Last Updated on June 6, 2021 by husnain
The term “superfood” refers to foods that provide the most nutritious benefits for the least amount of calories. They contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. No standard nor legal definition classifies any food as a superfood at this time. Most superfoods, however, are plant-based.
When it comes to superfoods, you may quickly think of things like wheat grass and acai powder. In other words, the ‘more unusual products’ that you don’t buy on every street corner. But you will also find plenty of superfoods in the regular supermarket: products that promote health due to the large amount of vitamins and high nutritional value.
What is a superfood?
Superfoods are foods that are very nutritious. This means they provide adequate nutrition and very few calories. They contain a high amount of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Antioxidants are natural molecules that occur in certain foods. These help neutralize free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are a natural byproduct of energy production that causes disasters in the body.
You see them everywhere nowadays: superfoods. But what is the purpose of which superfood? And what are the most popular? You can read it here.
AÇAÍ
A dark purple berry from the Amazon region in Latin America.
Health claims:
Less chance of cardiovascular disease, healthy and smooth skin, plays a role in the prevention of cancer, controls cholesterol, strengthens the immune system, supports intestinal function, helps with slimming diets and has an anti-aging effect.
GOJI
Orange-red berry originally from Asia, but now also grown in Western Europe.
Health claims:
Strengthens resistance and provides energy, protects against skin aging and eye diseases, plays a role in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders, controls cholesterol.
MANGOSTAN
Purple-green fruit of the mangosteen tree in Southeast Asia. The fruits have a tough skin and inside are eight white segments of flesh with a lychee-like taste.
Health claims:
Protects our cells against oxidation, strengthens the natural resistance, has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels, supports the respiratory system, works anti-aging and plays a role in the prevention of cancer.
WHEATGRASS
Juice from young wheatgrass .
Health claims:
Natural energy booster, detoxifies and purifies, reduces cardiovascular disease, supports anemia, aids colitis, works anti-aging and plays a role in cancer prevention.
MICRO-ALGAE (CHLORELLA AND SPIRULINA)
Organisms that live in water and do photosynthesis, but are not part of the land plants.
Health claims:
Contain a lot of proteins and antioxidants, vitamin B12 (essential for growth and neurological functions), folic acid (important pregnancy), slows down cholesterol production, keep the skin healthy and support the production of red blood cells.
QUINOA
Seed of an annual plant growing at an altitude of more than 3,000 m. Has been a daily food item in the Andean region for over 5,000 years. With us this is the new ‘grain’ as an alternative to rice, couscous or pasta.
Health claims:
Good source of protein, reduces blood cholesterol, lowers blood pressure and plays a role in cancer prevention.
CHIA
Small, black gluten-free seeds from a biennial plant from South America . Contains a lot of fiber and can therefore absorb up to seven times their weight in water.
Health claims:
Provides a long-lasting feeling of satiety, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, supports the intestines, keeps blood sugar levels under control.
MACA
Root vegetable from the cruciferous family (just like broccoli and kale). Grows in Peru at an altitude of 4,000 m.
Health claims:
Helps with mental and physical performance, reduces stress, increases libido, improves fertility, reduces menopausal symptoms and plays a role in cancer prevention.
RAW CACAO
Powder of ‘ nibs ‘ (pieces) of cocoa beans from South America.
Health claims:
Packed with antioxidants, a great source of magnesium, relieves asthmatic complaints, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, works anti aging and plays a role in the prevention of cancer.
COCONUT WATER
Transparent liquid from the coconut (no milk).
Health claims:
Rich in organic salts and minerals and therefore a great effect on dehydration (eg after physical exertion).
Read more: Treat yourself to nutritious vegan ice cream
