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Can Superfoods Make Me Prettier and Healthier?

Can Superfoods Make Me Prettier and Healthier?

But wait, there’s no such thing as a superfood

 

 

It was around 2011 or 2012 when I first heard the term superfood. The then-beauty editor of the magazine I used to work for was working on a story about a specific super: açaí berry, a reddish-purple berry native to Central and South America. With regular consumption, it boasts benefits like improved skin appearance and weight loss. Of course, not all these claims are supported by academic research. But its exotic name and nature, and expensiveness were enough to create a desire and then demand among the health and beauty conscious.

 

“Though many foods could be described as super, it’s important to understand that there is no single food that holds the key to good health or disease prevention,” explained Ansley Hill of Healthline. Açaí berries likely contain the same nutrients found in more common types of berries, like blueberries, cranberries and strawberries. Aa·saa·ee just sounds fancier.

 

superfoods

 

What is a superfood anyway?

“Superfoods are foods—mostly plant-based but also some fish and dairy—that are thought to be nutritionally dense and thus good for one's health. Blueberries, salmon, kale and acai are just a few examples of foods that have garnered the ‘superfood’ label (Live Science)”

 

However, many dieticians and nutritionists agree that superfood was coined for marketing purposes. Who wouldn’t want to add super ingredients to their diet if it promised better health and glowing skin? And all you have to do is eat it!

 

Why not make your diet super instead?

Consuming nutritionally dense food in different varieties and in the right quantities should be the goal. Because a healthier and prettier you is the result of a healthy balanced diet. Herewith, some ingredients to add to your fare and why:

 

What Why Where
Blueberries or any type of berry Rich in vitamins, soluble fiber and phytochemicals. May reduce the risk of certain heart conditions in young women Available in Gerald.ph, The Green Grocer, Earth Origins
Kale or any dark leafy green Dark vegetables are loaded with vitamins A, C and K, as well as fiber, calcium and other minerals Available in select supermarkets (also available at Pasig Public Market for P100/kg) 
Beans Source of low-fat protein, contains insoluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol and loads of vitamins and trace minerals such as manganese Canned variants are available in leading supermarkets
Nuts and seeds Has high levels of minerals and healthy fats Available in leading supermarkets
Salmon and other fatty fish like sardines and mackerel Rich in omega-3 fatty acids Available in leading supermarkets
Eggs Has B vitamins, choline, selenium, vitamin A, iron and phosphorus. Also loaded with high-quality protein Available in leading supermarkets and select convenience stores
Garlic Good source of manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B6, selenium and fiber Available in leading supermarkets and select convenience stores
Avocado Has fiber, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats Availability depends on seasonality. Also available in The Green Grocer
Mushrooms Most variants contain vitamin A, potassium, fiber and antioxidants not present in most foods Canned and fresh variants available in leading supermarkets
Green Tea Rich in antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds (anti-inflammatory) Available in leading supermarkets

 

Good health and pretty are achieved with the help of a variety of nutritious foods, exercise and a healthy lifestyle. For best results, consult with your doctor.

 

 

Art Alexandra Lara

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