Real Estate News: Elena Serfin

5 Superfood Substitutes Which Won't Break the Bank

5 Superfood Substitutes Which Won't Break the Bank

Tips &Tricks

'Superfood' is a buzz term that has been used constantly over the last few years by dieters, grocery marketers and health professionals alike. Any foodstuff labelled as a superfood has been subject to a stampede of health-conscious shoppers, and marketers have bought into the craze.

Superfoods have been marketed as being far more nutritious than standard foodstuffs as well as reducing the risk of every ailment, from high blood pressure to cancer and heart disease.

However these superfoods come at a cost - literally. Superfoods are - almost without exception - far more expensive than any other food on the same supermarket shelf, and are out of the price range of the average consumer.

While there are undoubtedly health benefits to eating these superfoods, studies have found that in many cases there are cheaper alternatives on the supermarket shelves that will offer a similar boost, without draining your wallet. Here are five affordable superfood alternatives:

Spinach

Popeye may have had the right idea after all; spinach has been found to contain many of the same nutrients found in Goji berries, one of the more expensive superfoods. Spinach and Goji berries both contain plenty of Vitamin C and can provide a much-needed boost to the immune system.

Kiwi Fruit

Antioxidants found in blueberries have been found to help prevent damage to cell DNA, which can in turn reduce the risk of developing cancer. Studies have found that the cheaper alternative kiwi fruit can have the same effect, while potassium in kiwi fruit can also help to prevent heart disease.

Broccoli

Broccoli is full of vitamins A, C and E, as well as being loaded with iron, chlorophyll and calcium. Most of these are marketed as being the benefits of eating the superfood wheat grass, however Broccoli will do the same job at only a fraction of the cost. Broccoli will also count towards your five a day.

Sardines

Sardines offer many of the same benefits found in salmon - such as omega 3 fatty acids to help reduce cholesterol - and are affordable for the average shopper. Sardines are also high in protein and do not contain as many toxins as other fish.

Cooking Oil

Grapeseed oil has been embraced by several TV chefs and is a much cheaper alternative to coconut oil, which has been promoted as a superfood despite having high levels of saturated fat.