Going Super with Superfoods - drinuM

Going Super With Superfoods 


“Superfoods” is a term which is becoming very popular nowadays, but in reality there is no exact scientific definition of a superfood. Superfoods are simply unadulterated, unprocessed foods in their natural state, which contain lots of nutrients and are part of a healthy diet. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains, in their purest form and with no additives, should be the staple of everyone’s daily diet. This is why the promotion of organic food and drinks is so strong nowadays - because many have realized how beneficial such farming system is to our general well being.

However, it has been ascertained that some foods do surpass the average in their health-giving properties. They’re higher in concentrated antioxidants, are detoxifying or have unique properties that other foods don’t have. Below is a list of superfoods together with the properties which they are claimed to have:

Blueberries – contain a flavinoid called anthocyanin, which is a very strong antioxidant.

Brazil nuts - they are the richest natural source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant, which may deter the development of cancer. One nut is enough to satisfy daily requirement for this essential mineral!

Cacao – high in magnesium and a rich antioxidant. It is also attributed to boost the mood.

Goji berries – contain 18 amino acids, beta-carotene, B vitamins, essential fatty acids. They help fortify the immune system. There are claims that Goji berries make you look younger and healthier and it is said that Madonna eats hundreds every week.

Pomegranates - rich in potassium, vitamin C (thus helping the immune system), polyphenols and vitamin B6, they possess potent anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, and consumption of pomegranate juice has been shown to lower blood pressure in hypersensitive people. It is said to stop the evolution of cancerous cells.

Prunes – another leader in antioxidants. They have the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) rating for dried fruit, which is a test that measures the ability of foods to quench oxygen free radicals.

Pumpkin Seeds – an excellent source of zinc and essential fatty acids.

Sesame seeds – excellent antioxidant and a source of important fatty acids Omega 3 and 9.

Sunflower seeds – a rich antioxidant also rich in magnesium and vitamin E.

Yacon root – is a prebiotic and good for indigestion. Very rich in minerals and calcium.

Soya is also a superfood. However, since there is so much information about it, I will write a full article about it in the future.

This is just a small selection of some of the foods that really pack a punch in the daily health stakes. Try to introduce some of these foods into a healthy diet, with the addition of exercise, lots of water and a decent amount of sleep, and you will be rewarded with higher energy levels, better skin and the contraction of less nasties, like colds and flu!

Nowadays, these superfoods are available in most supermarkets and health shops. You can find them in breakfast muesli packets, as juices, as snacks to nibble on and as infusion teas. However, following EU legislation, introduced in July 2007 (to be implemented within 2 years) with the aim of preventing unsubstantiated health claims being made on foods, terms such as 'superfood' will have to be backed by evidence explaining why the food is healthy. 

This article was compiled from information provided on the following websites:

www.alara.co.uk 

www.superfoodsrx.com