Superfood

A superfood is a type of food believed to have health benefits beyond those of more common foods due to specific phytonutrient content. For instance, blueberries are considered a superfood or superfruit because they contain significant amounts of antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C, manganese and dietary fibre which are believed to provide important health benefits.

Superfoods
Evidence has revealed that mixing cow's milk with chocolate causes the natural enzymes in the chocolate to die drastically reducing chocolate's potency.
 * Cacao, Raw chocolate Pronounced "ka-cow" Cacao is the raw, un-cooked, form of chocolate. Scientific investigation has shown that raw cacao contains over 100 chemical constituents, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, alkaloids, phospholipids, serotonin, tryptophan, protein and much much more.
 * Blueberries High in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Raw organic Blueberries have one of the highest ORAC ratings of any fruit.
 * Raspberries - Also high in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
 * Bilberry - Also high in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
 * Blackberry - Also high in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
 * Coffee Berry In the production of coffee, the berry surrounding the bean has always been discarded because it was too perishable to process. Research has shown that the fresh coffee fruit contains antioxidant polyphenols, chlorogenic, caffeic and ferulic acid. One gram of coffee berry provides the same amount of free radical protection as over two kilograms of organic grapes.
 * Bee Pollen . Bee Pollen is an immune boosting nutritional supplement. It is absorbed quickly into the blood and has been used by athletes for strength, endurance, energy and speed.
 * Honey Raw. Honey is the richest source of healing enzymes that increases reflexes, increases mental alertness and even increases IQ! Some types of Manuka honey from New Zealand have been shown to have antifungal, antibiotic and antiviral effects.
 * Açaí Pronounced "ah-saee". Has anticancer effects in in vitro lab tests.
 * Aloe Vera . Aloe Vera is a plant that has wonderful healing and softening properties. Many people have an Aloe Vera houseplant, because you can break off a piece and use the extract from inside to soothe and heal cuts, burns and abrasions. It can also been taken orally to cleanse and heal the intestines and colon.
 * Chlorella Some oc Chlorella's key abilities are being a powerful blood cleanser, liver cleanser and anti-cancer agent. It also promotes a healthy pH balance, helps to detoxify the body and decreases constipation.
 * Probiotics
 * Noni Fruit
 * Yacon Root
 * Rose hips
 * Quinoa Pronounced "keen-wah". Quinoa is a complete protein in a "seed" form. It is a good source of fibre and great source of complex carbohydrates. Many people have begun to use Quinoa in cooking as a grain alternative.
 * Flax seed Flax Seed Oil is high in omega-3 oils and is impressive in the prevention of heart disease and atherosclerosis.

Alleged Superfoods
Sprouts:
 * Broccoli
 * Alfalfa
 * Oranges
 * Orange peel and lemon peel
 * Spinach
 * Tomatoes
 * Walnuts
 * Dandelion
 * Burdock
 * Burdock root
 * Kale
 * Celery
 * Parsley
 * Ginger root
 * Beet root
 * Lemon grass
 * Watercress

Leaf teas have also been shown to be of great benefit to people, green tea being the most popular at this time. In the past, various leaves have been used for herbal medicines and in general to assist the body in fighting toxins, colds, flu, and various other ailments. However, they are classed as herbs and not superfoods, but because of their great medicinal properties they have been included here. PLEASE NOTE: Teas are best when seeped raw and should not be heated above 60 degrees centigrade. If you pour boiling water on the leaf, you will be drastically reducing its potency.
 * Green tea and white tea from the camellia sinensis plant (also black tea, but with fewer benefits)
 * Bilberry leaf
 * Dandelion leaf
 * Black walnut leaf
 * Goldenseal leaf
 * Rosemary leaf
 * Nettle leaf
 * Alfalfa leaf
 * Lemon grass
 * Horsetail

Legal status in the EU
As of 1st July 2007, the marketing of products as superfoods is banned unless the claim can be supported by credible scientific research. Companies will have two years to adjust their marketing in line with these rules.

Excerpt from The Nibble - Definition of a Superfood
There is no government definition, but a superfood is a natural food source that is highly concentrated with a complex supply of quality nutrients. Bee pollen is the most famous superfoods, incredibly dense with thousands of phytonutrients (plant nutrients) including enzymes, bioflavonoids, phytosterols and carotenoids, free amino acids, Omega 3 essential fatty acids, naturally chelated minerals and whole vitamin complexes. The açaí berry is considered a superfood because of its extremely high level of anthocyanins (an antioxidant), vitamins A and C and omega 6 and 9 essential fatty acids, fiber and amino acids. Others include blueberries, coffee berries, raw cacao, goji berries, green tea and pomegranate. According to a 2007 report from Datamonitor, “Superfood & Drinks: Consumer Attitudes to Nutrient Rich Products,” the superfood food and beverage market is expected to double by 2011 as consumers are paying more attention to diet and nutrition and increasingly seeking food and drinks with additional health-promoting benefits.

Marketing misrepresentation of the word "Superfood"
Recently there have been claims made for various foods stating they are superfoods, including fish, turkey, and even red meat. None of these are backed up by scientific evidence and are usually a marketing ploy to persuade people to buy these products. The same could be said for some of the listed products here. As always, more investigation is required. If in doubt about the validity of someone's claims, it is best to do your own research or consult a certified nutritionist or medical practitioner. Note the term nutritionist is not regulated, as dietitian is. People may call themselves nutritionists without the educational and professional requirements of registered dietitians. See "Dr" Gillian McKeith. A simple rule of thumb for superfoods is that they should be of maximum benefit in their raw state. Once they are cooked, as with all foods, most, if not all, of the beneficial nutrients have been destroyed.