Hey Vegans! Include These 10 Superfoods in Your Diet Right Away

Here’s a list of 10 superfoods that vegans must include in their diet.

Superfoods - that's the buzzword doing the rounds. Isn't it? Right from eating them raw to making exotic smoothies, superfoods are here to stay. Superfoods are considered to be exceptionally nutritious foods that are loaded with health benefits and they would have less or no side-effects unless you are allergic to the foods.

My first brush with veganism was a few years ago when during one of my travels a client frowned upon the ‘hardly any vegan’ options available at the restaurant we were eating our meal at. A completely new term to me, I Googled it when I got back to the hotel.

I often wondered about the restricted choices of food - did vegans get the required amount of proteins they needed to stay healthy?

Vegans are those who do not consume dairy, eggs or any other products that are of animal origin. Of course, meat is a strict no-no too.

Veganism started in 1944 and the sole objective to ensure that there was no exploitation of animals. Vegans believe that animals have a right to be free from human-use - whether used for food, clothing, experiments or entertainment.

So, if they left out a major chunk of food that was primarily responsible for giving us the required proteins, minerals and the necessary vitamins, what would vegans eat?

The good news is that there is a list of superfoods that vegans can eat. Here are 10 of them.

Quinoa

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah), belongs to the amaranth family and is a rich source of protein, iron, calcium and fiber. Plus it is gluten-free! Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, quinoa ensures that you have a healthy heart.

Tip: You can make a complete meal with it or just add it to your salads to make your food more nutritious.

Lemon

If life gives you lemons, you make lemonade or just add a dash of it to your meals to make it rich in Vitamin C. Nutritionists believe that Vitamin C helps our bodies to absorb iron efficiently.

Tip: Looking for a simple salad dressing? Add lemon juice to finely minced garlic. Add some olive oil, salt, pepper and some chilli flakes to make a nutritious lemon vinaigrette.

Kiwi

Good things do come in small packages. These sweet and slightly sour fruit is actually packed with your daily does of Vitamin C. And it is also rich in Vitamin A and E. It is that one fruit that is known to have the highest concentration of vitamins and minerals per calorie.

Tip: Did I say that it helps to boost the skin complexion too? While you are eating it, take a small slice of kiwi and massage it gently on your face and neck. Do this as often as you can because kiwis are rich in free radicals that help to promote a smooth and blemish free skin.

Some of the other fruits that you can include in your diet are mangosteen, pomegranates, mangoes and berries.

Vegan Chocolates

Yes, chocolate is good for you, but I am not referring to the store bought chocolates. Dark chocolates are rich in anti-oxidants and there is a wide variety of vegan chocolates out there that taste just as yummy!

Tip: Opt for chocolates with non-alkalized cocoa that contain polyphenols and flavonols. These anti-oxidants ensure a healthy heart.

Nuts and Dry Fruits

Most of us have grown up eating almonds soaked in water the first thing in the morning. Dry fruits are an integral part of an Indian kitchen. Walnuts, cashews, pistachios, almonds, melon seeds - the list is exhaustive.

Nuts and dry fruits are rich in protein, fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamins. One of the most versatile foods, these can be eaten per se or as part of recipes.

Tip: Almond milk is one of the best substitutes for milk in vegan food.

Ground Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are powerhouses of antioxidants and are incredibly nutritious. Yet another ingredient packed with omega-3 fatty acids, this ensures a healthy heart. Flaxseeds are anti-inflammatory and are good for the cardiovascular as well as the digestive system.

Tip: Powder flaxseeds and sprinkle over a smoothie or mix it with your oats, cereals and salads for a power packed meal. Powdered flaxseeds can be mixed with water to create ‘flax egg,’ that can be used in cooking and baking.

Cacao

Cacao is the fruit and bean from which chocolate is made. It has its origins in South America. It is bitter in taste and is rich in magnesium, dietary fibre, iron and antioxidants.

Tip: Cacao powder is an excellent option for vegan baking recipes.

Goji Berries

Goji berries is available in the dry form. It is rich in Vitamin A and is a powerhouse of antioxidants. Nutritionists say that goji berries actually have more Vitamin C than oranges, more beta carotene than carrots, and is packed with more iron than leafy spinach.

If you had the option of Vitamin C, beta carotene and iron in just one food, wouldn’t that be just fabulous?

Mushroom

If you love mushrooms, you are eating vegan food. Mushrooms are fat-free, low in carbs and calories. Eating mushrooms can help boost metabolism, and because it is also rich in potassium, it maintains the blood pressure levels and reduces the risk of stroke.

Mustard Greens or Green Leafy Vegetables

Love the sarso ka saag? Well, take out the spoonful’s of butter, ghee and cream from it and you have a vegan recipe that will probably taste equally delicious.

Not just mustard greens, but almost all leafy greens are high in fiber and low in calorie, plus they are packed with just enough vitamins, minerals and proteins.

So there you go, with so many choices, it isn’t very hard to switch to a vegan diet. And armed with these superfoods, you can be sure that you are making the right food choices!

(Pratibha Pal spent her childhood in idyllic places only fauji kids would have heard of. She grew up reading a variety of books that let her imagination wander and still hopes to come across the Magic Faraway Tree. When she's not rooting for eco-living or whipping up some DIY recipes to share with her readers, Pratibha is creating magic with social media. You can view her blog at www.pratsmusings.com or reach to her on Twitter at @myepica.)

(For more news on diets and nutrition, follow FIT.)