The Right Approach to Superfoods

Superfoods term first hit the headlines in 1991, following a “60 Minutes” show
that highlighted the hypothesis of Dr Renaud. He claimed to have found
essential links between the voracious French appetite for red wine, and
the lower levels of cardiac disease found throughout France in comparison to other countries.


Although the French nation consume high levels of fat from animal
sources as part of their daily diet, Renaud believed that the powerful
antioxidants found in grape skins had a significantly positive impact on
the health of those who consumed ‘moderate’ levels of red wine. The
hypothesis was labelled as “The French Paradox” by Renaud, and
ongoing studies have revealed an extensive list of superfoods that
contain similar health benefits to those found in grapes.
Much has been made about this discovery including an emphasis on red
superfoods, but green superfoods, such as wheat grass and green-leaf
vegetables, are amongst the healthiest of all. Raw vegetables have high
chlorophyll content, are packed with easily digestible proteins and
include a wider range of essential minerals and vitamins. These easy-tosource
superfoods transfuse blood effectively, serve as a stimulant to
the brain and benefit your immune system. Spinach, broccoli and
watercress are all essential green vegetables, and the cultivation of
different algae to produce superfoods with highly concentrated levels of
phytonutrients has become more popular in modern times.


Fish has been recognised as one of our leading superfoods for many
years and as well as lowering the potential for heart-related illnesses; it
also reduces the risk of arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease. Wild herring,
salmon and sardines are rich in essential Omega-3 oils and scientific
evidence shows fish to be one of several superfoods that can improve
symptoms of depression. Walnuts and fortified eggs are also high in
Omega-3 content.


Leading doctors and nutritionists recognise blueberries as one of the
most important superfoods of all. As well as being an essential source of
vitamin C and potassium, blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants
and phytoflavinoids. Fruit superfoods combat inflammation, and are a
significant contributor to most major chronic diseases, in addition,
blueberries dramatically lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. It is
important to note that the darker a blueberry is, the more antioxidants it
is likely to contain, and this is true of most fruits and vegetables that are
classified as superfoods.


Soy, fibres, tea and calcium-enriched superfoods such as dairy products
all have significant phytonutrient content that promotes improved
physical well-being and mental health, but a final word should be saved
for those with a weakness for food items that have been traditionally
recognised as being unhealthy in the past. New research has shown
dark chocolate (with a cocoa content of 60% or more) to be packed with
beneficial antioxidants, thus making it one of the most enjoyable and
popular superfoods of all.