If the idea of a superfood is strange to you, you’re certainly not alone. The terminology can be confusing and potentially dangerous if you don’t understand it. So let’s take a closer look at what it actually means.
Superfood is a fun way of saying “something really nutritious.” They tend to feature a number of valuable compounds that promote health in one way or another, and often in multiple ways. Berries and salmon, for example, are both superfoods.
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When you’re reading about a Mediterranean diet, or healthy way of eating, however, they barely seem to get recognition. The rules are generally to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins and the occasional whole grain, while limiting or eliminating processed or refined foods.
Superfoods, therefore, may take on somewhat of a mythical status for their powers. But eating a serving or three of superfoods won’t necessarily offer much benefit in the context of a generally unhealthy diet.
But when your overall diet is healthy and you’re making a conscious effort to include more fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed foods, superfoods may offer an added nutritional punch.
Foods like berries, fish, leafy greens, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, and more can all help. As you can see, these foods are easily accessible and terribly non-nexotic-not always fitting the modern definition of a superfood.
But they are all extremely nutrient dense and rich in antioxidants that can limit inflammation, cholesterol, and metabolic troubles. They can also reduce the risk of heart attacks, high blood pressure, eye disease and other chronic illnesses.
Eating more healthy food, more often, is the best way to reduce the risk of age-related disease. A healthy diet will inevitably lead to greater superfood consumption and the potential of a host of the often-heralded benefits. On the other hand, eating a superfood or two per day as toppings for your pizza or ice cream won’t do much, if anything, for you.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
