Superfoods: What Are They and Are They Worth the Hype?
Superfoods: Separating Fact from Fiction
Once upon a time, the term "superfoods" adorned numerous food labels, enticing consumers with the promise of extraordinary health benefits. However, in 2007, the European Union Commission stepped in, deeming it an unfair term and promptly banning its use. The reasoning? It was simply unfair to label certain foods as "super" when, according to some, all foods are super, as long as they provide energy. But is it really that simple?
Wrong!
The reality is that not all foods are created equal when it comes to their nutritional density and health benefits. This is precisely why the term "superfoods" was replaced by a more precise and informative label: "nutrient-dense" foods. Unlike the vague and misleading notion of "superfoods," the concept of nutrient density focuses on the actual nutrient content of a food in relation to its calorie count. In other words, the more nutrients a food packs per calorie, the better it is for your health.
Let's dive deeper into this concept by examining why some foods earn the "nutrient-dense" label while others fall short.
Consider the humble chocolate bar. While it may be a delightful treat, it doesn't quite make the nutrient-dense cut. Here's why: not only does it contain minimal actual chocolate content (mostly cocoa butter and other end-products and waste from premium chocolate manufacturing), but it's also loaded with refined sugar. A typical 51-gram Mars bar, for instance, boasts a whopping 229 calories, 8.7 grams of fat, 4.2 grams of saturated fat, and a staggering 30.4 grams of sugar! Considered empty calories, these bars offer little to no nutritional value, but an instant wave of energy.
“The more nutrients a food packs per calorie, the better it is for your health.”
"Empty calories" like those found in ultra-processed and refined foods lack the essential nutrients our bodies need to thrive. Refined sugar and flour, stripped of their natural components during processing, offer nothing more than a rapid energy spike followed by a crash. These foods cannot rightfully be labelled as "superfoods" because they lack the vital nutrients necessary to support our health.
In contrast, nutrient-dense foods are powerhouses of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other health-supporting compounds. These foods contribute not only to our daily nutrient requirements but also to our overall well-being. To identify nutrient-dense foods, various ranking systems come into play:
The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) Score: This measurement assesses antioxidant content, helping us understand a food's ability to combat free radicals.
ANDI (Aggregate Nutrient Density Index): This system rates plant-based foods on a scale from 1 to 1000 based on their nutrient content, including vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. The higher the nutrient content per calorie, the higher the score.
The MANDI Point System: This system not only considers nutrient density but also incorporates portion control. It recommends consuming foods with a total of 100 points per day based on each food's nutrient density.
“Nutrient-dense foods are powerhouses of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other health-supporting compounds.”
To keep it simple, let's focus on the ORAC score. Spices like sumac and cloves top the list with impressive scores, with sumac leading at 312,400 and cloves at 290,283. Even blueberries, well-known for their antioxidant properties, score a relatively modest 2,359, while green tea barely exceeds 1,000. By adding these highly-ranked ingredients to your diet, you can significantly improve the nutritional value of your meals and enhance their flavours.
Incorporating nutrient-dense vegetables like brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, into your diet can maximise your intake of health-supporting nutrients. These veggies offer a wide array of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, antioxidants, dietary fibre, and enzymes crucial for digestion. The best part? You can enjoy the variety of these vegetables at every meal without getting bored.
For instance, let's take fennel, which scores 307 on the ORAC scale. While it may not top the charts, it's known for its beneficial impact on liver function. By adding a pinch of ground turmeric, nutmeg, black pepper, a dash of olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, pumpkin and chia seeds, and chopped red pepper, you transform fennel into a nutrient-dense salad bursting with an ideal ratio of macronutrients, micronutrients, fibre, and antioxidants.
Another strategy to maximise nutrient intake is to consume a rainbow of colours in your diet by incorporating a variety of raw or minimally processed vegetables and fruits. Forget the old "5-a-day" adage; aim for "10-a-day" to truly harness the benefits of nutrient-dense foods. Very often, one handful equates to one a day (e.g., 1 apple, 1 orange, 1 handful of chopped raw kale, 1 handful of sliced cucumber).
“Forget the old 5-a-day adage, aim for 10-a-day.”
But, DO NOT BE CONFUSED!
1 APPLE = 1-A-DAY
5 APPLES = 1-A-DAY
A varied, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables of as many colours as possible is thus the key.
