Superfoods – Which Foods are Super?

This article from the Times2: When foods become super is both interesting and true. It does seem that everywhere I turn I am being told about the latest superfood that I should be eating a lot more of.

My current and recent top 20 superfoods include:

1. Almonds – vitamin E, heart protective, fibre
2. Avocados – vitamin E, lowers ‘bad’ HDL-cholesterol
3. Basil (and green herbs) – antioxidants, nutrient-dense
4. Broccoli – (and cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) fibre, nutrient-dense
5. Chillies – antioxidants, beta-carotene
6. Cinnamon – may assist in lowering blood sugar
7. Hemp oil – source of GLA, fights degenerative disease
8. Flax seeds – phyto-oestrogens may ease menopause symptoms, omega-3s, fibre
9. Wheatgrass – chlorophyll, amino acids, phytonutrients
10. Garlic – sulphur, mild cholesterol lowering, heart health, anti-bacterial
11. Oats low – gluten, lowers LDL-cholesterol, fibre
12. Soy – phytooestrogens, fibre, protein for vegetarians
13. Spinach – vitamin C, folate, antioxidants (lutein and zeaxanthin), fibre
14. Tomatoes – antioxidants (lycopene which can promote prostate health), vitamin C, fibre
15. Wheatgerm – B vitamins, vitamin E, choline, nutrient-dense

However, with all of this it is important not to get carried away with any one type of food or expect miracles. As the Times nutritionalist points out:

“a true superfood provides the most concentrated, usable form of nourishment to cells which govern our immune systems, our hormones, our weight and our ageing processes”. But she stresses that: “It is important not to rely on a single superfood and expect it to achieve wonders. Many can only be eaten or taken in small quantities. They can provide extra help, but the most important tactic is to maintain a varied and healthy diet. “

Good advice, and a good read!

Note: This blog is only my opinion. It is not medical advice or diagnosis. Only opinions based upon our own personal experiences or information detailed in medical/academic journals or other publications is cited. WE DO NOT OFFER MEDICAL ADVICE or prescribe any treatments. Please consult with a medical professional before making any diet or nutrition changes. Refer to our full disclaimer for more information.