Image courtesy of Ambro
The term “superfood” gets used a lot by the media. A common definition is that a superfood is one which has high concentrations of essential nutrients with proven health benefits, with few properties generally considered to be negative. When something gets labelled as a superfood, most of us will automatically assume that it is extra healthy and we should eat more of it. For example, blueberries are regularly quoted as being a superfood as they contain high concentrations of antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, and fibre. They also contain a compound called pterostilbene which acts to protect the heart in the same way as cholesterol-lowering drugs, are low in calories and are most often organically grown. But there are many other nutrient rich foods just as readily available – some of which may be cheaper – so why is it that certain foods attract the superfood label?
The term “superfood” has no legal standing. It is a label used by the food industry and experts are concerned that term is confusing. One in ten people believe that superfoods can cure cancer while 61% of people surveyed by YouGov admitted purchasing, eating or drinking a specific food just because of it’s superfood label. And the marketing strategy is working. British blueberry sales have sky-rocketed in recent years. In 2011 farmers estimate that 350 tonnes will have been sold and this is set to rise to 1,200 tonnes over the next three years. I wonder how much of this growth can be attributed to its “superfood” label.
To their credit, the “superfoods” on our supermarket shelves are usually legitimate healthy foods. They tend to be berries, greens, fish and other natural products. But is there really a magical list of amazing foods that will save you from certain death? Probably not.
Eating a lot of one kind of food almost certainly won’t give you any health advantage. Our diets are usually made up of the same foods that we consistently eat over and over again; what we’re really lacking is nutrient diversity. And even if you make a real effort to eat healthily, make sure you don’t fall into the habit of eating the same meals week in week out. Visit your local farmers market every now and then for seasonal, local produce and try out lots of new recipes.
Each natural food contributes its own unique blend of nutrients. If you want to get the most from your diet, you’re much better off focusing on eating as wide a range of natural foods as possible rather than focusing on the top 10 foods some magazine says you should eat more of.
A few ‘super’ tips to bear in mind:
- No single food can ‘cure’ a condition (including weight loss or lowering blood sugar). Hwever, a healthy, balanced diet is the best means of prevention.
- Good, nutritious and wholesome food sells itself – it doesn’t need a shiny marketing label
- Don’t worry if you can’t afford the so called “superfoods”. Cheaper alternatives are usually just as nutritious. Try and follow a healthy, balanced diet and don’t worry about food ‘trends’.
