10 top superfoods in Cape Town and surrounds

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's super food!

Last Update: January 11, 2017

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Everything you’ve ever wanted to ask a personal trainer

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Imagine waking up on a sunny morning in Cape Town and feeling not just 'fine' but 'absolutely fabulous', full of energy and raring to live life to the full. Superfoods are saturated with nutrients and minerals and are whole foods, so they can be easily absorbed by the human body. The list of benefits are infinite including anti-aging, anti-cancer, a boost to immunity, healthy teeth and bones and a healthy liver and blood system. You are what you eat so stick with nature and you can't go wrong.

A member of the Institute of Functional Medicine USA and an expert on the panel for the South African Journal, clinical nutritionist Sally-Ann Creed has helped thousands of people worldwide to wake up feeling 'absolutely fabulous'. She was even awarded South Africa's Most Influential Person in Business and Government 2009/2010 so we caught up with the expert to find out her 10 Top Superfoods.

1. Fish (the oily kind with teeth)
Fish helps to build muscle, it's great for weight-loss and has anti-aging and anti-cancer effects. Fish with teeth have superior oils (DHA & EPA) which are anti-inflammatory, help with memory and are a source of "essential fats". "It's more beneficial than flaxseed oil," says Sally-Ann."Toss the flaxseed oil, take a fish oil supplement daily and eat fish".

2. Blueberries
At only a fraction of the calories blueberries are a great alternative to sugary sweets as they are high in anti-aging antioxidants and have a low GI. The main benefits are that they are a good source of fibre, contain antioxidants that protect against disease, promote cellular health and renewal of tissues, cleanse the blood, improve circulation and prevent gout. That's quite a lot of nutritional goodness packed into a small package.

3. Olive Oil
Mediterranean's have hit the nail on the head with extra-virgin olive oil which boosts immunity, combats free radicals, protects against heart disease, helps to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, enhances fertility and keeps skin looking young and soft. Although it tastes great it's not fattening in moderate amounts.

4. Watercress
Yes, little old watercress which happens to be one of the most underrated superfoods out there. Its deep green colour contains a powerful detoxifier called chlorophyll and high antioxidant levels. It acts as a deodorant, boosts immunity and protects against heart disease, strokes and even some cancers. It also improves the health of teeth and bones, the nervous system, skin and kidney.

5. Nuts and Seeds
Another of natures healthy treats these should be eaten daily for their fatty acids, fibre and nutrient content and are best eaten raw (as opposed to roasted). Most nuts and seeds contain a powerhouse of the oils which keep skin soft and smooth and add a lovely nutty taste to salads and smoothies. Nuts have been shown to protect against heart disease, lower cholesterol, strengthen bones, teeth and hair, alleviate symptoms of the menopause and PMS, boost energy levels, improve blood quality and prevent anaemia. Get cracking!

6. Beetroot

Beetroot is packed with antioxidants that benefit the arteries and the heart, cleanse the liver and blood system and detoxify the body. Anaemic people benefit from beetroot as it fights the deficiency, builds healthy blood and strengthens the circulatory and immune systems. Other advantages include fighting off infection, inflammation and kidney stones.

7. Honey
Raw, organic honey is helpful for healing wounds, fights bacteria and is a safer alternative to energy drinks. As the weather changes honey can be used to relieve all kinds of illness including a cold, stomach upsets, lack of sleep, a cough or respiratory infection and hay fever. That dollop of sweet honey on your health breakfast is completely guilt-free.

8. Broccoli

Broccoli not only helps to prevent bowel cancer and boost the immune system but it also contains sulphoraphane and indole-3 carbinol which are powerful phytochemicals that help to prevent cancer. It cleanses the whole body, enhances skin, improves your mood and the high folate levels also help to protect unborn babies against the risk of spina bifida. That's why you're mother told you to eat your greens.

9. Garlic
Garlic might smell powerful but it is also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to fighting disease. A key ingredient in home cooked dishes garlic cleanses and tones, acts as a safe antibiotic, helps with bronchitis and asthma, wards off colds and viral infections, helps improve circulation, lowers blood pressure and blood sugar, strengthens immunity, tones and cleanses the liver, normalises blood clotting and much more besides.

10. Onions
With similar properties to garlic, onions have been linked to reduced risk of heart disease, are anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous, contain Quercetin (an antihistamine for allergies including hay fever) and cleanse the bowel. Onions lower 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) whilst raising 'good' cholesterol (HDL) and have one of the highest amounts of antioxidants in any food.

For more information be sure to visit: www.sallyanncreed.co.za

Superfoods give you stacks of energy. Why not test your metal on our 10 Top Hiking Routes and 10 Top Running Routes in Cape Town and Surrounds. Check out our Best of Cape Town section.

By Lisa Nevitt

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