The term super foods is used to denote foods that may be naturally occurring or many made but that contain superior nutritional content compared to other traditionally available foods. In recent years there has been a massive demand for more natural products as confidence in genetically modified crops and meats has faltered due to negative press. Consumers want their foods to be wholesome, healthy and help to promote general well-being and fitness. These days manufacturers have to adhere to strict rules governing what goes into foods. The days of filling processed foods with artificial colors and flavorings which have dubious health benefits are long gone.
In this article I will provide a superfoods list containing some of the most common top super foods available today and I will explain the health benefits behind them. Ultimate superfoods need to have a few things in common. Usually the nutrition to calorie ration needs to be much higher than standard foods. For example one cup of spinach contains up to 1000% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin K. This kind of level is unheard of in most foods and is only generally available in either super foods or artificial health food supplements. Super foods have varying levels of vitamins, minerals and enzymes with each having a different desired effect on the body. Some vitamins are great for developing cells for example while others repair damage to the eyesight. It is important to eat a healthy balanced diet which contains a blend of regular and super foods. Eating too much of a particular super food may result in a vitamin overdose.
Some super food health claims are not backed up by scientific evidence. This does not mean the food is not good for you. The vast majority of super foods are entirely natural healthy products that man has been eating for many thousands of years. Any super food diet which consists of these fruits, vegetables, algae and grasses are inherently healthy in the correct doses and as part of a balanced diet including meat, fish, dairy produce and eggs can lead to healthy well-being.
Super healthy foods
Below is a list of super healthy foods which are enjoyed around the world for their health benefits and natural tastes. This superfoods list is by no means comprehensive but it does contain the most commonly purchased foods that are classed as ultimate superfoods.
- Apples – There are over 7500 varieties of apples that are grown for consumption around the world. Apples contain massive amounts of vitamins and minerals essential for healthy living. In fact one apple contains more than 25% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Apples contain pectin which is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and keeps cholesterol levels at bay. Apples also have a low glycaemic index (GI) level. Low GI level foods have been known to maintain blood sugar levels and help to fend off the onset of diabetes.
- Spinach – Spinach is high up the superfoods list because of its nutritional content. Spinach contains many vitamins, and minerals that are essential for a healthy body as well as some other components such as chlorophyll which itself has superb nutrient properties. Pound for pound, spinach is one of the most nutritionally packed foods on Earth. Just a small amount of spinach provides more than your daily recommended intake of vitamins A and K and also contains around 40% of your magnesium requirements. It also contains masses of calcium, protein and fiber. If eaten as part of a healthy balanced diet, spinach can provide a wealth of additional health benefits.
- Wheatgrass juice – Wheatgrass juice is made by squeezing all the liquid from young fresh green wheatgrass. The resultant drink is full of nutrients and vitamins. Wheatgrass is one of the new super foods which has proven very popular among health conscious Americans in recent years.
- Blue green algae – Blue green algae are naturally occurring plants which is harvested and dried into a powder form. This powder is mixed with water to provide a nutritional drink supplement. Such are the levels of nutrients contained in blue green algae, a human can survive solely on blue green algae for a long period of time, although of course we don’t recommend it!
Exotic superfoods consist of various fruits and berries which have been eaten for many thousands of years but are rarely seen in supermarkets in the Western world. Goji berries, quinoa, edamame and flax are just a few foods that have started to make an appearance on the health food scene over recent years. All are naturally occurring foods that are usually eaten as they come and rarely processed. Exotic super foods don’t always live up to their exotic name. Simple daffodils can be classed as a superfood as they contain enzymes that have very powerful detoxification properties. Who would have thought that a common weed could be so beneficial to humans! Likewise turmeric has been used as a spice for many thousands of years. It has been used to color and flavor foods around the world but only recently has it been discovered that extracts of turmeric can help relieve the central nervous system of ailments and may even play a part in curing cancer. While many of the more exotic super foods have been used in cuisine for a long, long time, who knows what the next food on this list will be? Maybe in the near future other more familial plants will be found to contain disease fighting compounds or life saving nutrients.
Organic superfoods can be any of the foods listed above or any of the other super foods available that have been grown using traditional organic methods. Organic farming means that no pesticides have been used in the growing of the foods and the end products are completely 100% natural. The difference in terms of health benefits between organic and non-organic foods is debatable. However some people have allergies that are associated with pesticides and some food additives so in these cases, organic foods are less likely to cause any unwanted symptoms.