Friday 15 January 2016

Many Things Can Be Superfoods

This was my first ever paid article back in 2014! Don't worry, there's no copyright attached. Obviously, since then I figured out how to add hyperlinks to text.


The “buy local” food movement has grown in recent years, and so has awareness of the benefits of eating seasonally. However, those wishing to add a hit of fresh superfoods to their diet do not have to compromise on buying local with exotic or out of season produce, which is often expensive and may have travelled thousands of kilometres. Many traditional autumn favourites – or spring and summer for those of us in the Southern hemisphere – have superfood status that is much deserving of recognition.

Apples

With dozens of varieties available, the humble apple has long been a staple. The apple’s reputation as an effective doctor-repellent is indeed true, with the consumption of at least one apple a day being associated with protection against lung and colon cancers; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; asthma and pulmonary dysfunction1. Higher doses of pectin, which is found in apples, have even been shown to reduce levels of the radioactive isotope Cesium-137 in the organs of children affected by the Chernobyl incident2. Besides pectin, the apple’s ability to protect against degenerative diseases and aging are also attributed to the presence of vitamin C and various polyphenols3.

Cranberries

This tart little fruit is not only associated with Thanksgiving in North America, but is also widely known for its ability to prevent the recurrence of urinary tract infections4. In addition, research has found that daily consumption of cranberry juice protects against cardiovascular disease by mechanisms such as preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and reducing platelet aggregation5. Cranberry juice also improves vascular function in people with coronary heart disease, reducing vascular stiffness6.

Kale

Kale is one of the most popular superfoods, due to its high vitamin and mineral content, as well as containing over 20 phenolic compounds7. In comparison with the poor availability of calcium in spinach, calcium from kale has excellent absorbability8. Kale has also been shown to reduce glaucoma risk, improve blood lipid profiles and may promote detoxification and reduce prostate cancer risk9.

Turnips

A root vegetable with a long storage life, turnips are rich in many nutrients such as fibre and vitamin K, providing 600% of the US recommended intake of vitamin K per cup. Studies have shown that vitamin K has the ability to protect against fractures independently of bone mineral density, and protects against coronary heart disease10. Also, fibre is known to help prevent and treat digestive conditions such as constipation and diverticular disease, benefits cardiovascular health and may even help prevent diabetes11.

Cherries (Australia)

Cherries are one of the many fruits now coming into season here in Australia. These contain the antioxidant compounds known as anthocyanins, which also have anti-inflammatory properties through the cyclo-oxygenase pathway12. While this research was in vitro, multiple human studies have shown that cherries, both sweet and tart, do indeed have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may prevent gout attacks13.

Blueberries

Another fruit that is generally in season during the Australian summer, blueberries are also rich in anthocyanins. Research has found that daily consumption of this fruit increases natural killer cell counts, as well as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation14. The antioxidant properties of blueberries were reflected in other research, of over 93,000 women from the Nurses’ Health Study, where three or more servings of blueberries each week were found to reduce the risk of heart attack in women by one third15.

Strawberries

Botanically a dry fruit known as an achene, strawberries are yet another Australian summer fruit. These so-called “berries” have been shown to protect LDL cholesterol against oxidative damage, as well as lowering LDL cholesterol levels, thereby being protective against atherosclerosis16. Strawberries may also help prevent cancer; however, organically grown strawberries have stronger cancer-fighting properties than strawberries grown conventionally17.

Mangoes

Native to India, the mango is one of the most popular summer fruits in Australia. Mangoes are high in vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids, and together these can provide protection against both water and fat-soluble free radicals. In fact, the juice has often been used as a restorative tonic and a treatment for heat stroke, and the fruit may have anticancer, cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, anti-bone resorption and immunomodulatory abilities18.

 
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