JUST HOW SUPER ARE SUPERFOODS?
SWEET POTATOES
Sweet potatoes are said to be nutrient rich and may actually help fight
malnutrition. Micronutrients and
vitamins are essential and these are found in abundance in the orange sweet
potatoes we get in this country. Did you
think that all sweet potatoes were orange?
Well many produced in Africa, due to poor soil conditions, develop with
white flesh which is a source of merely carbohydrates rather than the beta
carotene rich vitamin A resource present here.
BLACKCURRANTS
Look for a spectrum of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables if we
want a high concentration of antioxidants.
We know that antioxidants are a powerful defence against cell eroding
free radicals and we know that delicious juicy berries are also an excellent
source. So which berries score top when
it comes to antioxidants? Of all berries
tested for antioxidant levels, the clear winner was the blackcurrant. It would appear that colour density is a clue
to which berries are packing the greatest punch. With strawberries, the lightest in colour and
having the lowest levels, through blueberries, raspberries and onto blackberries
delivering the biggest hit.
It is now being discovered that there is a direct benefit to athletes from
the absorption of more antioxidants. There
is a newly emerging information shows an increase in muscle performance, and
blood flow by increased dilation of blood vessels. Intensive exercise produces higher levels of
free radicals which will increase muscle fatigue. So by absorbing antioxidants into the bloodstream
ahead of training the free radicals are deflected which in turn increases the muscle’s
ability.
SPIRULINA
Have you heard of spirulina? This
is a green powder – also available in tablet form – which is extremely high in
protein and sold as a health supplement.
But what actually is it? It is
largely produced in Greece for the health industry. It grows in tanks and is a form of algae or
very basic bacteria, so basic in fact that it is believed to be one of the
earliest forms of life on Earth.
Spirulina is also used as a food supplement in space stations to
supplement the diet of astronauts, due to its astronomic level of protein, vitamins
and minerals. So should we all be eating
it every day? There are many claims
around supposed miracle cures offered by this product including its anti-ageing
benefits. However, beyond being
extremely nutritious none have been scientifically proven and those eating a
normal and healthy western diet probably wouldn’t need to use this as a
supplement.
BROCCOLI
Broccoli is the best selling green vegetable in the UK. Probably due to its affordably, availability
and pleasant taste. However, broccoli,
(together with other brassicas), also contains a miracle ingredient called Glucoraphanin
which is known to have anti-cancer properties.
Once inside the body Glucoraphanin converts into Sulphoraphane, a cancer
resisting agent. No one test, study or
research project can testify 100% that broccoli can fight all 200+ types of
cancers but there are so many pointers to indicate that this could well be a
truly superfood. So, get it on your menu
today – if not sooner.
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