5 In Season Super Foods!

Today's busy lifestyles leave us with little time to think about let alone prepare healthy meals. The alternative is often reaching for highly processed convenience foods. These foods are often high in sodium, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. They leave us feeling full however this feeling quickly turns to feeling lethargic.

It doesn’t need to be this way! You can eat not only to feel full but also to look good, feel good and possibly prevent diseases and increase longevity.

Healthy options don’t need to be time consuming or difficult to prepare; they come down to smart choices. Here are 5 in season super foods to get you started.

1. Apples. Packed with antioxidants including vitamin C which is important for healthy skin and gums. Contain pectin (a soluble fibre) that can help to lower cholesterol and keep a healthy digestive system

The best way to have an apple is just as it is, but for a change try having them roasted and sprinkled with a little cinnamon

2. Blackberries. Help to protect against infections and cancers, as they are rich in vitamin C. A good source of potassium which may protect against hypertension

Try mixing them with bio-live organic yoghurt or add to your favourite smoothie.

3. Pumpkin and Squash. They are packed full of the cancer inhibitors beta carotene and alpha carotene and a good source of protein. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc, important in maintaining a healthy immune system.

A simple way to prepare pumpkin and squash as part of a meal is to have it roasted. Simply peel and dice into large pieces adding seasoning and a little olive oil and roasting for approximately 40 minutes.

The seeds also make a quick snack. To prepare, simply boil for 5 minutes and then bake for about an hour.

4. Mushrooms. They are potentially very important in fighting cancers in particular prostate cancer, as they are higher in selenium than most other vegetables.

Make a simple mushroom omlette or add them to a sandwhich to add a nice texture.

5. Kale. The super food of super foods! Kale ontains one of the highest levels of antioxidants of any vegetable and is also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which can prevent vision loss in old age.

Chop finely and sautee with a little garlic or be adventurous and have a go at making the traditional Portuguese soup ‘caldo verde’; A potato-based soup with finely chopped kale. Most recipes add chorizo but caldo verde can also be enjoyed as a vegetarian dish.

There are many more super foods out there, this list is to inspire and get you started. Choosing to eat in season super foods will not only help you to look good and feel good, being in season will also ensure they are fresher, taste better and cost less. Enjoy!