Trends spread and die quickly in our day and age. In the past few years alone hundreds have come and gone. However, one trend seemingly here to stay are ‘superfoods’. Superfoods have taken over the health market by storm and, although they are not categorised by any set criteria, their nutritional value is undebatable. Superfoods are, for the most part, identified by an exceptionally high density of beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients can often help us live longer and healthier lives by warding off diseases such as cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.

Making changes to your diet is never an easy task. Nonetheless, incorporating more superfoods into your daily routine doesn’t have to be a difficult endeavor. Especially considering the vast variety of foods there is to choose from. Avocado, a popular superfood, could be spread on your toast instead of butter in the mornings for breakfast. Avocados are very high in healthy fats and contain 20 different vitamins and minerals. Blueberries, another superfood, could be munched on in between meals instead of chips or biscuits. Blueberries are low in calories and extremely high in antioxidants which make it the perfect snack. Kale could be added to your salad at lunch instead of lettuce. Kale is also very low in calories and one of the most nutrient dense foods around. It’s also full of antioxidants and a great source of vitamin C. The list does not end there, with so many superfoods to pick from, such as quinoa, chia seeds, flaxseed, spirulina, beetroot, kale, berries, coconut, and broccoli the possibilities are endless!However, whilst the nutritional capabilities of superfoods are immense, their shortcomings must also be addressed. Although superfoods are, in fact super in their dietary benefits, it’s important to remember that the term ‘superfood’ is used mainly for marketing and not scientific purposes. Thus it is important to always pay attention to the nutritional labels even on products branded by their marketers as ‘superfoods’. For example, many so called ‘superfoods’, such as juices, can be very high in added sugar - which could lead to diseases such as obesity or diabetes if consumed too much. Likewise, simply because a superfood is a superfood, does not mean the principle of moderation does not apply. Too much of anything is never good. Whilst incorporating superfoods will be undoubtedly advantageous to your health, remember that the key to a good diet is to consume a variety of healthy foods in the right amounts and limiting your intake of unhealthy foods. Eating healthy for one meal will not compensate for eating terribly for two. Nevertheless, superfoods will be a valuable addition to your lifestyle. Consumed in the right quantities and in conjunction with other healthy foods and good lifestyle choices - these foods may contain just what you were looking for in your journey towards a healthier life.

However, whilst the nutritional capabilities of superfoods are immense, their shortcomings must also be addressed. Although superfoods are, in fact super in their dietary benefits, it’s important to remember that the term ‘superfood’ is used mainly for marketing and not scientific purposes. Thus it is important to always pay attention to the nutritional labels even on products branded by their marketers as ‘superfoods’. For example, many so called ‘superfoods’, such as juices, can be very high in added sugar - which could lead to diseases such as obesity or diabetes if consumed too much. Likewise, simply because a superfood is a superfood, does not mean the principle of moderation does not apply. Too much of anything is never good. Whilst incorporating superfoods will be undoubtedly advantageous to your health, remember that the key to a good diet is to consume a variety of healthy foods in the right amounts and limiting your intake of unhealthy foods. Eating healthy for one meal will not compensate for eating terribly for two.

Nevertheless, superfoods will be a valuable addition to your lifestyle. Consumed in the right quantities and in conjunction with other healthy foods and good lifestyle choices - these foods may contain just what you were looking for in your journey towards a healthier life.