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What Is a Superfood, Anyway?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Also known as functional foods, superfoods are any type of processed or fresh food that is loaded with vitamins and other nutrients known to combat specific illness or promote the strengthening of the body’s immune system. The term was first used in Japan during 1980 to identify foods that could be used in the treatment of specific health issues. There are many different types of superfood powder on the market today, as well as a number of supplements that are made from selected types of superfood products

In terms of processed foods, a superfood can be any type of vegetable, meat, or fruit that has been enhanced with additional nutrition in some form. For example, if the packaged food includes additional herbs and spices to replace the amount of salt present, the product would meet the basic definition for a superfood. The same is true with any juice blend that includes several different fruits or vegetables in order to provide more nutrition in a single serving.

Barley is a super food.
Barley is a super food.

One of the more recognizable examples of a superfood is natural foodstuffs that contain high amounts of chlorophyll and antioxidants. Various types of seaweed is an example of this type of green super food. They tend to contain high concentrations of essential minerals. Chlorella and spirulina are two other examples of green superfood sources that are often used in many commercial supplements.

Orange peel is a superfood.
Orange peel is a superfood.

Whole grains often meet the basic requirement to be known as a superfood. Alfalfa and barley both contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals that help to support the healthy function of just about every system in the body. Wheat grasses also provide a significant amount of nutrients and may be consumed as a flour, powder, or be juiced to produce a nourishing liquid.

Spinach is a super food.
Spinach is a super food.

Lemon peel, rose hips, and orange peel are also considered examples of a superfood. The high amount of Vitamin C found in each, along with calcium and other minerals is augmented with the presence of a healthy dose of bioflavinoids. The pectin content of the orange and lemon peels is also considered helpful for their ability to flush out excess amounts of heavy metals from the body.

Shots of wheatgrass juice, which is often considered a super food.
Shots of wheatgrass juice, which is often considered a super food.

It is possible to integrate superfoods into the daily diet with relative ease. Some examples of super food, such as fresh spinach, can be found in any supermarket. Acai berries and commercial products such as Fruta&Reg; can be purchased in some health food grocery stores and vitamin shops; they are also available for purchase by mail order and online. Seaweed products can often be purchased at ethnic supermarkets as well as from online sources. While some of the superfood options are more expensive, there are many options that are no more expensive than other foods that do not contain the same level of nutrition.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

AnswerMan

The health food store near my house offers custom-made smoothies, and one of their most popular uses all of the top green super foods. I didn't think I would like it very much, but it turned out to more on the sweet side. It didn't look very appetizing, but I felt much better after chugging it down. They also had smoothies based on other super food lists, especially berries.

I agree with RocketLanch8 that whenever a new super food is announced, it becomes nearly impossible for consumers to afford it. But I try to stick with super foods that are also relatively inexpensive. I eat handfuls of almonds throughout the day, and I also stock up on fresh blueberries and bananas when I can. Some of these super foods were already expensive before they made the best super food lists, because they have to be imported from exotic locations or they don't have a very long shelf life.

RocketLanch8

One thing I can count on whenever someone releases a list of super health foods is that the prices on those items will shoot up at the grocery store. Everybody who reads one of those super food lists will start buying up whatever is on it, whether they actually like those foods or not. I remember my favorite grocery store couldn't give away acai berries a few years ago, but then when it was described as a top super food, acai juice was selling for over $7 a bottle.

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    • Barley is a super food.
      Barley is a super food.
    • Orange peel is a superfood.
      Orange peel is a superfood.
    • Spinach is a super food.
      By: Alessio Cola
      Spinach is a super food.
    • Shots of wheatgrass juice, which is often considered a super food.
      By: MSPhotographic
      Shots of wheatgrass juice, which is often considered a super food.
    • Alfalfa contains many vitamins and minerals.
      By: Sea Wave
      Alfalfa contains many vitamins and minerals.
    • Alfalfa is considered a superfood because it is loaded with nutrients.
      By: Elenathewise
      Alfalfa is considered a superfood because it is loaded with nutrients.
    • Spirulina an extremely nutritious blue-algae that is considered to be a "super" food.
      By: monamakela.com
      Spirulina an extremely nutritious blue-algae that is considered to be a "super" food.