We’re all about being on the inside when it comes to food options! FACT spoke to Zulal Wellness Resort’s Chef Michael Davies to bust some myths and guide us when it comes to superfoods.

As we sit in quarantine trying to survive these unprecedented times, it can feel like we are bombarded with information on how to raise our immunity and keep our overall health in check. One of the biggest terms circulating right now    is superfoods. Superfood is a fairly new term and is generally understood to refer to food types that are exceptionally nutrient dense. This could include something like seaweed, fruits and vegetables or fermented foods through to wild herbs, roots and mushrooms that have been processed in a certain way to increase their nutrient profile.

STARTING YOUR JOURNEY

It is important to remember that everyone’s journey and needs are different. It is recommended to create one new individual habit at a time. For one person that may be increasing the amount of vegetables eaten, while for another it might be the need to drink more water whilst reducing processed food. Regardless of the adjustment that you are planning to undertake, we suggest opting for one that you would really like to commit to.

SUPERFOODS TO THE (HEALTHY) RESCUE

Thankfully, having to incorporate healthy food into your diet doesn’t mean you have to break the bank for it. Many everyday foods have brilliant properties and the Mediterranean diet has the largest body of research to back its medicinal effects on  our bodies. This includes olive oil, fish, rosemary, thyme, garlic, artichoke and walnuts.

SUPERFOODS FOUND IN QATAR

• Amaranth: One of the oldest of the ancient The leaves can be used like spinach and they are rich in minerals and vitamin B.
• Bupleurum: This bitter herb, like all the bitters, improves digestion and helps protect and stimulate the This can best used as a tonic in cleansing shots and mocktail juices.
• Saffron: A powerful antioxidant and a great mood
• Turmeric: This has numerous benefits and is considered a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and helps improve symptoms of depression and
• Pomegranate: Loaded with nutrients and is an It helps the blood flow freely and thus improves the levels of oxygen in the body.
• Sumac: This spice is packed with antioxidants and can neutralize free radicals that can cause cancer, heart diseases and signs of
• Tamarind: The polyphenols in tamarind have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These can protect against diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The seed extract can also help lower blood sugar, while the pulp extract can help with weight loss and may help to reverse fatty liver disease.

MYTH BUSTING SUPERFOODS:

The influx of information about superfoods can be confusing and overwhelming. To make things simpler, here  are  the  most important misconceptions to takeaway when it comes to superfoods:

• They are not drugs; they alone will not cure
• They are not a quick repair to a bad diet
• They do not replace exercise and mental health related activities
• They are not empty, they are great nutritious foods
• They are not dangerous

We all have the factor of choice; we are constantly making decisions about how to spend our money and what value we attribute to these items. The next time you are grocery shopping challenge yourself to experiment with some of these superfoods and see how they make you feel. You never know, dabbling with superfoods might be your steppingstone to a healthier and happier life as it is an act of self-care! ✤

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