We all have heard the phrase “superfood” But what does it actually mean?
It turns out, not too much!
Superfoods are a relatively new concept. Even though there is no scientific evidence to support the concept, it has generally come to be believed that these foods have more nutritional value than other food items. Unfortunately, because the category of superfoods is unregulated this means anyone is able to use the label of superfood on their products, something which Andy Bellatti, a registered dietician, knows all about; “The field of nutrition is well-suited to these gimmicks because manufacturers know there are lots of people searching for silver bullets. “Superfood” as we understand as it is today a nebulous phrase. It’s code for “grown 15 miles from home in mountain ranges that are remote and then sold at premium prices.”
It is a mistake to believe that some foods have the ability to slow down the aging process, kill disease cells, or increase intelligence. But, certain foods may be more beneficial than others. Burgers will never be healthy. The balance and the variety are the key. Superfoods will never be able to prove themselves super even if they were consumed in enormous, almost impossible portions. garlic is one example. Garlic is a source of nutrient scientists believe can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol however to experience this benefit you would have to eat up to 28 cloves a day. Imagine how difficult and unpleasant that could be for you and anyone else within 10 feet. Although I do love garlic, is that really? Alison Hornby, a dietician and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association (BDA) confirms this claim, “No food, including those that are labeled as superfoods will compensate for eating unhealthy. The people who think they can “undo” the damage done by unhealthy food through eating superfoods could make more unhealthy choices and increase their chances of developing chronic illnesses. It’s better to not focus on a single food in relation to your health. Any unprocessed food of the major food groups can be described as “super” All these foods are useful in healthy diet.”
Let’s take a closer look at the superfoods which are being made popular to improve health.
ACAI BERRIES
These small, purple berries, also known as or ah-SIGHe are believed to assist in weight loss, combat the terrible signs and signs of the aging process as well as combat heart disease and cancer. Although they contain high levels of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, they have very little scientific evidence to back up the assertions. They’re typically sold in tablet form, as powder, or as an ingredient within smoothies or juices. They’re great for you, sure however, in our view, no better for you than any other fruit.
GOJI BERRIES
The popularity of these little red berries has soared beyond believe to the point that they’re now a regular sight on supermarket shelves. They are native to Tibet as well as Inner Mongolia, goji berries have been used for many years by Chinese herbalists to treat such ailments as poor circulation and to boost the immune system. However, as with acai the berries the benefits are yet to be proven by science. They do, however, contain large quantities of vitamin C that can be beneficial to the health of your skin and eyes. They also are rich in plant-based antioxidants , making it an excellent idea to incorporate them into your diet. They can be purchased as dried fruit, as powders, or as an blends, juices or smoothies. We love them dried, scattered over porridge or granola, or mixed with other nuts and fruit as snacks to help us get through the go-to, busy day.
CACAO
Cacao (or chocolate to you and I) is a source of flavonoids. These have been found to lower blood pressure as well as boost blood flow to the brain, heart as well as other organs that are vital to our health. Well, ok it’s not as nice as it may sound. As great as it would be to be given the go-ahead to eat your chocolate treat whenever and for as long as you like but it’s not the kind of chocolate we’re on about. Cacao that is the raw chocolate form with a strong taste, but isn’t as enjoyable to consume. It isn’t laced with sugar, fats, Sugar, or creamy milk added. It is very low in calories, and contains very little fat. If you’re a choco fan, you can add some cacao powder into a smoothie to get a smooth, creamy taste.
CHIA SEEDS
The Aztecs were said to have eaten chia to improve energy levels and endurance, and the same principle is employed today to sell these delicious tasting seeds. The Chia seeds originate from Mexico. They expand when in contact with water. This means that they can increase your appetite and help you avoid overeating. They are incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Our favorite is Chia Seed Porridge. It is so filling that we don’t even think about food until lunch. These tiny seeds are stuffed with omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and calcium and their slow energy release can help prevent blood sugar spikes.
MACA POWDER
Maca is a root veggie that is found in the Andes. It is known as an adaptogen by locals, meaning it can assist you in adapting and manage everyday stress. It has a rich, malty flavor that works particularly well in porridge. Again, health benefits remain unproven, however, advocates of maca powderbelieve it will increase endurance, energy levels and reduce stress. It may also act as an Aphrodisiac.
MATCHA
Matcha Powdered Green Tea leaf that comes from the green tea plant, can be found in high-street coffee shops and also on the shelves of supermarkets as well as health food stores. It is also being employed in the latest drink trends more often in high street shops. It is filled with antioxidants and also contains the stress-busting amino acid L-theanine, which is known as the stress busting amino acid. You can ask for matcha tea the next time that you’re in the mood for a cup of coffee.
SPIRULINA
With a name that sounds like a tropical disease, it’s not doing much to get our taste buds salivating and yet this marvellous plant is excellent for detoxifying and energising. having 300% more protein than meat or fish, it is an excellent source of protein for vegetarians as well as vegans. Spirulina is high in vitamins and minerals. It is great when mixed with water or juices .
You can also look for new superfoods at the local grocery store. They include:
- Camu Camu Camu Camu it has 50 times the amount of vitamin C as oranges which can boost the immune system and fight off colds.
- Lucuma It is an organic, low-GI sweetener that does not alter the blood sugar levels. It’s also loaded with minerals that will help to boost the vitality of your body.
- Moringa is a green leaf that is like spinach, that helps curb hunger and stimulates the metabolism.
- Maqui berries are fantastic for your heart health , and will lower bad cholesterol.
No matter what your opinion is on superfoods, there’s no doubt that eating natural, clean, and healthy is the most effective way to allow your body to develop and endure for as long as is possible. It is impossible for one food to be a superfood, as surely to be a superfood it implies that you could be healthy on only one food that’s not possible. A healthy eating plan should be based on the ‘ healthy eating’ plate that encourages eating the right amount of every food group in the right amounts. To answer the question of the title, superfoods may not be superfoods. But if you consume them as part of the context of a healthy, balanced diet, they’ll serve you well.
