Superfoods include natural, industrially whole foods with a high micronutrient density and a high content of phytochemicals. Some of them are said to have amazing, health-promoting effects that have also been proven in laboratory tests. However, advertising with the term “superfood” without scientific evidence violates the Health Claims Regulation. In experiments, very high doses were used in most cases, which can hardly be achieved with unprocessed food.
Cranberries (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) – Healthy Miracle Berries
Cranberries are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They are very rich in vitamins and phytochemicals such as flavonoids. The flavonoids have an antibacterial and antioxidant effect and can prevent or alleviate urinary tract infections. Its powerful antioxidant properties can potentially help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Blueberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus) – Blue Superfruit Against Alzheimer’s
The blueberry is native to Europe and North America. It is very rich in phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and B vitamins, and vitamin C. Blueberries have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The anthocyanins contained have a variety of effects on the nervous system and may protect against dementia. In animal experiments, anthocyanins were able to stimulate the formation of new nerve cells.
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Açaí Berry (Euterpe Oleracea) – Power From The Amazon
The açaí berry is mainly native to Brazil. The berries are rich in secondary plant substances (polyphenols), vitamins and minerals. However, the concentration is not higher than in many other fruits. The berries are very sensitive to storage and are usually only available from us as powder, juice or puree. There is evidence of the positive effects that affect the vascular system.
Goji Berry (Lycium Barbarum) – Super Berry From Asia
It originally comes from Southeast Asia, where it plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. The goji berries are also known as “common wolfberry” or “Chinese wolfberry”. They are rich in secondary plant substances (polyphenols), vitamins and minerals and show antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. The carotenoids it contains can potentially protect eye health.
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) – Anticancer Agent?
Ginger grows in the tropics and subtropics. It is rich in secondary plant substances such as gingerols, responsible for the spicy taste. As a classic medicinal plant with a pharmacological effect, ginger is said to have a pain-relieving effect comparable to acetylsalicylic acid. Ginger also helps with nausea and vomiting. An anti-carcinogenic effect has been demonstrated in laboratory tests.
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Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea) – One Of The Healthiest Foods Around
Broccoli originally comes from Asia Minor. The vegetables are rich in vitamin C, folic acid and glucosinolates. It is considered certain that glucosinolates have cancer-protective, antiviral and antibacterial effects. There is also evidence that some of the ingredients in broccoli affect our DNA (genetic protection) and can thus ward off harmful environmental influences.
Fish (Pisces) – A Natural Functional Food
Fish is a good source of high-quality protein. Marine fish contain large amounts of iodine, selenium, polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins A and D. The polyunsaturated fatty acids they contain are essential for our cognitive development.
Mexican Chia (Salvia Hispanic) – The Weight Loss Joker
The plant is originally native to Mexico. Due to their high swelling capacity, chia seeds create a feeling of fullness and help you lose weight. They contain vitamins, minerals and many unsaturated fatty acids.
Chocolate – Wrongly Demonised
Chocolate contains not only fat but also plenty of antioxidants (polyphenols). It contains more antioxidants than most fruit juices. In small amounts, chocolate has protective effects on the cardiovascular system and possibly anti-carcinogenic effects. The cocoa content is crucial for the positive effects of chocolate. The higher the cocoa content, the better. Of course, it shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities.
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Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) – Flavour And Colour From Turmeric Root
Turmeric contains a lot of curcumin, which has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and is also responsible for the typical colour. There is evidence of neuroprotective effects that could potentially alleviate the course of the disease in multiple sclerosis. Turmeric is an important component of curry powders and gives them their yellow colour. Curcumin is also used as an additive (E100), for example, for colouring margarine.
Beetroot (Beta Vulgaris) – Tuber For The Circulatory System
Beetroot juice contains nitrates, which are converted to nitrite in the mouth. These are broken down into nitric oxide in the blood, which dilates the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Due to this effect, beetroot is now being discussed as a therapeutic agent in cardiology, but it is also of interest to endurance athletes. The beetroot also contains the secondary plant substance betalain, which has an antioxidant effect. It should note that higher doses of nitrite are toxic and possibly carcinogenic (nitrosamines). Therefore, excessive consumption should be avoided.