Are Superfoods Really Super?

By

Citrus Pear

Superfoods seem to be all the buzz these days. Between supermarket magazines touting goji berries and influencers on Instagram pushing celery juice, is it really that necessary to add all these foods to our diets?

To really discuss superfoods, we need to first clear something up. The term superfood is a marketing term, not a scientific term. “Superfood” wasn’t even coined by people who study food, like dietitians or food scientists. It began as a marketing ploy to increase consumption of bananas around the time of WWI.

While these foods are often touted as being so high in nutrients they have amazing health benefits, there is no single food that contains all the nutrients our bodies need to thrive. Nutrition just isn’t a one-stop-shop. The surest way to ensure we are consuming the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients we need, is to focus on an overall healthy diet with a variety of nutritious foods.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, there are definitely some foods that are super healthy and worth adding or increasing in your diet. While celery juice doesn’t quite make the cut, here are a few other suggestions:

LEAFY GREENS

Kale has found itself on many “superfoods” lists and, while it is definitely full of nutrients, it isn’t the only leafy green that packs a nutritious punch. Any dark, leafy green, including spinach and collard greens, will contain a good amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and even calcium. Try adding these greens to your eggs or smoothie for breakfast, throwing some in a salad, or even mixing them into a pasta or soup.

BEANS

Beans might not be at the top of the trendy “superfood” list, but they are packed full of fiber and folate—two important nutrients in our diets. Beans are also affordable and easy to find, making them even more super! Including beans in soups and chilis, salads, and even as a side dish on taco Tuesday, can help keep you regular and help prevent heart disease, all while tasting delicious.

BERRIES

Berries are both super delicious and super healthy. Berries are high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Even when they aren’t in season, you can get all the same benefits by picking up a pack from your grocery store’s freezer section. Berries taste great in smoothies and cereals, add a sweet touch to salads, and can even make a delicious dessert.

WHOLE GRAINS

Whole grains really are the whole package. They contain a variety of B vitamins, as well as both soluble and insoluble fiber. With all that, it’s no wonder whole grains can help protect against diabetes and heart disease. Try switching to whole wheat bread, brown rice, or branch out by adding bulgur or quinoa. Popcorn, a whole grain, also makes a delicious and healthy snack!

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES

What is a cruciferous vegetable you might ask? Probably something you are already familiar with—broccoli, cauliflower, kale, radishes, turnips, brussels sprouts and cabbage, to name a few. Cruciferous vegetables are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and phytochemicals, which help protect against cancer. These vegetables can be prepared in a variety of ways, including steaming, roasting, sauteing, baking, and some of them even taste great raw.

Even with this list of healthy foods, it’s important to remember to focus on an overall healthy diet rather than relying on a single food to provide all your nutrients. Focusing on the big picture will be more beneficial for your health than any amount of acai berry alone will be.