Health experts have revealed the superfoods we should all be eating in 2024.
The health and nutrition experts from Prepped Pots powered by MuscleFood.com have identified the nine superfoods Irish households should be adding to their diet in 2024.
From the unusual to regular supermarket staples, they’ve looked at why these foods and drinks are labelled as superfoods and the benefits they’ll bring.
Among the food items they’re suggesting we add to our weekly shop are Greek yoghurt, lean beef and honey.
Other more unusual items include kefir, turmeric and black garlic.
Black garlic
This is a fermented garlic with a milder flavour and stickier consistency than regular garlic. It’s full of antioxidants which will help protect cells from damage.
Hemp seeds
Hemp seeds are a real plant based superfood. These nutty flavoured seeds are rich in fatty acids, a great source of protein and full of vitamin E and minerals including phosphorus, iron, zinc and magnesium. You can eat them raw, roasted or cooked.
Lean beef
Red meat doesn’t always get much praise but it is a complete superfood containing all the protein, fat, vitamins and minerals we need to function. It’s packed with protein, vitamin B12 and zinc. Red meat is also full of iron which your body needs for growth and development.
Greek yoghurt
Greek yoghurt is packed with bacteria which will help with digestion. It’s also full of all the nutrients you find in dairy including protein, carbs, fats, calcium, phosphorus and vitamins.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been popping up everywhere over recent months. It’s full of compounds called curcuminoids — the most important one, curcumin, can help fight inflammation, increase the antioxidant capacity of the body, lower the risk of heart disease and is thought to slow down ageing.
Honey
Honey is a real superfood - but go for the raw version. Raw honey is full of antioxidants, can help fight infection, boost immunity, give you an energy boost and will ease the nasty winter sore throats doing the rounds. Drizzle on pancakes, add to your tea or swirl into your porridge.
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are a great nutritious snack - rich in vitamin E, antioxidants and they’ll keep your skin looking healthy. Sunflower seeds also boost immunity, promote heart health and improve your overall wellbeing.
Kefir
You’ll find this lurking in the chilled section at the supermarket among the dairy. It’s a fermented drink which is packed with probiotics to improve gut health. Use it as a base for a smoothie or mix with your morning cereal or fruit.
Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice is a powerhouse. The high level of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory means it’ll boost immunity and digestive health. It’s packed with vitamins E and K and is full of magnesium.
