The term ‘superfood’ has been hotly contended on the internet and within the medical community. Some sources say these foods are “cure-alls” that will singlehandedly help lower your cancer risks, while others argue that ‘superfood’ is just a marketing term used to hypnotize the general populous by selling certain foods under a guise. But really, the term ‘superfood’ just seems to boil down to very healthy food choices like broccoli or certain berries that are richer in vitamins and other natural goodies than other foods.

Does Science Back Superfoods?

Have such superfoods shown research-backed disease-fighting benefits? When wading through all the pros and cons, it is tricky to find much actual empirical research about superfoods. However, nutritionists and doctors have certainly drawn parallels between nutritional elements like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and issues like cardiovascular health. Basically, science suggests that while certain foods do have more healthful components, certainly no one food can act alone to prevent or battle disease. However, eating more of these heathier choices will better your overall health and may help collectively lower your risks against certain ailments.

What Do We Think About Superfoods?

All in all, who really cares about the controversy over nomenclature if these foods actually do have added health profits, nutrients and are overall simply better choices for your body? ‘Superfoods’ may be less sensational than some claims, but there are certainly health merits to a diet rich in these nutrient-packed foods. So, in that case we say “bring on the “superfoods!” Except – maybe we can dub them something different in light of all the fuss? Let’s just call them Betterfoods!

5 of Our Favourite Betterfoods

We all know diets rich in fruits and veggies are most beneficial, but there are other choices that can really enrich your health as well:

1. Berries, berries everywhere! People often forget just how valuable berries are. Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries and raspberries are the source of bountiful benefits such as fibre (raspberries have 8 grams per cup!), vitamins and antioxidants such as anthocyanins (great for keeping the mind sharp).
2. Nuts – packed with fibre, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, nuts are one of the best foods you can consume for your health (unless you are allergic! Then try seeds).
3. Beans – are truly Betterfoods with their high fibre content, and have cancer-fighting chemicals called isoflavones and phytosterolsvitamins. Soybeans are a matter of debate, some articles claim they are ‘superfoods’ while some studies have shown ill effects of soy on the cardiovascular system. Either way, soy beans certainly have some great traits such as extra protein and vitamins. Moderation is key!
4. Seeds – many seeds are good for the body – sunflower seeds are rich in vitamins A and E as well as heart healthy fats, flaxseeds are high in fibre and may help reduce cholesterol when eaten routinely, and chia seeds are high in iron, calcium, magnesium, folate and good fats.
5. Tea – according to WebMD, “A recent Japanese study on green tea found that men who drank green tea regularly had lower cholesterol than those who didn’t. Researchers in Spain and the United Kingdom have also shown that ECGC can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. For a double health whammy, replace sugary sodas with tea.”

So there you have it! DocChat’s favourite Betterfoods! So get to munchin’!