Did you know that the term Superfoods became popular in the early 20th century when a US company, the United Fruit Company used the term as a marketing strategy? They actively marketed the health benefits of bananas and suddenly bananas became the fruit to eat for optimum health. Since then, we have been introduced to so many superfoods. The more exotic, obscure and harder to find, the more superpowers it has. Or do they?
BY GREEN BUTCHERY | 20 OCTOBER 2021
There isn’t a scientific definition of a superfood. According to Oxford Languages, a superfood is a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. It’s generally accepted that they are packed with higher levels of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, as well as a rich source for antioxidants, enzymes and healthy fats as compared with ‘normal’ food.
Do we need all the extras?
More likely than not. Our bodies do a great job on their own repairing our tissues, cells, rid free radicals, fight diseases and infections. Most of the time, anyway – if we live in a zen-like, stress-free environment where there is no pressure to put our best foot forward. No free radicals, no colleagues, no bosses, no in-laws, no teens, no fats at the wrong places, and no chasing LIKES. Chances are, we don’t all live in that place. Our bodies will not always have all the macronutrients and micronutrients for them to perform at the optimum. Sometimes, we just want some superfood to help us along our quest for a healthier, fitter, sustainable, and plant-based lifestyle.
No single food type – no matter how super – will provide all that our bodies require. While a single type of food is not likely to make a huge difference on its own, there is no arguing that some grains, roots, fruits and vegetables offer more health benefits than others.
Here are some of our picks.
Acai Berries
- full of antioxidants
- rich in vitamin C. 3 times more than Blueberries
- healthy fats
- contains plant sterols, which prevent cholesterol from being absorbed by our body
- Boost Brain Function
Avocado
- Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.
- high fiber
- rich in potassium
- full of antioxidants
- source of vitamins C, E, K, and B6
- contains minerals riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid and magnesium,
Chia Seeds
- full of antioxidants
- High in Omega-3 fatty acid
- High-quality protein
- high fiber content
- regulate bowel movements
- stabilizing blood sugar levels
- help with weight management
- great for bones with calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus
Chickpeas
- high in fiber
- complete protein source
- contains minerals that help Stabilize blood sugar levels
- helps increase the number of healthy bacteria in the gut
Goji Berries (Wolfberries)
- full of antioxidants
- anti-inflammatory
- rich in vitamin A and C
- Beta-carotene
- Stabilizes blood sugar
Konnyaku/Konjac
- rich in calcium
- high soluble dietary fiber
- prevents constipation
- helps rid toxins
- low in calories
- cholesterol-free
Soy
- very good source of protein
- fiber-rich
- high in vitamin C
- source of folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus
- soy isoflavones may help reduce the growth of hormone-associated cancers.
Quinoa
- rich in complex carbohydrates
- contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
- good source of iron
- fiber-rich
- lysine, which promotes healthy tissue growth
- complete protein that contains all 9 amino acids
- gluten-free
Whichever the choice, just remember that too much of a good thing is not always a good thing. Everything in moderation is the best way to go. A variety of food and colours make our plate look super too.