Are ‘superfoods’ really that super for you?
Hippocrates said “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
Whole, natural food has incredibly powerful properties and contributions that scientists have yet to discover. Vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and types of fiber are just the tip of the iceberg of benefits in whole foods.
But recently, the so-called “superfoods” label has landed on products or food made with the acai berry, noni juice, dark chocolate, walnuts, avocados, tart cherry juice, and the list goes on in grocery stores, marketing ads and health food stores across the nation.
Most of these natural foods are certainly full of positive and beneficial nutrients, which in moderation, can contribute to a healthy diet, but biting into all the hype can sometimes leave you waiting and wondering.
Let’s take a look at some foods that have been deemed “magic bullets” and get to the quick and dirty on each, how they can help, why, and what the evidence says.
Probiotics — The “good bacteria” found in yogurt and certain fermented products may not only help with digestion and our GI tract, it may also decrease cell damage after exercise.
Think of probiotics as a possible two for one and include it in your diet.
Tart-cherry juice — Recent research has touted the power of as little as an ounce of tart cherry juice before a run or workout to ease muscle soreness, reduce muscle tissue damage and ease joint pain.
The research is fairly new, but seems consistent and promising.
The power of supplement consumption versus actual juice is up for question, but stay tuned for more information.
Read up on how much for how long and try it for yourself if it applies to your body’s needs.
Omega-3 — Reduction of inflammation, decrease in soreness of joints and muscles has been associated with Omega-3 fatty acids for many years now.
The latest research has linked Omega-3 fatty acids to increased mental clarity, reduced cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risks, and many more benefits. Not a big fish eater? It’s OK to take a supplement and for vegetarians there are sources not from fish. Do your homework and get Omega-3 in your daily diet. It is pretty super.
Nuts — Research on walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pistachios, cashews and pecans has blown up in the last five to 10 years, and the findings are consistent and encouraging. A handful of any variety of these nuts on a regular basis has been linked to lower cholesterol, promoting heart health, better blood glucose control in people with diabetes, and many other feats equivalent to that of a regular sized superhero.
The good fat, (mostly unsaturated fat, namely mono- and polyunsaturated fat) protein, and vitamins and minerals make these tiny powerhouses in a nutshell.
Stay tuned for Part 2 “Superfoods or superhype?”
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Article source: http://www.easttennessean.com/are-superfoods-really-that-super-for-you-1.2756941