Nutrient-dense foods offer a wealth of essential nutrients that can significantly impact your health and well-being. While the term "superfoods" may have been retired, the concept of nutrient density remains a valuable guide for making informed dietary choices. By incorporating these nutrient-dense foods into your daily meals, you can take a proactive approach to your health and enjoy a wide range of benefits.
Let's explore the world of superfoods, these nutritional powerhouses that offer a myriad of health benefits:
Understanding “Superfoods”
Superfoods are natural foods that are not only low in calories but also incredibly nutrient-dense. They are packed with powerful antioxidants, which play a vital role in protecting the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are known to support the immune system and play a key role in the resolution of inflammation. Studies have also linked antioxidants to cancer prevention and cardiovascular health.
The Ever-Evolving List of Superfoods:
It's important to note that there isn't a definitive, static list of nutrient-dense foods. Some fruits and vegetables boast exceptional concentrations of antioxidants, yet they may not have global recognition. For instance, goji berries and açaí berries have only gained worldwide popularity in recent years, despite being dietary staples in certain cultures for centuries.
Here are some noteworthy superfoods:
Açaí Berries: Native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, açaí berries are incredibly rich in antioxidants, containing ten times more than grapes. They also provide monounsaturated fats, dietary fibre, and phytosterols that promote cardiovascular and digestive health. Additionally, açaí berries offer essential amino acids and trace minerals, supporting muscle function and regeneration.
Artichokes: These vegetables are particularly rich in vitamin C, fibre, and potassium, especially when cooked.
Apples: A great source of soluble fibre called pectin, which can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Apples are also rich in vitamin C, contributing to cell protection and aiding iron absorption.
Barley Grass and Wheat Grass: Packed with essential phytochemicals, these grasses provide nutrients like beta-carotene, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and zinc. Barley grass, in particular, offers more calcium than cow's milk, more iron than spinach, and more vitamin C than oranges.
Beans: Especially kidney beans, rich in vitamins A, C, and D. They are also a source of folic acid, which may help prevent dementia. Beans serve as an excellent low-fat protein and dietary fibre source.
Bee Pollen: This “superfood” contains all the essential nutrients, amino acids, trace elements, and proteins needed for human health. It's particularly abundant in B vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene, selenium, beta carotene, vitamins A, C, D, K, and E, and various flavonoids. Bee pollen is believed to support immune functions and has been linked to allergy improvement and prostate health.
Blueberries: Ranked as the number one antioxidant fruit by the USDA, blueberries are also high in fibre. They have been associated with a strong immune system, improved short-term memory, and protection against neurological disorders, urinary tract infections, and vision problems.
Carrots and Orange Vegetables: These foods are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene helps neutralise free radicals and may slow the ageing process. Sweet potatoes, in particular, are a good source of fibre, vitamin B-6, and potassium.
Cabbages, Cauliflower, Broccoli, and Brussels Sprouts: These cruciferous vegetables are incredibly nutrient-dense and support liver and immune function. They provide vitamins A and C, as well as glutathione, which assists the body in fighting infections and offers various phytonutrients. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a multitude of health-supportive nutrients.
Cantaloupe* and Watermelon: Besides being hydrating, these fruits contain the powerful antioxidant glutathione, which studies show helps strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammatory liver disorders.
Chinese Cabbage and Swiss Chard*: These vegetables are rich in essential nutrients, which also help support the immune system.
Elderberry: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, elderberry extract is believed to act against flu viruses and aid in recovery.
Goji Berries: These berries contain more vitamin C than oranges and more beta-carotene than carrots. They are also rich in B vitamins and antioxidants, making them a valuable addition to the diet.
Garlic, Onions, and Leeks: These foods possess anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and antibiotic properties. They also contain flavonoids that stimulate the liver's production of the powerful antioxidant glutathione, aiding in toxin and carcinogen elimination.
Herbs: Often overlooked, herbs are low in calories but have been used for millennia as natural medicines. Their extraordinary properties continue to be uncovered by modern science. Parsley is extremely rich in vitamin C and the health benefits of coriander have been the subject of extensive research and is recommended to consume coriander daily, either fresh, ground or seeds.
Kale and Greens: These leafy greens are nutrient powerhouses, containing proteins, protective phytochemicals, and healthy bacteria. Kale, in particular, is hailed as the most nutrient-dense food globally, followed by collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, and watercress. But it also tops the list of the most polluted plants, and so, it should only be organic or Demeter-certified.
Mushrooms: With their antiviral and antibacterial properties, mushrooms are rich in selenium and antioxidants. They may reduce the severity of flu viruses and activate the function of immune cells.
