You can't read a product label anymore without seeing "Superfood" written somewhere on the wrapper. Whether it's a bar, a drink, or even some type of supplement chances are that the manufacturer wants to ensure that you know that this delicious item is actually good for you… even if it tastes like sand. But what qualifies a food as being "super"? With the introduction of this hot, new classification, we dive in to see what foods have been trending, and which ones to keep our eyes on.
A google search for "superfood definition" notes these items as "nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being." In case you have been living under a rock, we are in the midst of a food revolution - one in which increasing numbers of people have begun looking to real food to fill their dietary needs. This is indeed a paradigm shift since, as you may recall, the past few decades focused on the inclusion of vitamins and supplements to fill any possible voids left in our diets. Now, even fast-food restaurants are beginning to try and play off of recent trend, incorporating ingredients such as spinach and avocados in traditionally unhealthier dishes.
While it is unlikely these trends appeared overnight, the possible catalyst for this transition has presumably been the countless studies released questioning the real benefits of vitamins. While there benefits may be marginal, more articles are encouraging people to return to the real stuff.
So in the nature of this new found real-food renaissance, below I have highlighted some of the superfoods consistently appearing on lists…
Avocados
If it's being picked up by fast food restaurants then you know it's trending. Look for these foods to add a healthy dose of Omega 3s as well as vitamin C and E.
Chia Seeds
This hot new item is appearing in more dishes because of it's laundry list of health benefits: Omega 3, Protein, Calcium, Fiber, and others. Oh, and it's on Dr. Oz's Favorite Superfoods List, so you know it's legit.
Coconuts
Coconuts are another food filled with healthy fats, and also gaining more traction out in the market. Try coconut water as a substitute for sports drinks the next time you need to hydrate for that next race or event.
What are some of your favorite Superfoods?
Image by Whologwhy / Flickr
