You don’t have to buy expensive, far away fruits to fuel your diet with powerful nutrition! Find local, economical superfoods all around you with these 10 superfoods that are under-appreciated.
Acai berries, mangosteen, and macqui berries—they’ve all been deemed superfoods because of their high antioxidant status. Even mainstream fruits like blueberries have joined the superfoods club, thanks to research proving their health benefits. But you don’t have to focus solely on high profile—and often expensive—fruits to promote optimal health. Not only are these popular foods costly, they are often shipped long distances, increasing their carbon footprint. “It’s far too easy for people intrigued by the idea of superfoods to choose these often, in lieu of other foods that can be in the same category,” says Elisa Zied, MS, RD, author of “Nutrition At Your Fingertips.” In fact, many of the most nutritious, health-protective foods are quietly lurking in the bottom of your refrigerator drawer or in the back of your pantry. These unlikely superfoods can be mixed into your favorite dishes, and every extra sprinkle or handful increases the nutritional power of your diet. So, stock up on my superfoods list of 10 Superfoods That Are Under-Appreciated and include them in your favorite dishes every day.
Top 10 Underappreciated Plant Superfoods
1. Canned Tomatoes. Did you know that a can of tomatoes is loaded with vitamin C, fiber, potassium and iron? What makes these ruby gems even more special is their rich load of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that becomes more bioavailable to your body when it is cooked. Lycopene has a host of benefits, including inactivating free radicals, protecting against cancer and slowing the development of atherosclerosis which leads to heart disease. Stir canned tomatoes into pasta dishes, soups, stews, curries, casseroles, Mexican dishes, and side dishes for delicious, nutritious comfort.
2. Onions. You might relegate onions to the list of old-fashioned kitchen standbys, as you can slice and dice them into everything from home fries and soups to omelets and casseroles. But onions can lend your dishes a powerful nutritional punch in addition to their trademark flavor. These pungent bulbs are rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins C and B6. Scientists are interested in onions’ abundant polyphenol and sulfur-containing compounds, such as quercetin and allyl sulfides, that may lower the risk of some cancers and help maintain heart health and immune function, reports Zied.
3. Sunflower Seeds. The sunflower gets more attention than its edible progeny, sunflower seeds. Yet, these black-striped, tear drop-shaped shells housing grayish seeds are amazing in their own right. Naturally rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated oils, sunflower seeds are very high in the powerful antioxidant, vitamin E—a ¼-cup serving provides over 90 percent of the Daily Value (%DV, based on 2,000 calories/day.) These nutty seeds also provide protein, B vitamins and important minerals, such as manganese, magnesium and selenium. And that’s not all—sunflower seeds are one of the best sources of phytosterols, a compound known to lower blood cholesterol levels.
4. Garlic. The “stinking rose”—the name derives from Greek and Roman antiquity—offers far more than its characteristic flavor and aroma; garlic may help protect you against heart disease. Studies have linked this member of the onion family with lowering cholesterol levels, as well as providing anti-clotting activity and reductions in blood pressure. “Garlic contains lots of phytochemicals, such as allicin, saponin and coumaric acid,” adds Zied. Such compounds are behind garlic’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects that contribute to heart health. Consider the supply of manganese, vitamins C and B6, and selenium in garlic, and you can see why it should always have a home in your kitchen.
5. Peas. When you were a kid, you probably heard your mom tell you to “eat your peas.” She was right, as these jade pearls are packed with nutrition. Whatever pea you prefer—garden peas (fresh from the pod,) snow peas (flatter pods,) snap peas (plump pods,) or dried peas (from field peas that are less sweet)—know that they are plump with vitamins A,C, K and B, minerals, and fiber and protein. Studies have linked diets rich in green and yellow vegetables, including green peas, with heart disease prevention. Peas also supply a significant quantity of the eye-healthy compounds beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
6. Black Pepper. One of the simplest seasonings in your spice rack reaps significant rewards. “Black pepper provides zero calories and adds a lot of punch to meals,” notes Zied; but that’s not all. Considered so precious in ancient times it was used as currency, black pepper has been valued for its culinary properties, which include enhancing flavor as well as preserving freshness. And capsaicin, the substance that gives pepper it’s heat, has anti-cancer effects and works to reduce inflammation, a root of chronic disease.
7. Beans. The sustenance of diverse cultures throughout the centuries, “Beans are superstars, because not only do they contain complex carbohydrates, they’re great sources of protein,” says Zied. Beans also contain important minerals, vitamins and fiber. Eating beans has been linked with lowering blood cholesterol levels, body weight, and rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, some types of cancer and diabetes.
8. Celery. The retro vegetable of stuffed celery stick fame is about to make a comeback. And why not? The nutritional contributions of celery—vitamins K and C, folate, potassium and fiber—are nothing to underestimate. Celery also contains bioactive compounds like phthalides, which help lower cholesterol, and coumarins that protect against cancer. Best of all, celery is an “easy vegetable” that can be added quickly to a number of dishes, including soups, casseroles, nut loaf, and side dishes.
9. Bell peppers. Don’t forget the colorful impact that bell peppers—red, yellow or green—can make on your health. Virtually swimming in the powerful antioxidant vitamins C (291% DV per cup), and A (105% DV per cup), adding slices of peppers to your favorite dish is an excellent strategy for battling cell-damaging free radicals. Red peppers also contain carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin, which are linked with reduced risk of certain cancers.
10. Sesame Seeds. One of the oldest condiments known to man, sesame seeds can add a nutty, nutritious crunch to any dish. High in important minerals like copper, manganese, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, as well as fiber, vitamin B1 and protein, sesame seeds should be a staple on your pantry shelf. They also contain the cholesterol-lowering plant compounds lignans and phytosterols. Don’t limit sesame seeds to ethnic cuisine; sprinkle them over salads, side dishes, pasta, and breads for nutrition and flavor.
Dig into some other unique plant foods here:
How to Cook with Dragon Fruit
How to Cook with Yacon
How to Use Pomelo
How to Use Tempeh
