Winter is fast approaching and with that comes the dreaded cold and flu season. In preparation, many Australians rely on traditional ways of strengthening their immunity, from orange juice to popping vitamin pills.
While these methods remain popular, more and more Aussies are discovering a group of superfoods whose powerful antibiotic properties trump other immunity boosters. With nutritional benefits that far surpass those of ‘popular’ superfoods like the blueberry, these fruits, herbs and seeds are rapidly becoming the go-to foods for combating common winter bugs.
And the best part? They are grown right here in our own backyard!
Australian superfoods have sustained Indigenous Australians for over 50,000 years as valuable sources of food and medicine. Finally, the rest of Australia is catching on, but what exactly have we been missing all these years?
The exceptional immune boosting properties of the following native foods have largely remained a secret up until now.
Kakadu Plum
Considered the gift of Dreamtime, this fruit is grown in the subtropical woodlands of the Northern Territory and has the highest recorded levels of Vitamin C of any fruit in the entire world! It’s also packed with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties making it the star performer of Australian Superfoods.
Riberry
Known as the ‘’medicine berry’’ among Indigenous communities, the Riberry provides essential vitamins and minerals to fight colds and maintain a strong and healthy immune system. This small red fruit contains three times the amount of folate than a blueberry and is high in manganese, calcium and anthocyanin.
Finger Lime
This delightful citrusy fruit is native to the northern coast of Australia and has been used by Indigenous Australians to fight disease for centuries. It is high in folate, potassium, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, all the key elements you need to face the winter with strength.
Davidson Plum
One of the strongest Australian superfood contenders, Davidson Plum is jam packed full of goodness, containing wonderfully high amounts of potassium, Vitamin E and zinc. It also acts as a fantastic dairy-free source of calcium! Popular for its use in jams and deserts, many early settlers overlooked the fruit’s antioxidant levels but the buzz is ever-increasing as Davidson Plum becomes a more familiar taste.
Quandong
Also known as ‘’wild peach’’, it contains twice the amount of Vitamin C as an orange and is also a great source of Vitamin E, folate, magnesium and calcium. The fruits kernels are also high in protein and complex oils. The fruit has also been turned into an anti-inflammatory paste due to its healing properties.
Wattleseed
A mainstay in the diet of Indigenous Australians for 40,000 years, Wattleseed could survive tough weather conditions and was historically used as a valuable source of protein and carbohydrate in times of drought. It is also high in potassium, calcium, iron and zinc.
Lemon Myrtle
This herb is one of the better known native superfoods and while traditionally used in various classic Australian dishes, it is rapidly becoming known for its ability to strengthen the immune system through its levels of nutrients and minerals. It boats the most concentrated source of plant citral which contains antifungal properties. Other star attributes include its high levels of calcium, lutein, antioxidants, folate, Vitamin A and E, zinc and magnesium.
So how easy is it to access these superfoods? Well now, thanks to a growing shift towards locally grown ingredients, these fruits and herbs are now easy to get your hands on.
The Australian Superfood Co. is spearheading this shift, aiming to raise awareness of the incredible immune boosting properties of our native bush food. Its range of food products, from granola to freeze dried fruits and herbs is sweeping the country, offering Aussies an alternative solution to get through this winter healthy and strong!
