Super foods

Simple diet changes can help boost the immune system, improve cholesterol levels and even prevent cancer. Try adding some of these super foods to your everyday diet and reap the benefits.

Raw beetroot
Stay away from the tins of beetroot in sweet vinegar and try some raw, grated beetroot on salads and sandwiches. Beetroot is high in folate, which protects your heart and is high in antioxidants, which can prevent cancer.

Frozen peas
Frozen vegetables are often dismissed as being inferior to the fresh variety but freezing peas as soon as they are picked locks in the goodness of B vitamins - which give you energy, vitamin C and soluble fibre, which keeps your cholesterol in check.

Dark chocolate
Another source of antioxidants, dark chocolate may not be as popular as the milk variety but it’s better for your health and your waistline! Look for bars which contain at least 70% cocoa.

Prunes
The benefits of prunes on bowel movements are well documented but why is this so? Ferulic acid and natural sugars balance diets that are rich in red meat. This helps clean the digestive system and may offer protection from bowel cancer.

Fennel
Aside from the lovely aniseed flavour, fennel is also a rich source of vitamin C, which helps keep your joints healthy and boost immune systems. Fennel is truly a super food as the high levels of fibre, folate and potassium in this often under-used vegetable promotes cardiovascular and colon health.

Turmeric
Spices were often originally used for their associated health benefits rather than their flavour. Turmeric, in particular, is rich in curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and offers protection against bowel cancer.

For more foods that can help keep you healthy, visit Foodwatch.com.au.