Nuts and Seeds: These are excellent sources of healthy fats, fibre, protein, omega-3 and 6 oils, vitamin E, and minerals like copper, magnesium, folic acid, and potassium.
Olive Leaf Extract: Known for its antiseptic and astringent properties, olive leaf extract may lower fever and high blood pressure. It can be beneficial in treating conditions caused by viruses and bacteria.
Pomegranate: Studies suggest that pomegranate can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Pomegranate juice boasts the highest antioxidant capacity compared to other juices, red wine, and even green tea.
Quinoa: This plant seed has a nutritional profile similar to wholesome grains. It is rich in protein, fibre, iron, B vitamins, and minerals.
Pak Choi, Spinach, and Watercress: These greens contain essential nutrients, with folate being prominent. They support the immune system, promote new cell growth, and enhance cellular repair mechanisms.
Romaine Lettuce and Rocket Leaves: These greens are packed with nutrients and may offer immune support. They are also liver-friendly foods and help with the digestion of dietary fat.
Wild and Sockeye Salmon: As a reliable source of omega-3 fatty acids, wild salmon, along with mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring, can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Seaweed: The most nutritionally dense plant on Earth, seaweeds contain a wealth of nutrients, including calcium, and have a chemical composition closely resembling human blood plasma. They are known to regulate and purify the blood system. Some algae, like spirulina and chlorella, are also nutrient powerhouses and contain essential amino acids and a wealth of health-supporting compounds, many of which can aid the elimination of toxins, including heavy metals.
Tea: Rich in disease-fighting polyphenols and flavonoids, tea is an antioxidant powerhouse. It must be organic and pure! So, avoid tea bags and buy loose tea only. Tea bags are filled with the end-product of the manufacturing of premium teas, including stocks, soil, dust, and other contaminants accumulated during the drying process.
Fermented Soy and Soy Products: These foods offer various health benefits, including improved gut health and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Again, these must be organic and non-GMO. Also, ultra-processed tofu and similar soy products available in supermarkets and some health stores do not belong in this category.
Tomatoes and Red Peppers*: These foods are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant believed to lower the risk of heart attacks, prostate cancer, and other cancers.
Wheat Germ: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins (B vitamins), minerals (zinc), fibre, protein, and some healthy fat, it is recommended to consume wheat germ as fresh as possible. It should be a vibrant yellow. If it is brown or grey, its oil content is likely to be oxidised and a problem to your health.
To preserve the nutrients and antioxidants in these superfoods, it's crucial to use appropriate cooking methods. Avoid over-boiling vegetables and consume raw vegetables as often as possible.
A balanced diet that incorporates a variety of superfoods can lead to a healthier and more vibrant life. Remember that superfoods are most effective when part of a balanced diet and not as a standalone solution.
It's worth noting that while consuming copious amounts of carrot or pomegranate juice and starting your day with bowls of blueberries may seem like a healthy choice, the true benefits of these 'Superfoods' can only be fully realised when they are incorporated into a balanced and nutritious diet. Remember that the nutritional value of your overall diet plays a pivotal role in reaping the rewards of nutrient-dense foods.
* based on their ANDI score.
“Avoid over-boiling vegetables and consume raw vegetables as often as possible.”
Looking for a nutritious and wholesome dinner option?
How about a 'Superfood' dinner featuring pan-fried salmon fillet accompanied by sweet potatoes, steamed kale, and broad beans?
Complete your meal with a side of fresh watercress adorned with a sprinkle of mixed seeds and walnut pieces, all delicately drizzled with a touch of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and a vinaigrette infused with chopped parsley and coriander.
Here are some helpful tips for preparing this delicious dish:
Begin by marinating the salmon fillet — use the same recipe as for the vinaigrette but incorporate crushed garlic and a dash of pureed ginger. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 5 minutes or longer.
In a hot frying pan, place the salmon fillet skin-side down, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook it for approximately 5 minutes using just a quarter teaspoon of coconut oil. Then, transfer the pan to a preheated oven set to 200°C and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. The salmon should be tender and slightly pink in the centre with crispy skin (but not burnt).
As for the sweet potatoes, you have the option to roast them or mash them. Once cooked, season them and add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, along with finely chopped parsley.
To steam the kale, simply place the leaves in a pot with a small amount of water and a pinch of salt; this method allows the leaves to steam rather than boil. Keep the lid on until they are fully cooked.
Bon appétit!
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