CapeTownMagazine.com

10 top superfoods in Cape Town and surrounds

For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels
for useful news, daily local champions
 
072 350 2062
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
now@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
capetownmag

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

This is an old feature. For more up-to-date expert help on exercise, weightloss and nutition, read two of our features about the personal trainer who trains the CapeTownMagzaine.com team, Neil du Plessis:

Everything you’ve ever wanted to ask a personal trainer

Imagine your boss paid for your fitness and meal plan?


---

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

---

Discover more of what Cape Town has to offer

Affordable healthy food, a grocery area, guilt free desserts + more at Wildsprout

7+ things to do this weekend.

Discover these new restaurants and experiences in Cape Town.

Indoor golf, pizza, sushi and more at Misfits.

Try authentic Middle eastern cuisine at Nish Nush.

Get advice on switching to a plant-based diet.

---

Loved discovering this?  Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter.Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.

Cape Town Events Calendar
December 2024
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31

AroundAboutCars 3 Car rental specials in Cape Town

Free upgrades, free data, 10% off luxury vehicles & more

Wolfkop Nature Reserve 4Our team’s tip-off: 50% off cottage ...

Completely private cottages with splash pools, hot tubs and more

HintHunt AfricaGet over the midweek hump with a ...

Easy spot for team building, midweek date night, & more

Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa August 2024Sublime dining at Palm House Boutique ...

Friday Night Steak Club, Afternoon Tea, 6-course tasting menu & more

The Barracks accommodation city centre Cape Town accommodation special for a ...

20% off, free breakfast, access to rooftop pool

mischu 2024Reasons to have lunch at mischu

Where else in Sea Point can you have lunch for under R100?

Trail's End Bike HotelTeam building, stylish conferencing & ...

Ultimate work-play-and-stay hub, Trail’s End

Milk on the beach wafflesOur team’s top picks at the Waffle ...

Loaded hotdogs, caramel popcorn G&Ts, waffle churros

Pear TreeThe hidden seaside bistro on the ...

Sushi calamari, miso sirloin & rice krispies milkshakes

mischu 2024Weekends are for mischu

You can get breakfast and coffee with the R99 brunch special

Cannibisters 2024Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

Now with over 90 strains of weed and The Serenity Room

Off-road adventure at Scootours BanhoekBest day ever? Monster Mountain ...

Scootours Banhoek has scooters, vine bikes and archery

Milk on the Beach 2024Reasons to visit this beach-side family ...

Ramen by the sea, a build-your-own waffle bar & 5 more

Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa August 2024This boutique 5-star hotel offers ...

The signature Palm Journey includes a 3-course lunch

GiveawaysTravel Tips