“Superfoods for weight loss”, “Superfoods for a healthy diet”, “The best superfoods and power foods for winter” – such headlines that are increasingly populating our screens in recent times. Superfood has become a buzzword in the health industry, so much so that a new food item is crowned as a superfood almost on an almost weekly basis.
What is a superfood?
Oxford dictionary defines it as a nutrient-rich food that is considered especially beneficial for health and well-being. To put it simply, a superfood is a nutritional power plant, or as some say, a superhero of the plant world. Just how superheroes fight crime, superfoods are said to fight nutrient deficiencies.
But one primary difference is that superfoods don’t come wearing a cape or a mask. They don’t arise on their own whenever there is a deficiency, rather many of them can be found in your kitchen.
How can you identify a superfood?
Harvard School of Public Health stated in a report that there’s no scientifically based or regulated definition for a superfood, but generally, food is promoted to superfood status when:
- a) it offers high levels of desirable nutrients;
- b) is linked to the prevention of a disease;
- c) is believed to offer several simultaneous health benefits beyond its nutritional value.
The American Heart Association also states that there are no standard criteria or an approved list of superfoods. Even most dieticians refrain from using the term as it is seen as more of a marketing gimmick.
What is the craze all about?
We have become more aware of the need to focus on our health, most of us end up turning to the internet for healthy lifestyle tips instead of being observant about our everyday habits and making an informed choice about our actions. The superfood trend exploits the fact that with superfoods in your diet, you can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and transport to a healthy life.
Of course, healthy foods allow a balanced intake, the foods connected to your roots, your region and tradition, are the ones that can set you free from illnesses and also have a superhero quality. And most of these can be easily found just in your kitchen, in your backyard, and in your grandmother’s wisdom. So, start paying attention and find more information before blindly following a trend!
This article originally appeared in an issue of The Plus magazine.
