The superfoods that are actually worth the hype

If you’ve ever been suckered into spending double what you usually would on a latte, because it contains matcha, turmeric, broccoli powder or chia... you’re not alone. Every week, a new ‘superfood’ emerges; some seed, nut, powder or liquid promising to transform our well-being. It’s easy to be swayed by clever marketing, beautiful instagram influencers posing poolside in bikinis holding super-teas, or youtubers who swear by their daily routine of adding 12 different powders to their protein porridge.

I myself am a sceptic, with the somewhat old-fashioned view that water, sleep, exercise and a balanced diet are what keeps you healthy. I have always struggled to believe that a $18 bag of seeds is the game-changer. However, upon delving into the realm of ‘superfoods’ and doing some proper research outside of the marketing hoo-ha, I was pleasantly surprised to find that some of these touted magical foods DO have borderline magical properties, and are even worth the price tag.  


Collagen

If you’re anything like me, you find yourself spending a ridiculous amount of money on skincare and makeup each month. However, as the saying goes, beauty comes from the inside out. As we age, we lose elasticity in our skin and there is plenty of hard evidence to prove collagen’s ability to improve elasticity, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, AND reduce the appearance of cellulite.  Collagen powders such as those by Two Islands Co. and The Beauty Chef make it easy to be sure you’re getting the collagen you need.

 

Bone Broth

Bone broth is the greatest source of natural collagen. Bone broth not only contains collagen, it also contains plenty of nutrients good for your gut and joints, and can reduce inflammation. An added bonus is that bone broth can help speed up your metabolism and aid sleep.

You can buy bone broth at supermarkets or health food stores- a brand to look out for is Nutra Organics. A far cheaper option is to make it yourself! A quick google search will give you all the details, and it’s not as hard to make as you’d expect. Bone broth can be drunk as is or added to soups and other meals, much like stock. Mega-babes Miranda Kerr, Jessica Alba and Yolanda Hadid all swear by drinking bone broth, and if their skin is anything to go by, I don’t need any more convincing.

 

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass contains 70% chlorophyll content, along with plenty of amino acids, magnesium, iron, minerals and vitamins, particularly Vitamin A. It can help reduce inflammation, reduce cholesterol levels, aid weight loss and get rid of the nasty toxins in our body. You can grow wheatgrass at home and juice it, adding it to salads or drinking it as a shot. You can also buy it in juice, powder or supplement form from health food stores and cafes, and plenty of smoothie stores offer shots of wheatgrass.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

There is an overwhelming amount of evidence to suggest that apple cider vinegar might just be exactly the key to staying healthy and sickness-free throughout these winter months. Some of the proven benefits include lowered blood sugar levels, lowered cholesterol and weight-loss (particularly in the stomach area). ACV can also fight bacteria and viruses, and help you to absorb more nutrients from your food.

A good way to drink apple cider vinegar is by adding a few tablespoons to hot water, mixed with lemon and honey to sweeten it up. Unfortunately for me, no amount of benefits is going to make me go anywhere near ACV, unless I can’t taste or smell it at all. Luckily for ACV loathers like me, there are still options.  A good way to disguise the taste is by adding it to a salad dressing. Phoenix Organics have also just released Switchels, which contain apple cider vinegar. These are sweet and tasty, hide the dreaded ACV taste exceptionally and make you feel a little bit fancy.

 

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