Why do we eat superfoods? Part 1: What are superfoods?

1. Many people have heard of it, but are not sure what superfoods are. We are talking about a food source with an enormous concentration of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

1. Many foods are referred to as "superfoods" because they are said to have extraordinary health benefits. The foods are generally complete, natural foods that contain various vitamins, minerals or antioxidants.

2. Many foods are referred to as "superfoods" because they are said to have extraordinary health benefits. The foods are generally whole, natural foods containing various vitamins, minerals or antioxidants.

1. People who recommend them say that this extremely healthy food can improve their physical health and feel better mentally as well.

How do you define superfoods

1. A superfood is a food that is very rich in antioxidants. The more disease-fighting, wrinkle-preventing antioxidants in food - the more "super" it is. When measuring antioxidants, we use the "ORAC Scale" (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity).

1. Read more: What they are free radicals

1. "ORAC Scale"

1. This one lets us know scientifically how healthy the food is. For example, something traditionally high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, has 2,400 ORAC units per 100 grams. This is pretty good for the supermarket aisle! Blueberries are certainly the foundation of a healthy diet, but they are not the best superfood.

1. Goji berries (a pink Chinese berry) have 25,300 ORAC units per 100 grams. One step further, we have raw cocoa (chocolate), which has about 98,000 ORAC units per 100 grams. Those are superfoods!

1. Some specific nutrients

1. There are a number of specific nutrients that superfoods generally contain. Most superfoods, such as broccoli, lentils, beans, kale, and spinach, provide significant amounts of fiber.

1. Fiber is important in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, the fight against cancer and the maintenance of a good digestive system. Superfoods are generally high in antioxidants.

2. Fiber is important in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, the fight against cancer and the maintenance of good digestion. Superfoods are generally high in antioxidants.

1. Vitamin A, B and E are found in large quantities in some superfoods. Minerals are also found in large quantities in superfoods, such as iron, magnesium, folic acid and phosphorus.

1. In addition, certain superfoods, such as almonds, fish, beans, and lentils, have significant amounts of protein and fat. The fat in these proteins is largely unsaturated. And unsaturated fats help protect against heart problems.

1. Many of the lifestyle diseases that are becoming more and more common in the Netherlands and the rest of the Western world have to do with what we eat. We eat 'enough' (often even too many) calories, but get few nutrients. This means that the food we eat is simply not â € nourishingâ € ™ enough.

1. Not only do these superfoods have two or three beneficial properties for good health, but there are ten or more in them! A clear concentration of antioxidants, amino acids, polysaccharides, vitamins and minerals. Especially since a lot of our food is full of additives and is also low in vitamins, people with superfoods can compensate for this quite quickly.

1. Another important characteristic of most superfoods is that they are low in calories. Foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients tend to promote weight gain. Eating a lot of saturated fat can lead to an increase in cholesterol and that can lead to heart disease.

2. Another important characteristic of most superfoods is that they are low in calories. Foods that are high in calories and fewer nutrients tend to promote weight gain. Eating a lot of saturated fat can lead to an increase in cholesterol, which in turn can lead to heart disease.

1. Broccoli is the perfect example of a superfood that is low in calories. It's full of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, fiber and other antioxidants, yet it only contains 43 calories per cup.

2. Broccoli is the perfect example of a superfood that is low in calories. It is full of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, fiber and other antioxidants and yet it only contains 43 calories per cup.

1. Not all superfoods are fruits and vegetables. Superfoods can also include free range poultry and beef, for example. A study released by Iowa State University confirmed that free-range chickens contain more good fats than conventionally fed chickens. Often free-range animals receive healthier food and also eat more fiber and other nutrients.

1. Superfoods can be found in the form of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, animal proteins and grains. Specific types of superfoods include (but are not limited to, of course) - almonds, blueberries, sweet potatoes, broccoli, salmon, lentils, beans, wheat germ, seaweed, bee pollen, garlic, kale and spinach.

What are the disadvantages of superfoods?

1. Of course a healthy diet is not bad. Few people will go to the doctor and say they are eating 'too healthy'. However, the fact remains that superfoods are on the rise. That is of course not a problem, but the fact is that many people here want to make some money quickly.

1. That's why marketing managers stick the term â € superfoodâ € ™ on their product and hope that people do not actually look at how many ORAC units per 100 grams are in that food. One of the few drawbacks is that we should not just believe all marketing, but also have to look clearly at what is and what is not right. [! 138553 => 1140 = 21!] Combination with medicines

1. Superfoods that you would never suspect could cause harm can also interact with a number of drugs. Grapefruit, for example, can be particularly dangerous because of the way many drugs work in the body, including antihistamines, calcium channel blockers and antidepressants. This can lead to a toxic build-up of the drugs which in turn can lead to dangerous side effects.

1. Is that why they are less good?

1. Sometimes â € superfoodsâ € ™ are prepared in such a way that they are less than superb. Some products that look healthy and have impressive health claims are no better for us than high-calorie treats like crisps and donuts.

1. For example, a serving of apparently healthy breakfast cereal may contain more sugar than a donut. A â € healthyâ € ™ energy bar can contain more carbohydrates than a portion of chocolate ice cream. The problems with these products are salt, sugar and carbohydrates. Often so-called 'healthy options' are full of this mess. So don't just fall for marketing and read everything carefully on the label.

1. To get the most out of superfoods, it is important to choose from a wide variety of superfoods in different combinations. Add multiple colors of superfoods to your plate. Different colors provide different nutrients, this will maximize the benefits of superfoods. So eat more than two or three superfoods. Remember, of course, that foods should be consumed in moderation.

1. Fruits and vegetables can generally be eaten as often as you like, but heartier foods such as nuts, seeds and oils should be eaten regularly, but in smaller quantities. If it seems difficult to include superfoods in your daily diet, start with small, gradual steps. Even a small change can make a difference in a person's way of life and it will eventually become routine. Also try to make healthy eating fun.

1. The more you enjoy healthy eating, the more likely you will be to stick to those healthier habits.

1. Click below to read Part 2: Why do we eat superfood? Part 2: Different kinds of superfoods