You’ve heard about blueberries, kale, avocados, and cinnamon – just a few of the superfoods that are really popular these days. “Superfoods” are nutrient-rich foods that have a lot of benefits for the health and well-being.
In this article, I will talk about the less mainstream superfoods that are out in the market.
Black Garlic
Famous in Asian Cuisines, this type of garlic contains more S-allylcysteine than its white counterpart. This natural component in garlic helps lower cholesterol level and decrease the risk of cancer. The S-allylcysteine also assists in the absorption of allicin which offers stronger protection against infections. Also, Black Garlic contains twice the antioxidant properties found in garlic, which protects the cells and delays the aging process.
Kefir
This fermented milk drink is made with kefir grains and has a similar taste with yogurt. Kefir contains more probiotics than yogurt which boosts the immune system and promotes good digestion. It is also a great source of Vitamin K2 which plays a role in calcium metabolism. Unlike other dairy products, this superfood contains less lactose than milk which means that it is generally well tolerated by people who are lactose-intolerant.
Mangosteen
This sweet and tangy fruit grows mainly in South Asia, Southwest India and other tropical places such as Puerto Rico and Florida. Its rind contains xanthones, a compound that has cancer-fighting, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-aging properties. It is also rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants and dietary fiber.
Nori
Nori is the Japanese name for edible seaweed which is a famous ingredient to make sushi. This sea-grown vegetable is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that can help prevent cardiovascular diseases. It is also loaded with minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, iodine and zinc. Because of its antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, adding Nori to your diet can also improve your immune system, prevent allergies and infections, lower blood pressure and more.
