Superfood Swaps

Jenelle Croatto APD

Whether it’s quinoa or goji berries, so called ‘superfoods’ are touted as the ultra-healthy natural foods choice, with extraordinary health benefits!  

Health enthusiasts declare these foods as your best choice in the fight against disease and premature ageing, helping your health soar to new heights. The question is, do ‘superfoods’ lead to super-health, or are they just… super-expensive?

In truth, the term ‘superfoods’ holds no scientific meaning, as it is simply a marketing term used to describe foods with a high concentration of antioxidants and nutrients. While there is no question so-called ‘superfoods’ contain an impressive nutritional profile, there are many every-day foods that also pack a nutritional punch.

Here are my favourite ‘superfood’ swaps - that don’t come with a hefty price tag.

Swap kale for… SPINACH:
Getting down to the nitty gritty, there isn’t much of a nutritional difference between the two.  I reckon if Popeye had a say in this one, spinach would win hands down!

Swap quinoa for… CHICKPEAS:
Both options make for a great low GI carb choice, but chickpeas are much kinder on the budget.  They work beautifully scattered over a salad or tossed into a casserole.

Swap acai berries for… ALL BERRIES
Frozen, fresh or dried – all berries are a fabulous source of powerful nutrients.

Swap Ancient Grains for… BROWN RICE:
While fancy grains may be making an appearance in salad bars Australia wide, more commonplace grains like brown rice will always get a nutritional thumbs-up.

Swap coconut oil for… EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Unlike coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil is brimming with heart healthy phytonutrients and  has an abundance of scientific evidence to support its superfood claim.
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Swap kombucha for… NATURAL YOGHURT
If effervescent, bacteria rich fermented tea just isn’t your thing – reap the same benefits by sticking to green tea and natural yoghurt.