[03/12, 10:23] Olajuwon Okubena: What Are Superfoods?
Hi, it’s Dr. Ryan Shelton…
You might have heard some foods described as “superfoods,” but what does this term really mean? In this article, we’ll look at where the concept of superfoods comes from, some popular examples, and their benefits.
What’s the definition of “superfood?”
[03/12, 10:24] Olajuwon Okubena: What’s the definition of “superfood?”
Although we tend to think of “superfood” as a modern word, it was first used by a fruit company in the early 20th century to promote bananas as a health food. Today, it is still used to market various foods.
Scientists don’t use “superfood” as an official term, and there isn’t a legal definition. But in general, a superfood is a food that contains high amounts of beneficial nutrients. The Oxford English Dictionary defines superfood as “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.”
[03/12, 10:25] Olajuwon Okubena: Examples of superfoods:
Foods that are widely considered superfoods include:
Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and collard greens
Fish, especially fatty fish such as tuna, trout, and herring
Nuts, including hazelnuts and walnuts
Yogurt that contains live cultures
Olive oil
Tomatoes
Legumes, including red beans, kidney beans, and soybeans
Berries, including blueberries and blackberries
Green tea
[03/12, 10:26] Olajuwon Okubena: What makes superfoods so great?
They neutralize free radicals
Free radicals are unstable atoms naturally produced in the body. They can cause damage to healthy cells and raise your risk of serious diseases, including stroke, arthritis, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. Superfoods contain substances called antioxidants which may potentially reverse or decrease the harmful effects of these molecules.
They tend to be low in calories
In general, if you eat more calories than you burn, you will gain weight. If you are trying to lose weight by reducing the number of calories you eat, try adding more superfoods to your meals and snacks. Many are diet-friendly; for example, a cup of blueberries contains just 83 calories.
They contain high levels of vitamins and minerals
For example, hazelnuts contain over one-quarter of your recommended daily intake of vitamin E, and a serving of spinach contains 34% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
[03/12, 10:26] Olajuwon Okubena: They contain high levels of vitamins and minerals
For example, hazelnuts contain over one-quarter of your recommended daily intake of vitamin E, and a serving of spinach contains 34% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
They are often high in fiber
Many vegetables, seeds, legumes, nuts, and whole grains are high in fiber, which is important for a healthy digestive system.
They often contain essential fatty acids
For example, salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart and brain health.
[03/12, 10:27] Olajuwon Okubena: Are superfoods overhyped?
Some people have pointed out that the concept of “superfoods” has been very useful to the food industry, which uses it to make their products more appealing. But there is plenty of scientific evidence in favor of superfoods. For example, studies have shown that green tea can help speed up weight loss in some people and may offer protection against heart disease.
Can superfoods make up for a poor diet?
Superfoods have many health benefits, but they aren’t a cure-all. Neither can they protect you against the effects of an unhealthy diet. For example, adding a couple of superfoods into your diet can’t compensate for excessive consumption of sugar and fat. For good health, you need to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and a moderate amount of unsaturated (“good”) fats.
To everlasting health,
Dr. Ryan Shelton
[03/12, 10:43] Olajuwon Okubena: https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2021/12/01/Saffron-supplement-marketer-dinged-for-wide-ranging-disease-claims?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=02-Dec-2021&cid=DM987287&bid=1784979239
