You may have heard of superfoods in magazines and on television cookery shows – but what exactly makes a food ‘super’? Well, although there is no standard definition, a superfood is generally agreed to be an ingredient that gives particular health benefits. Foods that are commonly referred to as superfoods include salmon, blueberries and broccoli.
The rise in the popularity of superfoods means that supermarkets often charge a premium for these nutrient-rich ingredients so wouldn’t it be great if you could create your own superfood larder at home? Well, whilst you might not be able to farm your own salmon, there are a number of superfoods you can grow in your own garden. Not only will you have the satisfaction of growing your own fruit and veg but you’ll save money at the same time. And when it’s time to eat the fruits of your labour, you’ll get a healthy boost too.
Here are six popular ‘superfoods’ you can try growing at home:
Broccoli
Broccoli is said to be a superfood as it contains a wide range of nutrients including folate, vitamins C and A, and calcium to boost health and protect against illnesses. Broccoli is easy to grow and suits colder climates very well.
Blueberries
One of the first ingredients to be called a superfood; the blueberry has been linked to a wide range of health benefits from protecting against heart disease to improving memory. If you don’t have a lot of space in your garden, you can grow blueberry bushes in pots.
Garlic
For centuries, garlic has been used to promote good health and is often used to ward off the common cold and treat high blood pressure. If you buy a garlic bulb from a seed supplier you can then break it into individual cloves to plant.
Beetroot
Like garlic, beetroot has historically been used in natural medicine to treat a wide range of ailments including constipation. Beetroot is ideal if you are short on space as it can be grown in pots.
Spinach
Made famous by the comic book character Popeye, spinach is regularly said to help boost energy levels and strength. And it is true that spinach is high in iron which is essential for maintaining energy levels and general good health. Spinach can be grown all year round making it a really versatile ingredient.
Peppers
A red bell pepper contains twice as much vitamin C as an orange, making it a great vegetable to include in your diet when you need to boost your vitamin intake. Peppers do like warm conditions so are an ideal ingredient to grow if you have a greenhouse although you may be able to grow them in the garden if you position them in a warm spot.
Whether you believe the hype surrounding superfoods or not, including a wide range of fruit and vegetables in your diet will certainly boost your overall health. And if you can grow them in your own garden, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve improved your diet cheaply and organically yourself.
For more information about growing your own fruit and vegetables, visit: www.rhs.org.uk/Gardening/Grow-Your-Own/Veg-A-to-Z