What Is a Superfood?
Super, nutrient rich, healing foods have been consumed for centuries for their health benefits. As research confirms the power of these "superfoods," people worldwide are reaping their benefits. Scientists are continuing to uncover the mechanisms through which foods provide healing powers, offering medical professionals the ability to incorporate them as part of their treatment for those suffering from major illnesses. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America currently include super foods as part of their treatment regimen.
Other People Are Reading
-
Foods
-
According to the International Food Information Council and Healthy Eating Made Easy, the fruits and vegetables classified as superfoods provide high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals (compounds that offer protection against disease). Turkey is another food source meeting the prerequisite for "superfood" classification because it is low in fat and calories. Salmon qualifies for the list because it contains polyunsaturated fat, beneficial for preserving heart health.
In its list of the 10 healthiest foods and the health benefits derived from eating them, Healthy Eating Made Easy includes berries, oranges and grapefruit. Spinach makes the list because it contains chemical components for improving eye health. The potent antioxidants in tomatoes are stated to give them the ability to prevent some cancers.
Significance
-
Superfoods have the ability to prevent, halt, reverse or cure illness, assist in weight control and slow aging. A study done by Rui Hai Liu, Department of Food Science, Cornell University, as reported by The Journal of Nutrition, states that diets high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains reduce the possibility of getting cancer and heart disease. It also states that approximately one third of all cancer fatalities could be eliminated through dietary changes.
-
Benefits
-
Cancer Treatment Centers of America cites the benefits contained in six categories of superfoods. They credit apples, apricots, citrus fruit, fish and green tea with the ability to retard the growth of tumors. Vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, are said to contain the organic compound indole enabling the body to produce more of the enzymes that offer protection against cancer. Yogurt, another superfood offering health benefits, is proven to slow the progress of tumors in the digestive tract and support the immune system in the destruction of active tumors.
Potential
-
There are between 10 to 20 superfoods. With their ability to protect against illness and slow aging, including superfoods as part of a regular diet offers the promise of a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Misconceptions
-
Nutrition experts Walter Willett of the Harvard School of Public Health, Jeffrey Blumberg, a nutrition professor at Tufts University in Boston and Colleen Doyle, the director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society offered opinions to USA Today on superfoods. The experts agree that claims about superfoods can be misleading. Theory is often intermingled with the positive results of research to give the impression that verified facts are being presented. The nutrition experts also voice concern that people will assume superfoods can serve as a sole source of nourishment, at the expense of other essential nutrients.
-
