Post No 11. Do superfoods exist?

Do superfoods exist? Well it depends if you are speaking to a scientist or a marketer! In the media there is lots of conversation about superfoods what they are; how they are good for you- how they contain lots of beneficial nutrients- antioxidants for example.  

Superfoods, however is not a scientific term. It is a term in our general conversation but has limited credibility in the science world. Instead scientists talk about functional foods or functional ingredients. Not such a catchy name... There are multiple definitions of functional foods, there is a lack of legal definitions, but essentially they are foods that provide health benefits. This scientific paper draws together many of the definitions (Table 1 on page 3) [1]. Bioactive compounds in foods have been described as compounds that can have a positive impact on the body being anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiviral, and so on protecting the body from free radicals and reactive oxygen species [2]

What are the homegrown UK 'super good for you foods' that have the health benefits? 

Carrots - contain carotenoids so essential for our bodies to transform into vitamin A good for eyes and the immune system. [3]

Onions - contain flavonoids that are antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory benefits. [4]

Parsnips - contains falcarinol with multiple health benefits [5]   

Broccoli - so good for you - check out its benefits to healthy bodies and immune system [6]

Check out the home grown super good for you foods today.

[1] https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030613

[2] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2021.101320

[3] https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-5-health-benefits-of-carrots

[4] https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/ingredient-focus-onions

[5] https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-5-health-benefits-of-parsnips

[6] https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-broccoli