For years, exotic berries such as acai berries or goji berries have been considered absolute superfoods. While the superfoods list actually includes many exotic fruits, there are also local superfoods.
Read on to find out what the term superfood actually means. We also explain why local and exotic superfoods are so healthy. And we have also created a superfoods list that highlights various berries, seeds and fruits.
What exactly are superfoods?
According to the English Oxford Dictionary, the term superfood refers to ‘a nutrient-rich food that is considered particularly beneficial for health and well-being’. The English equivalent of the Duden is considered the grey eminence among dictionaries. So the creators should know what they are talking about.
The European Food Information Council, on the other hand, describes a superfood as ‘food, especially fruit and vegetables, that have a higher health benefit than other foods due to their nutrient content’.
Even though the two explanations have a different wording, the core message is the same: superfood products are healthy and nutritious and are characterised by one or more health benefits.
While these facts have been known for thousands of years, superfoods have only been trending for a few years. Thanks to their high vitamin content, these special foods have become an integral part of a healthy and balanced diet.
Enjoy porridge with superfoods - read more now!
Why are superfoods so healthy?
Superfoods are foods that are remarkably nutrient-dense. They are particularly rich in phytochemicals, free radicals and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
It almost goes without saying that all superfoods are of the highest organic quality. Only then can they deliver on their promise and be suitable for a healthy diet.
The individual superfoods can be processed and combined in a variety of ways. Together with filling oats – for example in muesli or porridge – they make an unbeatable combination.
What superfoods are there?
In addition to fruit and vegetables, various seeds and berries – acai berries or goji berries – are on the superfoods list. Ginger or pomegranates and various other more or less green and exotic plants are also full of valuable nutrients:
- spinach
- avocados
- algae
- cocoa
- baobab fruits
- quinoa
- turmeric
- cinnamon
- honey
This list could easily be continued. But that would go beyond the scope. And we don't want to lose the overview here, but rather achieve the opposite.
We have therefore put together a clear list of local superfoods and exotic superfoods that can be easily integrated into your diet.
You can use these superfoods to make green shakes or smoothies or to increase the vitamin and mineral content of your muesli. There are no limits to your imagination. You can combine and process different superfood products as you please. You will definitely feel the effect of these superfoods.
Superfoods – berries
The berries on the superfood list are mainly exotic varieties. These include goji berries from China, acai berries from Brazil and ariola berries, which originally came from North America.
Most exotic superfoods are now available in our shops. They are a tasty addition to muesli and porridge and can be used, for example, to spice up your Urkorn muesli from Verival.
Incidentally, local berries are also suitable for use as superfoods. For example, bilberries, also known as blueberries, are a truly local superfood. Find out everything you need to know about berries in our Verival blog post.
Superfoods for breakfast – add them to your Verival porridge!
Superfoods – seeds
Flaxseed as a superfood
Flaxseed is probably one of the most nutritious seeds. The seeds of the flax plant are either yellow or brown, depending on the variety, and taste slightly nutty.
They contain a lot of fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. This makes them good for digestion and anti-inflammatory. And as if that weren't enough, they are full of vitamins, protein and minerals.
Chia seeds as superfood
Chia seeds as superfood are known to most. The chia seeds, which originally come from Mexico, also fall into the category of popular superfood products. The small chia seeds contain five times more calcium than milk and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
In addition, they can significantly contribute to meeting the daily requirement of vitamins and minerals. Chia seeds taste good in porridge, muesli or yoghurt and can also be used for baking bread or cooking.
Superfoods – algae
Spirulina is the most popular type of algae used in cooking. Until a few years ago, spirulina – also known as blue-green algae – was relatively unknown, but now it is all the rage.
In the conventional sense, it is actually less of an algae and more of a type of bacteria. Spirulina is found in alkaline mineral waters. Accordingly, it provides a whole range of vitamins, nutrients, essential amino acids and antioxidants.
The microscopic freshwater algae chlorella, on the other hand, is a real chlorophyll bomb. Chlorophyll is a life-giving substance that helps to build new blood cells and has a great effect.
Algae are particularly suitable for processing in green smoothies. That is why spirulina and chlorella are mostly used in powder form.
