From the trendy açai to the reliable pistachio, we round up the best superfoods you can easily incorporate into your diet
The term “superfood” is often misused as a marketing gimmick designed to sell produce with overstated nutritional values. There are, however, actual foods out there that are outstandingly dense in nutrients. Some of these, like açai, were only introduced to the mass market in the past decade or so, but many are foods that have always been widely-eaten with their best qualities hiding in plain sight. Here are 5 superfoods you already know of and how you can effortlessly incorporate them into your diet.
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1. Açai
Made popular by aesthetically-pleasing photos on social media, the antioxidant-packed açai berry has long been a staple of indigenous communities across Central and South America. Embedded within the deep purple hues of the açai palm fruit is a superhouse of nutrients such as amino acids, phytochemicals, fibre and vitamins A and C. However, most açai bowls out there contain added sugar. Coupled with toppings like maple syrup and honey, this may not be the best option if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Instead, you can make your own açai bowls with unsweetened frozen açai packs. Add on some nutritious toppings of your choice, such as fruit, granola, and nuts. If you're fortunate enough to get your hands on fresh açai berries, take a leaf out of Brazil’s book and have it the traditional way—ground with water into a soup and thickened with cassava flour to accompany savoury meals.
