Superfoods - Woodside Clinic in Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard

There is no specific scientific definition of a superfood but it is generally accepted that superfoods contain high levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants providing us with an array of health benefits. What you eat really does affect your health. Consuming a diet high in unnatural foods can make you lose your appetite for healthy foods and shorten your life by accelerating the aging process. In a study published in the journal Obesity, researchers discovered that eating processed food for just five days was enough to change the body’s healthy response to food by altering metabolism.

Here is a list of just five of the many healthy ‘superfoods’ to include in your diet:

Avocado
Buckwheat
Coconut milk/oil
Kale
Quinoa

Avocado

One of the few fruits to contain fat. Avocado boasts a wealth of health-boosting benefits.

They provide healthy monounsaturated fat which raises levels of good (HDL) cholesterol while slightly lowering fatty triglycerides to protect against coronary artery disease, stroke and diabetes by reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome.

One avocado has the potassium content of two to three bananas. They are high in Vitamin C, E and oleic acid, helping to keep skin soft and supple and are also high in the antioxidant lutein which helps protect against eye disease. Often shunned by dieters due to their high calorie content, Avocados may aid weight loss by satisfying hunger and improving metabolism.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a seed not a wheat or grain. Protein rich buckwheat is a good alternative to starchy carbohydrates in your diet. Buckwheat is a complete protein, containing all eight essential amino acids and is gluten free. It contains rutin, a bioflavonoid compound that helps to strengthen weakened blood capillaries, thus helping in the prevention of the formation of thread veins. As buckwheat is high in soluble and insoluble fibre, it aids in the management of diabetes and glucose intolerance by controlling blood-sugar balance. It is also rich in magnesium which is vital for bone health.

Coconut Milk and Oil

Coconut milk contains protective vitamins and minerals like vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, C and E and calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. Although Coconuts contain significant amounts of fat it is almost all in the form of health-promoting medium-chain saturated fats. High in Lauric acid which is converted in the body into a highly beneficial compound called monolaurin which is antiviral and antibacterial. As coconut’s medium chain fats are easily absorbed as an energy source they actually increase the body’s metabolic rate which can aid weight loss. Coconut milk can be used as a substitute for almost all dairy products and coconut oil can be used for cooking.

Kale

Kale is one of the most popular superfoods today with good reason. It is bursting with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. It’s a green leafy vegetable that is a member of the cruciferous or cabbage family. The high organosulfur content in kale can help reduce the risk of cancer.

Kale is a valuable source of calcium for bone health and also contains silica for the skin, hair, teeth and nails. Exceptionally high in beta-carotene which the body turns into Vitamin A. Kale is also a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that help to prevent eye disease. High in Vitamin B6 and B12 which help to boost brain power, prevent memory loss, improve energy levels and aid the immune system.

Quinoa

Pronounced ‘keenwa’ and known as the ‘mother grain’ by the Incas. Quinoa is a complete protein containing all eight essential amino acids. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and contains iron, B-vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, vitamin E, and fibre.

Two flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol, are found in large amounts in quinoa. These important molecules have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-depressant effects in scientific studies.

Quinoa contains a good range of B vitamins including B1 which is essential for the efficient functioning of the nervous, cardiovascular and muscular system, Vitamin B5 which is essential for a healthy response to stress and folic acid which aids the reproductive organs and is crucial for the healthy production of red blood cells.

As a foundation of good health it is vital to replace processed foods, inflammatory meat and dairy products and starchy carbohydrates with nutritious whole foods like green vegetables, dark-skinned fruits, nuts, beans, seeds, healthy oils, oily fish, small amounts of good quality organic pasture fed meats and healthy carbohydrate alternatives. Why not try some of these superfoods today?