In general, Africa is considered as a land of hungry and malnourished people. But, the fact is completely different! Africa is a rich country with a variety of ecosystems.

This land of diversity has a good number of Superfoods, which are high in nutritional value. With more and more people now looking for healthy diet options, these Superfoods are going to find a better place on your platter.

It offers the ethnic flavor and taste of the land while fulfilling the nutrition needs of the people. Some of the top Superfoods that you will find in the region are mentioned below:

1: Baobab Fruit

If you are in Africa’s Savannahs, then finding a Baobab fruit is not a big deal. This sugar-free common fruit has now become the source of nourishment both for humans as well as to other living things of the land.

The fruit is first soaked in water and then its pulp is taken out. It is dried and then used as food.

The fruit is full of antioxidants and rich in magnesium, potassium, fiber and iron content which simply makes it a must-have a constituent of the diet.

Baobab Fruit

2: Hibiscus

Hibiscus flower petals are dried and then they are brewed as hibiscus tea.

Such a tea is called as Karkady in Arabic and is one of the important healthy drinks, especially during the wedding celebrations of Sudan and Egypt.

The tea is a good source of vitamin C and minerals and works as an effective antioxidant.

Hibiscus

3: Teff

Teff is a powerhouse of nutrients and is high in calcium content compared to any other grains. The amount of calcium you will get from the grain is just the same as the amount you will find in a cup of spinach.

Moreover, you will also find a high iron and protein content in it.

teff

4: Fonio

Fonio which are grown in West African Sahel is one of the most popular superfoods of Africa. The grain is rich in amino acids and can be easily grown in semi-arid regions. Lately, the grain has been used in porridges, stews, and salads.

5: Tamarind

The pulp of tamarind is used to make juices and sauces and it has enough fiber content that the body needs to sustain. It is very effective against dehydration and is a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

tamarind

6: Moringa

This Superfood is high in nutrient content and every part of the tree is edible right from bark, leaves, seeds, nuts, etc.

The leaves are either consumed fresh or dried and grounded into powder and then used. If you take a gram of dried moringa leaves and compare, you will realize that it is high in nutrient values.

It has 4 times more calcium compared to milk, twice protein compared to yogurt, 25 times more iron than spinach and 7 times more vitamin C compared to oranges.

moringa

7: Pumpkin Leaves

Pumpkin leaves are a very common Superfood found in Africa and people consume it in fresh or dried form. You can have it as stews, or simply saute it with little olive oil.

The nutrient-rich leaves contain B-vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron and potassium. The best thing about the tree is that it is full of leaves even during the dry season.

pumpkin-leaves

Superfoods are high in nutrient contents and by including them in your diet, you will be able to stay healthy and live longer.

Author Bio:

Kevin Jones is a fitness and a healthy diet addict who blogs at The Diet Suggestions. He likes Nutrisystem diet plans because it delivers portion-control food to your home with a percentage of Nutrisystem coupon codes and deals listed here. In its 150+ menu choices, nuts and fish have a prominent place.