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:
- Almonds – vitamin E, heart protective, fibre
- Avocados – vitamin E, lowers ‘bad’ HDL-cholesterol
- Basil (and green herbs) – antioxidants, nutrient-dense
- Broccoli – (and cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) fibre, nutrient-dense
- Chillies – antioxidants, beta-carotene
- Cinnamon – may assist in lowering blood sugar
- Hemp oil – source of GLA, fights degenerative disease
- Flax seeds – phyto-oestrogens may ease menopause symptoms, omega-3s, fibre
- Wheatgrass – chlorophyll, amino acids, phytonutrients
- Garlic – sulphur, mild cholesterol lowering, heart health, anti-bacterial
- Oats low – gluten, lowers LDL-cholesterol, fibre
- Soy – phytooestrogens, fibre, protein for vegetarians
- Spinach – vitamin C, folate, antioxidants (lutein and zeaxanthin), fibre
- Tomatoes – antioxidants (lycopene which can promote prostate health), vitamin C, fibre
- 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 processesâ€. 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!
I thought blueberries were supposed to be the best superfood?!