Our Favourite Superfoods

Superfoods are hot! Within two years, most of these nutritional bombs have gone from almost unknown, to just another product in drugstores and even supermarkets. As with any booming hype, whether it's a new beauty product, diet or workout, it gets a lot of praise as well as criticism.

I think superfoods are more than just a short term hype, but I don't expect them to do any miracles either. I see them as a great complement to a balanced diet while keeping in mind that I don't need all the superfoods out there to be healthy (and that the health of my wallet is also quite important...). So which superfoods to buy if you want to try some of the super seeds and power powders? You can check out the best superfood powders here!

Our favourite superfoods are:

- Flax seeds: flaxseeds are an amazing source of omega-3 fatty acids which, among other things, reduce inflammation throughout your body, and helps prevent the growth of cancer. They are also one of the best antioxidant sources, which means that they protect your cells from the damage that can lead to chronic diseases. Flaxseeds are full of a special type of gel-forming fibre that provides unique support for the intestinal tract and the body’s digestive health, improving the absorption of nutrients, the passage of food through the intestines and the body’s elimination system. On top of this all, flaxseeds are full of fibre which keeps you full and aids digestion, they are awesome!

- Chia seeds: just like flaxseed, chia seeds provide a lot of omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. Chia’s ability to keep you full is also enhanced by the fact that the seeds absorb up to ten times their weight in liquid once eaten, which is great. On top of all of this chia seeds are also great sources of protein and minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc, all of which are essential to a healthy body as they regulate blood oxygenation, metabolism, skin and bone health as well as keeping your skin clear and glowing. We at Fitgirlcode HQ love them and really notice differences in energy and digestion.

- Mulberries: packed with vitamin C and super yummy in your bowl of oats or yogurt!

- Raw cocoa: raw cocoa is one of the world’s best sources of antioxidants.  Cacao is also a great source of manganese, which promotes bone, nerve and thyroid health; as well as magnesium, which enables protein and energy production; and sulfur, which helps to build strong nails and hair and promote beautiful skin. And did you know that chocolate not only makes us happy because it tastes so damn good? Cocoa also raises your levels of serotonin, which acts as a mood-booster and natural anti-depressant.

- Wheatgrass, maca and spirulina are extremely full of vitamins and minerals. All these kind of powders all have there own advantages, but there is no scientific evidence yet that these actually improve your health as much as marketeers make you believe. Does any of you Fit Girls notice a difference?

- Also don't forget berries, broccoli, spinach, nuts, and avocado!  These are some great examples of healthy food that are very nutritient dense and easy to get your hands on.

What are your favourites?