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Infographic - The Truth About Superfoods

The Futh About SUPERFOODS WHICH FOODS ARE REALLY SUPER? Superfoods tend to come with many super claims; a boost to the immune system, protect against heart disease and cancer, and promote weight loss, are just a few. Are all of these types of statements true? Or, are we just victims of marketing propaganda? What is a Superfood? Definilian The First Superfaod According to the Oxford Dictionary, a nutrient-rich food considered to be Spinach is probably the first vegetable with a claim to this title. Sales peaked in the 1950s as a result of the popularity of Popeye, the cartoon character who gulped down tins of spinach to give him strength. especially beneficial for health and well-being. The Origin of the Term The use of the term "Superfood" has been recorded as far back as the beginning of the 20th century. However, it is only in the last decade, that it became popular in mainstream language, possibly as a result of a growing pubtic interest in health food. Superfood Myths Busted Fhe Glaim Goji berries have been a traditional part of Chinese medicine for centuries. Available in dried fruit or juice form, these shrivelled, red berries are alleged to boost the immune system and brain activity, protect against heart disease and cancer and improve life expectancy. Fhe Reality The BDA argues that you would need to drink 13 servings of goji berry juice to get as many antioxidants as you'd find in one red apple. Goji Berries Fhe Glaim The South American supergrain contains up to 18 per cent more protein than any other grain, and amino acids to build muscle and body tissue. Naturally gluten-free, it's low Gl. Fhe Reality Despite the protein, quinoa contains potentially gut-irritating saponins and lectins. Some report gas and bloating after eating it, which might be because of its very high fibre content. Quinoa Fhe Glaim Coconut water has become one of the fastest-growing soft drinks in Europe. It is said to be high in potassium and magnesium. These minerals are depleted after exercise, so coconut water is often sold as a post-workout drink. Fhe Reality While coconut water is relatively low in calories (around 20kcal per 100ml), most of these come from naturally occurring sugar. One 330ml serving contains three teaspoons of sugar, half your recommended daily allowance. Coconut Water Fhe Glaim With double the antioxidants of blueberries, along with protein, fibre, essential fats, vitamins and minerals, they are also touted as a weight-loss aid. Fite Reality The supposed weight-loss effect is unproven, and few scientific studies have tested the benefit of acai in promoting weight loss. Acai Berry The Glaim Loved by everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to Elle Macpherson, this liquidised or powdered grass is an ingredient in juices and smoothies. The Reality It doesn't even contain enough nutrients to count towards your five-a-day. Wheatgrass The Real Superfoods as Ranked by the Experts Researchers at William Paterson University, New Jersey recently produced a list of "powerhouse fruits and vegetables" ranked by the amounts of 17 critical nutrients they contain. The foods are scored by their nutrient density - the content of fibre, potassium, protein, calcium, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin D and other nutrients, all considered important to public health. These truly deserve the title "The Real Superfoods". 1) 2 100 91.99 89.27 Watercress Chiness Cabbage Chard 5 73.36 86.43 87.08 Chicory Spinach Beet Green 70.73 65.59 63.48 Leaf Lettuce Parsley Romaine Lettuce (12) 11 10 61.39 62.12 62.49 Mustard Green Turnip Green Collard Green 13 (14 (15 60.44 54.80 49.07 Endive Chive Kale 18 (17) 16 37.65 41.26 46.34 Arugula Red pepper Dandelion green (19 20 (21 34.89 33.82 32.23 Broccoli Pumpkin Brussels Sprout (24 23 22 25.13 25.92 27.35 Cauliflower Kohlrabi Scallion 25 26 (27 24.51 22.60 20.37 Cabbage Carrot Tomato 30 28 17.59 18.28 18.72 Strawberry Iceberg lettuce Lemon Superfoods Frending at the Moment As we all know, superfood trends tend to come and go. Here are the top superfoods people are talking about at the moment and why. BEE POLLEN What The pollen collected by bees from flowers. It is rich in proteins, amino acids, folic acid and contains all of the B vitamins, including vitamin B12 which can be hard to find in vegetarian sources. Potential Benefits Boosts energy levels, soothes skin conditions, curbs cravings and acts as an aphrodisiac. Use Sprinkle on salads and smoothies. MACA Wiat A root with a rich supply of nutrients, including minerals, vitamins (particularly B vitamins), fatty acids, amino acids and sterols. Potential Benefits Increases energy levels, reduces stress and improves libido and general immune function. Use Maca powder can be added to smoothies, juices, yogurts and fruit salads. BRUSSEL KALE What A combination of kale and brussels sprouts that is produced 'naturally' through cross pollination. Potential Benefits A 100grams of BrusselKale is said to have double the vitamin B6 and twice the amount of vitamin C compared to its father (the Brussels Sprout). Use As part of a meal, similar to as you would with other types of vegetables from the cabbage family. SACHA INCHI SEEDS What The seeds of a plant grown in Peru. Potential Benefits Contains tons of healthy omega fatty acids including 3, 6 and 9. Promotes the reduction of high cholesterol levels and excess weight gain. Use The seeds can be eaten whole or you can purchase the oil to add to a smoothie. SALSIFY What A white root vegetable which goes by the name "oyster plant". Potential Benefits Low in calories, high in fibre and helps keep weight and belly fat down. Use The root can be used like a potato – fry mash, roast or bake. While the shoots and flower buds can been be added to salads. KELP What A seaweed which is rich in minerals – iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. Potential Benefits Regulates metabolism, promotes healthy skin and hair and helps the functioning of the thyroid gland. Use In salads and stir-fry's or add kelp powder to smoothies. EVOKE.ie As it happens. We have it. REFERENCES www.naturalnews.com/042635_maca_root_superfood_sustained_energy.html# http://www.evoke.ie/food/brusselkale-the-hippest-new-superfood-on-grocery-shelves-this-year/ www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2014/06/05/finally-a-list-of-powerhouse-fruits-and-vegetables-ranked-by-how-much-nutrition-they-contain/ www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2612255/Victoria-Beckham-reveals-latest-superfood-fad-BEE-POLLEN-earth-does-whys-creating-buzz-beauty-world.html www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/salsify-the-superfood-you-havent-heard-of-yet-but-should-know-about-now/ www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-62011/Kelp--helps-regulate-thyroid-gland-healthy-skin-hair.html www.evoke.ie/food/brusselkale-the-hippest-new-superfood-on-grocery-shelves-this-year/ www.evoke.ie/food/superfoods-are-bad-for-you-causing-arthritis-thyroid-problems/ time.com/2827608/41-superfoods-ranked-by-how-healthy-they-are/ www.truthnhealth.com/2014/01/trending-super-foods-for-2014/ www.eufic.org/article/en/artid/The-science-behind-superfoods/ dailyburn.com/life/health/popular-superfoods-eat-now/ 29

Infographic - The Truth About Superfoods

shared by helenokeeffe on Oct 09
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This infographic offers an insight into the world of superfoods and questions some of many claims that are made about them. What superfoods are really super? And, what superfoods are just plain hype? ...

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