Foods that have lots of healthy properties have been termed ‘superfoods’.
So what about all these foods that have so called ‘superfood’ properties? Here is our A-Z guide to some of these- how to say them for a start- and some of the health benefits they can offer
Acai
What is it? A deep-purple Amazonian berry that’s bursting with disease-fighting antioxidants. It’s sold as a powder and used in smoothies and breakfast bowls.
How do you say it? Ah-sah-ee
Amaranth
What is it? A gluten free wholegrain that is particularly high healthy fats. You’ll usually find it in a ‘puffed’ form in breakfast cereals and mueslis.
How do you say it? A-muh-ranth
Baobab
What is it? African and Australian superfood of the fruit variety. Baobab powder is renowned for its high vitamin C content, it also contributes minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium as well as certain B vitamins, fibre and protein.
How do you say it? Bay-oh-bab
Cacao
What is it? The fresh seed of the cacao bean. It is rich in a group of antioxidants that support heart health. The best part? It gives a delicious chocolate flavour, without all of the added sugar.
How do you say it? Kah-kow
Chia
What is it? A nutrient-dense seed that’s packed with healthy fats, including omega-3s to support heart and brain health.
How do you say it? Chee-ahh
Edamame
What is it? Baby soybeans. Soft and edible, they're often served in the pod as a starter or side dish, or mixed through salads and stir fries. They provide muscle-building protein and gut-loving fibre.
How do you say it? Eh-duh-maa-mei
Freekah
What is it? A nutrient-dense ancient grain that contains impressive levels of protein, fibre, iron and zinc. It works well either hot or cold in salads.
How do you say it? Free-kuh
Goji
What is it? An antioxidant-rich berry that is sold either dried or as juice. Goji berries can be added to salads, smoothies and baked goods, and can even be used to make tea.
How do you say it? Go-gee
Hummus
What is it? A dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic and oil. Homemade varieties can be a very healthy snack, but some store-bought brands contain excessive levels of sodium.
How do you say it? Hu-muhs
Kefir
What is it? A fermented milk drink that offers gut-loving probiotics, as well as protein for muscle maintenance and calcium for strong bones and teeth. It has a thin yoghurt consistency.
How do you say it? Keh-feer
Kimchi
What is it? A Korean side dish made of fermented vegetables, usually cabbage. Due to the fermentation process, it offers probiotics to support gut health.
How do you say it? Kim-chee
Kombucha
What is it? A fermented drink made of tea, a SCOBY (AKA symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) and sugar. It offers probiotics to support a healthy gut.
How do you say it? Kom-boo-cha
Pepitas
What are they? Like all seeds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), are nutrient powerhouses. These are ones without a hull and arre packed with essential fatty acids, plus vitamins A, B and K and minerals such as iron and calcium.
How do you say it? Peh-pee-ta-s
Quinoa
What is it? A gluten free wholegrain that offers gut-loving fibre and energising b-group vitamins. It’s often used cooked and cooled in salads, or as flakes in cereal and muesli.
How do you say it? Keen-wah
Rooibos
What is it? A type of herbal tea that is caffeine-free. Also known as ‘red’ or ‘red bush’ tea.
How do you say it? Roy-boss
Skyr
What is it? An Icelandic-style yoghurt with a mild flavour. Most varieties are very high in muscle-building protein and bone-strengthening calcium.
How do you say it? Skee-er
Theanine
What is it? This compound is found in green tea and also in some types of mushrooms. This is available as a supplement and can be beneficial to the brain.
How do you say it? Thee-ah-nine
Turmeric
What is it? A bright-yellow spice that has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. Turmeric is often used in curries and as a food colouring.
How do you say it? Ter-mer-ick
Zucchini
What is it? Also known as a courgette, this green veg is delicious raw, steamed or roasted, zucchini is very low calorie and a good source of folate (essential during pregnancy), vitamin C and potassium.
How do you say it? Zoo-kee-nee
But, food doesn’t have to have a complicated name to be super from a nutritional point of view.
If we are looking for foods rich in nutrients and health benefits we often don’t have to look too far to find something- the humble Apple is packed with fibre to help our gut, vitamins A,C,K and B as well as lots of anti oxidants to protect our cells from free radicals.
Dr Clara Russell
