10 Superfoods Under $3
Top 10 Superfoods under $3 that give you the most nutrition bang for your buck:
1. Garlic ($0.50 per bulb) is nature’s anti-biotic. It’s an anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory. A few cloves in any dish will help to keep your immune system strong.
Mince garlic and leave it out for 10 minutes to release all of its health promoting properties.
2. Ginger root ($0.75 per root) is a powerful anti-inflammatory, which helps to protect from cancer cells and arthritis. It can relieve intestinal gas, prevent motion sickness, morning sickness and can even help relieve menstrual cramps.
Use a thin slice in hot water as tea or add it to dips, sauces, soups and stir-fries. Freeze ginger and shred for easy preparation.
3. Avocado ($1.75 each) has nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, B-vitamins and folic acid. This superfood is a heart-helper as it’s unsaturated fat helps to lower cholesterol levels. It’s rich source of vitamin E helps to keep skin healthy and glowing. It also has three times more potassium than a banana.
Use 1/4 avocado instead of mayo in a tuna or salmon salad. Spread it on toast, add it to a smoothie or throw it on a quick salad.
4. Sweet Potatoes ($2.75/2 Large) have 24% of the daily value of B6, which aids in PMS symptoms. The high content of carotenes helps stabilize blood sugar and to prevent free radical damage. This sweet root has a great amount of dietary fibre.
Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a healthy and tasty mash or slice them up with some dried basil, oregano, grapeseed oil and sea salt and bake some healthy fries at 425F for 30 mins.
5. Quinoa ($2.99/box) is a complete protein and a gluten-free grain. It’s rich in vitamins E, B2 and B6, folic acid, biotin, calcium, potassium, iron, copper, magnesium, and manganese. This easy-to-digest grain is fast to prepare and won’t disappoint your tastebuds.
Use quinoa as a couscous substitute in your favorite cold salad recipes. It can also be served as a hot dish with an assortment of vegetables, beans and lentils.
6. Lentils ($1.79/bag) are power-packed with B vitamins, fiber, iron and protein. They are low in calories and high in nutrients, making this a great food for stabilizing blood sugar and protecting the heart.
Make a fast lentil soup by boiling the lentils in low-sodium vegetable stock and adding your favorite root vegetables and fresh herbs. A big pot of soup will last for days and costs under $10 to make.
7. Flax ($2.89/bag) has a very high source of omega 3s, which are essential for our body. Just one tablespoon per day can help to reduce bad cholesterol. Its properties can also help to heal digestive distress by reducing inflammation.
Grind flax seeds and add to cereal, yogurt, smoothies and salad for a nutrition boost!
8. Kale ($2.50/bunch) is one of the most nutrient-rich leafy greens. One cup of kale provides 70 per cent of the RDI of vitamin C and it’s a great source of vitamin K, A, B6, calcium, fiber and tryptophan. It provides cancer protection and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Use it in soups, salads, steam with garlic and ginger or try out some yummy kale chips.
Kale chips recipe: Wash kale, slice in strips or pieces, add fresh lemon, olive oil and unrefined sea salt, throw on a baking sheet and bake at 200F for 2 hours or until crisp.
9. Lemon ($0.75/each) has the phytochemical limonene, which helps to detoxify the liver. It’s being used in clinical trials to dissolve gallstones and shows anti-cancer activities. This alkaline rich fruit is helpful to combat acidity during times of stress.
Start your day with a glass of room temperature water with a big squeeze of fresh lemon.
10. Raw pumpkin seeds ($2.99 per bag) are rich in anti-oxidants and health promoting essential fats. A One handful per day can provide you with excellent amounts of vitamins, minerals, protein, and other nutrients. Throw them on salads, cereal, yogurt, smoothies, and stir-fries. Keep a small bag in your bag for a quick and healthy snack.
Hi Miranda
I attended a Marilyn Dennis show and seen you in person. I enjoy seeing your segments on Marilyn, your healthy tips are so informative.
You showcased a few places in Pickering and of course I had to gp check them out. I love hearing about your favourite places and things to try.
I look forward to your next tip!
Sharon
Hello Miranda
I seen you in person when I attended a Marilyn Dennis show. I have always loved your segments on her show. You were so generous with the products we took home. Onceyou showcased a few of your favourite spots in Pickering, so of course I had to check them out. I love hearing your healthy tips and products you love.
I enjoy hearing about any health info or products you recommend.