Superfoods – mallow family
The mallow family includes more than 240 genera and over 4,200 different species. So you should be able to find one or other superfood there. In fact, the fruit of the baobab tree and the even better known cocoa plant are among the superfood products.
They are both members of the mallow family. Both the fruit of the baobab tree and cocoa are available from us primarily as powders. While the baobab is considered the tree of life in its African homeland thanks to its numerous positive properties, cocoa is known to make people happy.
Raw cocoa is also full of nutrients, minerals and antioxidants, and increases the feeling of satiety. These tasty powders are perfect if you want to give your porridge a little more flavour.
Enjoy porridge with superfoods – read more now!
Superfood – Ginger
This spice comes from East Asia. Even in our latitudes, people are aware of the beneficial effects of ginger. The root has been used as a medicinal and seasoning plant for more than 4000 years.
Its effect has been proven in more than just one scientific study, because: ginger alone contains more than 160 ingredients. These include vitamin C and vitamin B6, iron, potassium and calcium, phosphorus and sodium.
These ingredients have a wide range of positive effects and help to relieve muscle pain and nausea, among other things. Ginger is a popular ingredient in tea, whether for breakfast or as a snack between meals.
Superfood – oats
According to nutritionists, oats are the healthiest type of grain there is. They contain a lot of fibre and are rich in zinc and manganese. Fibre aids digestion, while zinc and manganese promote healthy skin and nails.
The fibre beta-glucan, on the other hand, lowers cholesterol levels and can reduce the risk of diabetes. Oat flakes protect the intestinal flora and the stomach. They quickly make you feel full and are ideal if you want to lose weight.
You can read in more detail exactly how this works in the article Oat flakes. Oats are the basic ingredient of all Verival products – you are spoilt for choice, so to speak.
Superfood – Cape gooseberry
The physalis is a nightshade plant from South America where it is sometimes used as a natural remedy. The orange berry is very popular because of its intense sweet-sour taste. However, it is not only aromatic, but also scores with its high iron and phosphorus content.
It is also full of antioxidants and vitamin A, which makes it healthy for our immune system. In addition, it is rich in carotene and therefore good for the eyes and vision. The aromatic berry is a delicious addition to porridge and muesli.
Mango-Physalis Porridge from Verival - discover it now!
Superfood – pomegranate
It is not for nothing that the pomegranate is also known as the ‘food of the gods’. The seeds and juice of this fruit not only taste good, they are also full of vitamins.
It is therefore not surprising that the pomegranate was already used as a natural vitamin source in the Middle Ages. It is said to have many health benefits, for example against cancer, Alzheimer's or high blood pressure.
It is rich in folic acid and potassium, which has positive effects on muscle activity. The seeds of the pomegranate are a tasty addition to muesli or porridge.
Porridge from Verival – read more now!
Superfood – Moringa
The Indian moringa tree has been considered a real miracle tree in various cultures for thousands of years. Like the baobab, it is therefore also called the tree of life. But unlike the baobab, the moringa tree is even more versatile. Its leaves in particular contain a high concentration of nutrients, but its roots, seeds and pods can also be used.
Even in small amounts, the processed products are effective against malnutrition. Moringa is also a popular aid for weight loss and is considered a source of minerals, amino acids and vitamins. Moringa can be cooked into sauces or used in healthy shakes and smoothies.
Superfood – acerola cherry
The acerola cherry, which originally comes from Mexico, is now cultivated in Central and South America. It is characterised by an intensely sour taste and a very high vitamin C content. This makes it perfect for coughs, colds and hoarseness.
The red fruit is also rich in proteins, magnesium and calcium. The acerola cherry is available in dried form as well as in the form of juice, powder or food supplements. Depending on the consistency, you can mix acerola cherry into your muesli or add it to a healthy smoothie.
How can I eat superfoods with Verival?
The health benefits of each superfood are as varied as their uses. Berries and fruits are perfect for adding extra freshness and flavour to your breakfast cereal or porridge.
Various powders – such as raw cacao or baobab – are suitable for adding to porridge or in a smoothie. Of course, you can also add algae to your porridge, but they probably taste better in a smoothie.
We recommend that you simply be brave and try out different combinations. In any case, our oat products provide you with the perfect foundation.
