5 new superfoods that help you get into shape!
Wednesday 04 June 2008
It’s pretty common knowledge nowadays that avocados, blueberries, tomatoes are incredibly healthy for you – these super foods have been hyped by nutritionists for so long we’re almost getting a bit bored of them.
So we digged deep into our nutritional archive and found a selection of lesser known, supercharged health foods – with the added benefit that all of them will help you to get into shape for summer (if it ever returns)!
Believe us, this is what Posh and Co will be nibbling on next!
Cabbage 
Ok, we realize that this sounds incredibly lame. After all, most of us have tried the Cabbage soup diet back in the day and given up after noticing it makes us, er, pass wind a little too often.
But did you know that cabbage can help your body to combat various types of cancer, improve your immune system and purify your blood?
Not to mention that this clever veg is a natural appetite suppressant and has a ridiculously low calorie content!
Closer says get back on the cabbage! The benefits outweigh the “side effects” by far.
Barley
This cereal grain is a true multi-talent. It can help to reduce cholesterol, blood sugar and is said to be beneficial for sufferers of type-two diabetes.
Barley also has high levels of antioxidants, which help to prevent breast cancer. And best of all, the grains are incredibly versatile – you can use them in soups or stews, as a rice substitute or even as a breakfast cereal.
Coconut Oil 
Coconut oil used to be slated for being to fatty, but celebrities like Jennifer Aniston have been cottoning on to its’ multiple health benefits.
Not only is it cholesterol free, Coconut oil is also packed with balanced omega oils. It is said to help fight heart disease and also helps with diabetes and digestive problems.
The ingenious oil also raises your metabolism and helps to burn fat more effectively – it doesn’t really get much better than this, does it now?
Cacao nibs
We thought you might like this one – it certainly got us chocolate lovers at Closer very excited.
Like chocolate, cacao has a high concentration of antioxidants, which helps to lower blood pressure and prevent strokes.
And because it contains the same happy chemicals our brain releases when we fall in love, it can stabilize and improve your mood when you’re feeling a bit cranky.
Well, we’re certainly in love with that idea, so sprinkle the crushed nibs onto your breakfast or enjoy them as a treat. Cacao tastes as good as chocolate, but has none of the naughty stuff that's in the processed product, so it doesn't have to be a guilty pleasure.
Goji Berries 
Okay, these are fairly well known thanks to celebrity snackers like Mischa Barton, but we thought we have to mention them for their sheer amazingness.
Goji berries contain more beta-carotene than carrots, more iron than a steak and more vitamin C than oranges.
You can nibble on the dried fruits as a tasty snack or prepare them as tea – put 10 –15 gojis into hot water and let them soak for 15 minutes.
Goji berries are also fantastic for fighting cellulite. Impressive, huh?
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