefits.

Legumes come in several forms – chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, lentils or cannellini beans and all these are cheap and healthy high-protein foods that have a wide-range of health benefits. Being rich in fibre, legumes are quite filling and promote a healthy bowel. It has a low-GI and hence excellent food to control blood glucose level. It is also a great plant-based protein. Legume based meals are recommended at least 4 times in a week.

Although technically green tea is not a food, it has found a place in the superfood list. Freshly picked leaves are steamed and hence there is no oxidation and the leaves retain their rich green colour and chlorophyll levels. Almost 450 organic substances are found in green tea, which makes it a powerhouse of nutrients. It is not only calorie-free, but also a rich source of antioxidants that are known to fight many ailments.

Nuts and seeds are often underrated wholesome foods. These are loaded with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and hence an excellent superfood to include in your daily diet. Nuts and seeds are heart-friendly superfoods. They are also a rich source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and proteins. Make unsalted walnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, peanuts, hemp, flax and chia seed a part of your daily life.