Top Superfoods

“Superfood” is that term you may have heard your health-freak friend mention, or something you encountered in some lifestyle magazine. By definition, it describes a special category of foods found in nature. These are usually low on calories and highly nutrient, meaning they pack a serious punch for their weight, as far as goodness and health benefits go. Most of them are great anti-oxidant sources and provide many essential nutrients your body needs. All of these foods are good, but I narrowed it down to my current top 5:

#5.  Quinoa

Quinoa is a grain crop grown primarily for its edible seeds, and is nowadays regarded by many as a superfood.

Its unique nutty flavor and couscous/rice-like texture make this extremely small seed something quite special. It has been around for a while, and was domesticated 3,000-4,000 years ago for human consumption. Even back then, it was considered as an essential ingredient of the diet. Biologically speaking, it is a kind of pseudo-cereal, but at the same time also related to beetroots and spinach. Its protein content is very high, and according to nutritional evaluations, it can be considered as a source of complete protein.

Quinoa is an excellent source of dietary fiber and phosphorus, and is high in magnesium and iron. It is also a source of calcium, and thus is useful for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. If that isn’t enough already, it is gluten-free and considered easy to digest. NASA is even considering using it as a crop in the Controlled Ecological Life Support System for long-duration human occupied space flights.