Are superfoods super healthy or super fad?

Everything that sounds fancy is not necessarily good for our health. Lately, the word “Superfoods” has probably caught your fancy. So, what are Superfoods? Why do we call them superfoods? Although there is no scientific definition, according to the dictionary, the definition of a superfood is “a food believed to be exceptionally beneficial to human health and to strengthen the immune system due to its naturally high content of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, or omega-3. fatty acids”. Therefore, superfoods offer a dense concentration of nutrients in small amounts of food.

Are superfoods a fad?

Superfoods are mostly plant-based, and the large amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they contain can prevent many chronic diseases, autoimmune diseases, prevent inflammation, and provide tremendous health benefits. It can be taken by everyone, including children. However, there is no specific list of superfoods yet, it includes a wide variety of products and new additions are made to the list from time to time. Although superfoods are invented by marketers, since they are all natural and included only as a supplement to our daily balanced diet, they cannot be considered a fad. But always and as in everything else, superfoods should be consumed in moderation. Anything that is healthy can work against our body when taken in large amounts. Don’t abuse any one type of superfood. It’s good to use a variety for maximum benefit while getting a wide range of vitamins and minerals. It would be ideal to consult with a nutritionist or trainer before trying any new superfood you come across.

What are the best?

• Nuts and seeds eg almonds, walnuts, pistachios, flax seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, watermelon seeds, etc. provide protein, fiber and unsaturated fats
• Swan: this is an ancient grain, a very good alternative to animal protein, especially for vegetarians, and a good source of iron, zinc, vitamin E and selenium
• Avocado: are a rich source of monounsaturated fats (good fats) with 20 different vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients. They can be made as a healthy sandwich spread instead of mayonnaise.
• Olives and extra virgin olive oilcomment : Olives and olive oil have a very high content of vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants. They are also rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which can protect our heart, prevent cancer and osteoporosis
• MoringaComment : Moringa leaves are rich in antioxidants and iron. In addition, they have 15 times more potassium than bananas and 7 times more vitamin C than oranges! They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, protect cells from damage and strengthen immunity.
• Dark leafy greens: spinach, amaranth, beet greens, dill, fenugreek, cabbage, mustard, etc. are excellent sources of minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, and zinc. They are also rich in vitamins A, C, K and folate with lots of fiber
• Broccolicomment : With a high content of calcium and collagen, broccoli helps strengthen bones.
• Seafood, especially salmoncomment : provides omega-3 fatty acids
• Berries: All types of berries, including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, are rich in antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals.
• Beans and legumes: rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, including B vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium.

How to choose superfoods?

If you look at the list of superfoods, most of them are minimally processed and plant-based. With this in mind, make sure you avoid foods that are processed and marketed as superfoods. It’s best to look at the food label before you buy and read the nutrition facts on the label for ingredients such as sugar, sodium and other chemicals that may do more harm than good. Choose things that are natural and least processed, but remember, simply adding superfoods to your diet won’t make you healthy. Eating them in the right amount, eating a balanced diet, exercising properly and living a healthy lifestyle are equally important.

Some superfoods may not be suitable for everyone due to allergies, such as nuts or seeds. People with acute or chronic medical conditions should consult their nutritionist before trying any new food. Healthy people can always include a superfood or two daily to enjoy optimal health!