As a nutrition coach one of the questions I get asked an awful lot has to do with superfoods. If you’ve ever visited a website (literally any website), you may have seen an ad or a flashing banner promoting one superfood or the other. So what is it that makes a superfood, super? And what are the facts about superfoods that you need to know before introducing one of them into your diet? So without further ado, here is the ultimate fact v/s fiction about superfoods.

What makes a food a superfood?

All foods have certain nutritional value. Superfoods have stockpiles of the good stuffs, minerals, vitamins, catechins, trace elements and others in a greater proportion in comparison to others. For instance blueberries, strawberries, kiwi and whole grains are considered to be superfoods, simply because they are chock full of antioxidants and vitamins that help ward off issues like ageing, stress and keep you healthy

Fact: Superfoods exist

As stated earlier, superfoods are the real deal, some of them include plant based and still others can be root or even animal based. Superfoods all have one thing in common, they are fantastic for you, in the sense that they will help build up your store of antioxidants, help you feel energetic, keep your skin glowing and also delay the ageing process.

Myth: Superfoods can work in isolation

That’s a rather myopic and one sided view of superfood. That’s like ordering 10 greasy hamburgers and a DIET soda to balance the fat! Superfoods will be as ineffective as regular food, if you over-consume them, consume them in isolation, or do not effectively alter your lifestyle. They are superfoods, not divine blessings!

Fact: Superfoods like berries can help prevent many diseases

Superfoods help boost the immunity by exposing your system to the goodness of vitamins and minerals that really help in the healing process and in rejuvenating you. Combined with regular exercise, moderation of unhealthy habits and conscientious food choices, superfoods are made even more potent in adding a new dimension to your health.

Myth: Superfoods are only vegan or plant based

Non vegetarians rejoice! Superfoods don’t just include vegan or plant based options. Instead certain types of fish like sardines, salmon, cod and fatty fishes contain Omega 3 which is excellent for heart health and actually help in lowering harmful triglycerides and low density lipoproteins (LDL)

Interesting facts about Superfoods

Berries: Rich in soluble fibre, phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals, berries of all kinds like blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are amongst the most powerful superfoods. These elements according to many medical journals has been known to lower the risk of heart disease in women.

Whole Grains: Whole grains are high in fibre and can have an amazing effect on your digestion. That is why rotis made from WHOLE wheat flour are recommended. They additionally have a lower glycemic index and are thus excellent for diabetics as well.

Nuts and Seeds: High in fatty acids and minerals. Great for the heart’s overall health and amazing for your skin too.

So there you have it, superfoods indeed do exist and are fantastic for you. Incorporating them even in a tiny way to begin with will yield excellent results for you.