What does superfood mean?

What is called superfood is nothing more than a product of the earth rich in natural nutrients; the word superfood, as defined by the Macmillan vocabulary, is a marketing tool aimed at easily directing toward a correct and responsible use of food.

In a country like the United States whose consumption of processed foods and artificial drinks is very high, and with it the rate of obesity as well as related diseases, the trick can be fruitful but also dangerous.

Because the superfood label is often followed by promises of healing or greater physical fitness without the support of a true scientific basis.

It may be for this reason that the use of the term superfood and its derivatives was banned by the European Union as early as 1 July 2007. No product or element is therefore able to cure us, but it can instead be a valid ally.

What are natural superfoods?

In particular, 10 foods defined as ‘miraculous’; We at Tuttogreen have decided to provide you with a list of them, as they are very nutritious foods with which to supplement your meals:

White yogurt

Better if low in fat. The yogurt is a product rich in nutrients, such as the football. It is also enriched with vitamin D, non-pathogenic bacteria, or stenos, to counteract cholesterol.

Yogurt is also easily tolerated by those who are lactose intolerant. Combined with fruit and cereals, it becomes a complete and light food, for breakfast or as a snack.

The eggs

Particularly protein but not low in fat, eggs, preferably organic, are another particularly nutritious food. They have 12 vitamins and minerals including choline (also called vitamin J), an amine involved in the transmission of nerve signals.

Dried fruit

Often ostracized due to its high fat content (unsaturated, therefore good), dried fruit is a practical, versatile and economical food; it can constitute, even alone, a complete nourishment.

It is said that only 30 grams is enough to satiate and keep LDL cholesterol down.

The Kiwi

We all know by now that taking large quantities of vitamin C in winter helps our body fight infections, but perhaps not many know that it is not oranges and tangerines that contain large quantities of it, but kiwis.

Kiwis are rich in antioxidants such as vitamins A and E, fiber and potassium. They are perfect on their own, as a juice, with yogurt or in salads.

Do not forget the nergi (or baby-kiwi or Siberian kiwi): similar to kiwi, but smaller, it is also low-calorie and represents a real superfood.

Quinoa

It is a cereal originating from Latin America. Rich in fiber, protein and low in fat (mostly unsaturated), quinoa also contains excellent amounts of minerals such as magnesium, iron and zinc.

It is as easy to prepare as barley or rice. In the same way we find oats, which recent studies have classified as capable of keeping bad cholesterol levels low.

The beans

As legumes, they are abundant in fiber and protein. This makes them able to help you keep your weight down and give your muscles the nutrients they need. The beans are a substitute for a steak or an egg! But they are thinner.

Salmon

Another food rich in protein, iron, and unsaturated fatty acids is salmon. Recommended at least 2-3 times a week, it is part of the large blue fish family. Easy to prepare, it is the ideal second course to help our arteries protect themselves from cholesterol.

Broccoli

Rich in antioxidants, iron, vitamin C and vitamin K. The broccoli can be steamed or fried, they are delicious with pasta but also as an ingredient mother of pies.

Sweet potatoes

Considerable in potassium, vitamin A and C, calcium but low in sodium, American potatoes with their typical sweet taste, help to keep blood pressure low. Pumpkin, carrots and yellow pepper are from the same family.

The blueberries

Particularly nutritious because high in antioxidants, water and fiber, blueberries are the perfect low-calorie additive to your diet. In fresh, frozen or dehydrated versions, they can be found or added to cereals, salads, ice cream or fruit salads. Here's our special on cranberries and blueberries.

Superfoods created by marketing

None of the aforementioned foods are curative or substitutes for each other. Yet the action of marketing pushes to enhance the super-nutritious properties of certain foods (often exotic) to make them perceive as curative and thus sell them at a higher price.

The internet world seems to be unanimous on the benefits of these fruits of Asian origin, but is this really the case? Simple users, even doctors, are keen to point out how Goji berries are rich in powerful antioxidants, micro, and macronutrients. 'A food of the gods', portentous and unique. Some say they are capable of boosting the immune system, although no scientific evidence explains these miraculous virtues.

The same goes for raw organic powders, such as maca, wheat grass, and purple corn, which are claimed to have significant positive effects on the whole body. Known especially among vegans and in Ayurvedic medicine, there are still no official scientific indications that attest to their real curative effectiveness and the portentous benefits they should give.

The same Cancer Research UK was keen to point out: "one should not only food superfood, on the basis of their possible anti-cancer effects; true prevention lies in a healthy life and a balanced diet”.