It is believed that the term “superfood” was used first in 1998 by Aaron Moss, who mentioned it in the journal Nature Nutrition.

Nowadays, it is related to all foods that have unusually high levels of vitamins, antioxidants, protein, minerals, fibre or other nutrients with immune-boosting qualities.

You’ve probably heard of some of the most popular superfoods, among which are blueberries — one of the most talked about and recommended in the healthcare circles. Recent researchers found that certain foods are equally nutritious, and are being underestimated for their health properties, overshadowed by those famous ones.

See which foods are shifted from first place, and which are their proud, secret opponents:

1) Sunflower Seeds

We all know that flaxseeds contain Omega-3 fats and fibres and they help us reduce cholesterol levels.

Sunflower seeds are not to be underestimated either.

А quarter cup of sunflower seeds has three grams of fibres, plus half your daily portion of vitamin E.

The seeds also contain iron, thiamine and vitamin B, which help your body transform protein into energy. Magnesium may help with cramps, when you exercise or have PMS, since this mineral eases muscle contractions. The crunchy kernels are a healthy supplement to salads, enriching their flavour.

2) Peanuts

Almonds are good for your heart, because they lower your cholesterol.

Twice cheaper, peanuts contain the same nourishing oil that almonds do, which means that they also work hard at reducing the risk of a stroke. Peanuts are packed with nutrients, like fibres and protein. Including peanuts in your diet will help you lose weight. The amount of nuts you should eat, when you are on a diet, depends on your weight loss need for calories. A good amount is as much as you can gather in a handful.

3) Strawberries

Blueberries prevent aging. They have one of the highest antioxidant capacities among all fruits and vegetables. In terms of eating, blueberries rank second to strawberries in popularity of berries.

Strawberries are rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, potassium, folic acid and fibre. A form of vitamin C, found in strawberries, helps you decrease your blood pressure.

They help keep your heart safe by reducing low density lipoprotein /LDL – bad cholesterol/in the blood. Strawberries may also speed up your recovery after a tough workout, as they contain natural pain relievers. They will boost your immunity in the exchange of only 50 calories per cup!

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4) Trout

Wild salmon is loaded with protein and Omega-3 fatty acids that help our brains work better, improve our memory and make us happy and pain-free.

You’ll obtain similar health benefits from trout that pack the same Omega-3 fats, which reduce inflammation, easing your post workout soreness. It is recommended intake of two portions of fatty fish per week.

This cold water fish also contains protein, vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B complex, vitamin D, calcium, iron and zinc.

5) Beer

Antioxidants in red wine keep your blood vessels flexible and reduce the risk of unwanted clotting. They also fight against cancer and heart diseases.

On the other hand, beer contains all of the essential amino acids. It can protect you against Alzheimer’s disease, aid your weight loss and even balance hormones. The greater bone density, which beer provides, is caused by the brew’s secret bone-building ingredient – the mineral silicon. Beer is rich in other minerals, including phosphorus, iodine, magnesium and potassium.

Due to its high vitamin B content, Guinness was prescribed to pregnant women for years. For greatest health advantage, choose an unpasteurised beer.

6) Cauliflower

The green giant, called Broccoli, packs vitamin C and plant compounds that may fight cancer.

Cauliflower contains a sulphur compound, which has the function of cleaning local cancer stem cells, thereby slowing tumour extension. For instance, one plate of cauliflower contains 77% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. It is also a good source of phosphorus, fibre, vitamin B6, foliate, potassium, vitamin K, protein, thiamine, riboflavin, magnesium and manganese. Cauliflower provides you with antioxidants and phytonutrients, and it is full of vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Do you have any of these superfoods? SHARE in the comments below.

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