Superfood Showdown: Round 3
Did you think, out of all of the incredible superfoods that started out in our showdown, we’d be down to romaine and chives? Round 2 was a bit of a toss-up thanks to some pretty unpredictable match-ups, but now we have the most nutritious of our superfood teams going head-to-head.
Which do you think will triumph – team romaine or team chives? Will team chives’ neuro boosting offense be enough? Or, will romaine’s strong defensive team of cardiac supporting vitamins give them a clear shot at victory? Let’s find out in the Superfood Showdown: Round 3!
Romaine
Clearly this leafy green has proven that not all lettuce is created equal. With its variety of textures and flavor, romaine packs a colossal amount of nutritional value. We may have mentioned some of team romaine’s star players before, but let’s review.
Romaine leads with high levels of vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and molybdenum. It also ranks incredibly well as a great source of dietary fiber, potassium, iron, biotin, and vitamins B and C. Overall, these vitamins and minerals keep your body in great shape. However, they really excel at keeping your heart healthy.
For instance, vitamin C and beta-carotene are a dream team when it comes to preventing the oxidation of cholesterol. Oxidized cholesterol can build up in your arteries and lead to large blockages, potentially causing a heart attack or stroke. Fiber adds another plus to the romaine’s heart-healthy effects by helping to break down and reduce high cholesterol levels.
Chives
Chives have become a fierce competitor throughout this showdown. Their surprising health benefits have created an unlikely winner up until this point.
When you look at the nutrient density of this root-based veggie, it’s clear that this typical garnish stores more benefits than you’d think. Just two tablespoons of chopped chives offer you up to 16% of your daily vitamin K value.
In case you weren’t aware, vitamin K is known for forming and strengthening bones, while also limiting neurological damage to the brain.
Vitamin A is definitely the MVP of this team. Chives store more than 145% of the daily recommended value per 100 grams – that’s more than any other allium. That, coupled with high levels of carotenes, protect you from certain cancers.
Superfood Champion Recipe
Round 3 is a natural rivalry, showcasing how both of these superfoods offer important health benefits. It’s difficult to call which one will win this final match-up.
Keep an eye on the Catholic Health Today blog next week for a recipe featuring our Superfood Showdown champion!
