Superfoods 101 - What Are They and Why Do I Need Them?

Superfoods. This term has taken the health and nutrition industry by storm in recent years, and promises extraordinary benefits from some perfectly ordinary sources.

It isn’t a scientific term but rather a bit of a marketing spin. That’s not to say these foods are a gimmick, far from it in fact, but their immense popularity have actually made some people dubious about their health benefits because of their highly-publicised potential.

But not all foods are created equal. Where did the term ‘superfood’ come from, what qualifies as one, and what exactly can you expect from working some of these into your diet?

There are many examples of superfoods that include fruits like broccoli, berries (blueberries, acai berries, gogi berries), spices (ginger, turmeric) and much more.

Let’s dig into the origins of ‘superfoods’, some examples of ones we like the most and how you can go about getting these into your diet in the simplest way possible.

What are Superfoods? Historical and Cultural Significance

The word ‘superfood’ was first introduced in the 1990s as a way to specify a certain type of food which has superior nutritional properties. Naturally occurring superfoods can be found all over the world, from Asia and Africa to South and North America. In many cases, these ‘superfoods’ have been, and still are, used as natural remedies in communities due to their potential health benefits, from reducing inflammation to strengthening the gut.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ for superfoods. They come in all shapes and forms and offer a vast range of different nutritional profiles, but the real power of a superfood lies in its simplicity. There are no fancy tricks or extravagant extraction methods needed - the nutritional benefits of these foods are inherent and found in the foods however you consume them.

That being said, there are certainly easier and harder ways to get more superfoods in your diet - we’ll get to that a little bit later in this blog.

Examples of superfoods

So, the verdict is in - superfoods are in fact ‘super’. Now, let’s look at some of the best examples of these foods to give you an idea of which ones might be able to benefit you.

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are a fantastic example of the lesser known powers of superfoods. For many people they aren’t something they’d typically reach for during the weekly shop, but for those in the know they’re a real hidden weapon.

Sunflower seeds are high in flavonoids which contribute to good immune health, as well as countless trace minerals which the body needs to function optimally. They’re also packed with antioxidants to fight off infections, as well as plant protein and healthy fats which help to keep blood sugars balanced.

With a strong profile of vitamins, sunflower seeds can also contribute to improved mood and brain health, and can even help to reduce inflammation throughout the body and keep your skin healthy.

With other benefits tied to bone, heart and thyroid health, sunflower seeds offer many of the essential nutrients you need in order to lead a long and healthy life. 

Maca

For our next superfood, we’re heading to the Andes of Peru. Maca is a cruciferous vegetable related to ones such as broccoli and cabbage, but it packs a real punch.

Maca has been shown to help boost libido, alleviate symptoms of menopause, support stable energy and even improve cognitive function. That’s a lot of power from a small root. 

Cacao

Easily mistaken for cocoa, cacao is the raw form of the main ingredient in chocolate which comes from a tree native to Central and South America. When fermented, dried, roasted and finely ground, cacao powder is packed with nutrients and potential health benefits.

Consumed on its own, or at least without the numerous sugars, flavourings and additives found in chocolate, cacao contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals which can contribute to:

●     Cardiovascular health

●     Brain health

●     Improved mood

●     Stress reduction

It might be a little more bitter than its highly processed cousin, but it’s an awful lot better for you, too.

Baobab

Baobab is another superfood that’s grown in popularity quite significantly in recent years. With a nickname like ‘Queen of Superfruits’, it’s not hard to imagine why.

The baobab tree comes from Africa and Australia and produces fruit which is rich in vitamin C, fibres and essential minerals. These nutrients work together to boost your immune system, regulate your blood pressure, support muscle function and protect our bodies from chronic diseases.

Sounds too good to be true? Read more about Queen Baobab here.

Moringa

Native to northern India and cultivated for over 2,000 years, moringa is known as the ‘tree of life’ in many communities. This one redefines the meaning of ‘superfood’, as moringa has been used as not just a food crop, but also a natural medicine and even a fuel source!

Packed with vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium and iron, moringa is essentially a natural daily multivitamin. A little of this a day can help to reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar and cholesterol and even fight against some serious illnesses.

How to use superfoods - tips and tricks

In a world full of highly-processed foods and ‘miracle’ powders and pills, going back to basics and embracing the power of natural nutrition is a move many are making. But, just how do you go about making that move?

One of the easiest ways to boost your diet with a wide breadth of powerful nutrients is to find a simple, ready to eat product which offers all the above without any of the nasty additives found in many nutritional products.

One example of these is Ghuttie Snacks’ range of superfood-coated sunflower seeds. As a superfood themselves, sunflower seeds are a fantastic addition to your diet on their own, but coat them in cacao, maca, baobab or moringa and you have an even more powerful secret weapon.

Packed with natural nutrition and flavour, and ready to eat straight out of the pack, Ghuttie Snacks’ sunflower seeds couldn’t be easier to enjoy. Interested? Take a look at our range of superfood-coated snacks here and find out for yourself.

Superfoods - a modern take on timeless nutrition

Whether it’s through adding some new ingredients to your kitchen or grabbing a bag of Ghuttie Snacks to go, adding some of these superfoods to your diet could make a big difference for just a little change.

Superfoods are ‘super’ for a reason - why not try them for yourself? 2,000+ years of heritage can’t be wrong.

Please share this blog post with someone you know so they can get the superfood feeling.

Thank you!

The Guttie Team

ghuttiesnacks.co.uk