5 superfoods to add to your diet

(NC) You are what you eat, so you should pay attention to the things you consume. While you’ll want to avoid things that are high in sugar, fat and salt, there are some so-called “superfoods” that are packed with nutrients and other factors that can help boost your health. Here are five superfoods that should be in your diet.

Dark leafy greens
When making salads, skip the iceberg lettuce – which is mostly water. Instead, opt for nutrient-rich greens like arugula, dandelion leaves, spinach and kale.

Ginger
While you may think of ginger as a cure for an upset stomach (your mom was right, it does work for that), ginger root also contains vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. Add fresh ginger to stir-fried dishes or to give a spicy kick to your tea.

Chia seeds
Chia seeds come from a flowering plant native to Mexico. They’re low-calorie (about 100 calories per ounce) but filled with fibre, protein, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, iron and zinc. Use them to boost the nutrients in your salads and smoothies.

Beets
Betalains, the pigments that give these durable root vegetables their rich colours, are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Oven-roasted beets are a simple side dish to serve alongside your family’s favourite protein, or let them cool and then chop them into a salad.

California prunes
A serving of five prunes has only 100 calories but is a source of fibre, potassium, vitamin K and other essential nutrients. They don’t require refrigeration, making them a handy snack. You can also make a simple prune puree that you can use to replace sugar, eggs or oil in your favourite dessert recipes.

Learn more at californiaprunes.ca.