Superfoods – Do they really exist?

 

 

Food products which are nutritionally dense in the number of nutrients and vitamins required by the body are usually categorized as ‘Superfoods’. There is no specific definition for superfood and food industry uses it to for their profit purposes. Several foods have been tagged as superfoods, having no basic criteria or standardization for such a classification. Dieticians have declared this term as a marketing technique used by the industry and others to attract consumers to opt for a specific kind of food or food product. No food group like ‘superfood’ actually exists.

Some of the so-called superfoods have been listed below along with the benefits they provide to our body:

Berries ( blueberry, strawberry, cranberry and others)

Apart from being colorful and delicious berries, in general, are rich in vitamins, soluble fibers, and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals improve vision, decrease platelet aggregation and have neuroprotective effects. Berries provide least calories as compared to other nutrients which they provide. Blueberry tops this list, providing as much vitamin C as a cup of orange juice.

 

Spinach

It is a source of vitamin K and C, folate and other minerals. It is a good source of dietary fiber. Vitamin K is a major component which helps in clotting of blood. Further spinach enhances the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.

 

Brown rice

It is rich in manganese which helps the body to synthesize fats. Brown rice regularizes bowel function, promoting better metabolism and weight loss. It plays an important role in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Brown Rice is nothing but the raw form of rice which it is actually obtained from nature. The white rice used extensively these days is processed (polished) form of this brown rice, which reduces its nutrient value.

Lentil

Lentils are an important source of protein for the people on plant based diet. It provides a type of B vitamin that protects the woman’s unborn baby from neural tube defects. It also lowers cholesterol and stabilizes blood sugar level. Lentils being rich in dietary fiber still provide low calories and almost no fat. Thus, help weight loss.

 

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are a treat in winters. They are rich in vitamin A, which improves vision and enhances immunity. They decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart diseases among others. It promotes a healthy complexion and increases energy.

 

Apples

As the saying goes “ An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, here are the reasons why.! Apples contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of lung cancer. Further apples lower cholesterol, maintain bone health, promote weight loss.

 

Bell peppers

Available in a number of colors, bell peppers add variety to the plate as numerous recipes can be made from them. They can be baked, roasted or just sautéed. They are rich in antioxidants which help fight cancer, cataract and asthma. They reduce inflammations and heart diseases. They are also rich in vitamins B,C,E and K.

 

Cherries

The easiest way to finish a dessert is to top it with a cherry! It seems to be more of use once you know the benefits of it. Cherries are rich in melatonin which has shown to delay the aging process. The red color of cherries is due to an amino acid- anthocyanin which protects the body from effects of UV rays and nitrogen. Cherries also help to get a good night’s sleep.

 

The list is endless, further including kiwi fruit, broccoli, coconut, baked potato, egg, grapes, beets etc. Varieties of foods are available in the market. One should not restrict their food choices by getting influenced by such coined terms. One needs to be wise while selecting food items as each food group has a specific role to play. The key to a healthy diet is to consume a variety of nutritious foods in right quantity and proportions.

Love,

 Proofread and Edited By Samara Vivian