While superfoods have been a bit of a buzzword in the Twenty First century the term in fact has
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been around for nearly 100 years. But the whole concept of superfoods is fraught with difficulty with nutritionists on both sides of the argument.
While, it seems, there is not legal definition of superfood the terms is , typically, used to denote a food which has a high nutrient value which in turn provides benefits to health.
In UK’s The Observer of Sunday 13 May 2007 Amelia Hill wrote an interesting article critical of superfoods called “Forget superfoods, you can’t beat an apple a day” which can be read at http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/may/13/health.healthandwellbeing1. On the other hand Sarah Berry wrote on article in the Sydney morning Herald which suggests there are benefits from superfoods. Please go to http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/food-with-benefits-20120413-1wyk3.html to read her article “Food with benefits”.
Today we are highlighting a number of different foods which have been described as superfoods. But whatever the benefits they taste delicious so we have called them gourmet superfoods. Our top ten, in no particular order are:-
1) Salmon. High in Omega3 oils mean that it is a great “brain food”. Scientists suggest it can help prevent heart diseases and the onset of dementia.
2) Blueberries. Perhaps the most renowned of superfoods as well as high in Vitamin C it is also a great stress buster. For more information go to our page on stress https://patienttalk.org/?p=229.
3) Black beans. With no saturated fat and lots of protein they can help with weight loss.
4) Avocadoes have over 25 different nutrients including Vitamins A, B, C and K many of which help to keep your heart healthy.
5) Sea Kelp. This delicious vegetable is incredibly high in calcium and can help prevent osteoporosis.
6) Kale. This wonderful leafy green vegetable is very high in iron so great for keeping your liver in tip top form.
7) Broccoli could well play an important role in the control of high blood pressure as well as being a great source of vitamins such as folic acid.
8) Olive oil. Consumed in moderation olive oil can lower your risk of heart disease.
9) Brazil Nuts contain high levels of selenium. This it has been suggested is great for prevention of anaemia.
10) Spirulina. High in Vitamin K it has been suggested that this supplement has reduced the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes in later life.
What next?
Well over to you. Have you ever used superfoods? For what reason and how beneficial do you feel they have been for your health? Or do you take the other view that it is better to concentrate on a wide variety of different foods for maximum health? Whatever your views please feel free to use the comments boxes below to have your say!