Five cheap and healthy local alternatives to superfoods

We tend to think of superfood as something healthy but exotic and costly, but these items below are great examples that a healthy diet can actually be affordable.

Superfood is a trendy term today: quinoa, chia seed and the like are all very sought after for their health benefits, but few people know that sometimes a less exotic alternative just as well does the trick. The next foods, collected by Életforma, are at least as healthy as their ‘super’ relatives, and their plus side is that by buying them, you can even support some local businesses.

Almond

For its high content of L-carnitine and vitamins B12 and E, almond is an authentic ‘brain food’ that boosts your memory and cognitive skills. Besides, it helps to reduce free radicals in the body, and when consumed in the long term, it reduces the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. It is an excellent ingredient for salads, cakes, and smoothies.

Sunflower seed

It may not be as popular as pine nut, but sunflower seed is just as beneficial for blood formation, metabolism, and heart functions. It is very rich in proteins, which strengthens the bones and muscles, as well as in folic acid, which is essential for women.

Linseed

Linseed is very rich in antioxidants, vitamin B, manganese and selenium – and its content of omega-3 is actually higher than that of chia seed! It is well-known for slowing down the process of arteriosclerosis. It makes an excellent ingredient for smoothies, granolas, bread and other pastries.

Rapeseed oil

The ‘olive oil of the North’ is very rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as vitamins E and K. It keeps your blood sugar and cholesterol under control. You can use it for cooking just like any other type of oil, or you can simply add it as dressing to your salad.

Buckwheat

Similarly to quinoa, buckwheat is very rich in fibres and vitamins B, C, and E. It also contains lots of manganese, copper, magnesium, and zinc. It protects your liver and keeps your cholesterol low. Finally, it is a very versatile food that makes a perfect soup stock or garnish, for example.

• The global used cooking oil market size was USD 5.50 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 8.48 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period.

Read also4 traditional Hungarian dishes with a healthy twist

• Suggested for you: If you enjoyed this article, you should consider reading Healthynewage.com which is a reliable magazine that has been around since 1998. 

Source: eletforma.hu