Avocado
This one is a no-brainer, but sometimes in the chatter of how expensive smashed avo is, we forget how powerful the humble avocado can be. Quite literally a handful of goodness, avocadoes are jam-packed with essential nutrients, including potassium, Vitamin B and folic acid. Their high-fat content also helps to protect your cardiovascular system - just don’t eat too much!
Coconut Oil
Derived from the white flesh of the fruit, coconut oil contains a unique combination of fatty acids that help to increase your metabolism, whilst the MCTs have been found to have benefits on the brain. It’s important to note that coconut oil is high in saturated fats, so use in small quantities.
Not just great for your insides though, coconut oil is a fantastic natural alternative that you can use on skin irritations and eczema. It also works well in your hair as a hydrating treatment. It’s a real all-rounder!
Spinach
Spinach
This leafy green vegetable is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants and is an excellent source of Vitamin A, B2, B6, B9, C, E and K, as well as being a fantastic source of magnesium, iron, calcium and folic acid. Eating spinach can also help to improve eye health, reduce blood pressure levels and even help to boost your health and digestive system. No wonder it was Popeye’s superpower!
Almond Butter
If you can’t get enough of your spreads, almond butter is a good choice, thanks to it being a great source of the healthy monounsaturated fats that our bodies need. So basically, the consumption of almond butter can help to lower the risk of heart disease, improve your blood sugar control and increase brain function.
Dragon Fruit
Aside from being one of the prettiest looking fruits and oh, so Insta-friendly, dragon fruit is also great for your insides. Low in calories, but rich in antioxidants, this beautifully colourful fruit is jam-packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fibres that will help to boost your immune system, fight chronic disease, aid digestion and promote good gut health. We’re talking goodies like Vitamin C, as well as omega-3 and omega-9 fats. Yes, please.
Cucumber
Cucumber
Low in calories but high in antioxidants, cucumbers are about 95% water and contain important electrolytes, making them a great way to increase your hydration on a hot day or after a workout. The extra hydration also helps to prevent constipation and even kidney stones. Surprisingly, cucumbers are great for bone health thanks to their levels of Vitamin K. They also have anti-inflammatory benefits and are great for digestion.
Not just good for your insides though, cucumbers can also be used on your eyelids to reduce puffiness. Or, why not add some mint and a slice or two to a glass of water or even a G&T. Yep, we went there.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp Seeds
These tiny seeds pack one hell of a punch! Rich in healthy fats and essential fatty acids, chia seeds are a great source of protein and contain high amounts of Vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron and zinc. They have anti-inflammatory properties and are highly nutritious with a high concentration of soluble and insoluble fibre, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, all of which help to promote a healthy heart, a healthy brain and healthy skin.
Cacao Powder
A great addition to your smoothies or smoothie bowls (especially if you’re a chocolate fiend) cacao powder contains an abundance of goodness, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phytonutrients, and monounsaturated fats that help to keep your heart healthy and reduce cholesterol levels. It’s also a great source of iron and potassium, as well as naturally-occurring protein and fibre. The iron helps to combat lethargy, whilst the protein helps to build muscle mass, and the fibre helps with digestion. The popular powder is also high in magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium, beta-carotene and omega-6 fatty acids, all of which help your body to perform at its peak level. The flavonoids help to look after your cardiovascular system and help to decrease your chance of stroke asthma and heart disease, whilst also improving brain power and function. Cacao powder really does give new meaning to the term, ‘superfood’.
Mixed Berries
Berries are always a good choice. They’re low in calories, high in fibre, Vitamin C, manganese and antioxidants. They are great for heart health, as well as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. They also contain antioxidants, which help to keep free radicals under control and improve wrinkles and decrease other signs of ageing. When consumed with high-carb foods or mixed in with smoothies, berries may improve your blood sugar and insulin levels.
Chia Seeds
Chia Seeds
Small but mighty, chia seeds are full of nutrients and are an excellent source of goodness. The omega-3 fatty acids help raise HDL cholesterol, the “good” kind of cholesterol that protects against heart attack and stroke. Whilst the high level of antioxidants help to slow the signs of ageing. Chia seeds are also rich in fibre, iron, calcium, minerals and manganese, which help to make enzymes. Their high protein levels mean that they are digested quite slowly, ensuring blood sugar levels remain stable. They are ideal for vegetarian and vegan diets and are the perfect addition to your smoothies, cereals, acai bowls and granola!