What is Superfood?


"Superfood" is a term now generally used to describe foods high in phytonutrient[60] content that many people believe grants us many health benefits.

For example, blueberries are often considered a Superfood (or superfruit) because they contain significant amounts of antioxidants[6], anthocyanins[3], vitamin C[78], manganese[47] and dietary fibre[29a].

However, the term is not in general or common use amongst dieticians and nutritional scientists, many of whom still dispute the claims made that consuming particular foodstuffs can have a health benefit, even though more and more research is being conducted which demonstrate that there is indeed positive effects.

As more and more research is carried out into foods and the nutrients they contain, we are seeing that many of the foods we have been eating for generations, and some that are newer to us, are packed full of vitamins and minerals, and many other nutrients with promising health benefits.


The Most Common and Easily Accessible Superfoods


Do a search for "Superfoods" online and you'll find a number of different opinions as to how many Superfoods there actually are –anywhere from five to fifty.

I chose the foods below because they contain the required nutrients to be classified as a Superfood such as having high levels of crucial nutrients like antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C, manganese and dietary fibre, are low in calories and are easy to find.

Foods containing the nutrients mentioned above have been proven to help prevent and, in some cases, reverse the well-known effects of aging, including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers and more.

The following list is provided for your information and reference, however it must be remembered that everybody is unique and has individual nutritional needs.

I strongly recommend you see a practitioner before making any significant changes to your diet. As well, please see a qualified health care provider if you have any health issues. The health benefits listed below are not meant to replace treatment from a physician, but rather to accompany it.