Today on the market there are a variety of products that carry the label “superfood.” These foods include products such as nuts, seeds, powders, fruits, and vegetables, all of which I consider be just health foods. But my question is: what does the label “superfood” mean exactly?

An example of a superfood salad containing fresh fruits and vegetables

A list of ranked superfoods from the previous year

Whenever I think of superfoods, I think of acai berries, chia seeds, brazil nuts, flax seeds, etc. Most of these foods have longs lists of benefits including packaging that says “good source of fiber” or “vitamin rich” or “omega-3 fatty acids” or “antioxidants.” All of which as health supplements we need in our diets, but never seem to get enough of it.

Super foods come in all forms including powders, dried, ground, roasted and raw.

So I’m wondering, this title of superfood, is it something that is regulated, or is it something that people are slapping on their products as a marketing technique? Because more often than not, the term comes off as trendy more than anything.

According to the American Heart Association and Live Science, superfoods are thought to be nutritionally dense and thus good for one’s health and there currently is no set criteria to determine what is a super food and what is not. So it turns out, companies can actually use the label superfood as a way to get you to buy their products, but the fact people desire super foods must have some meaning behind it.

Foods in their raw form will most likely provided the most nutrients and vitamins.

It seems to me that anything that is identified as a superfood is any food that contains multiple health benefits, and contributes to our diet in a natural way. Although superfoods are not something I personally seek out in the grocery store, whenever I find a product that is labeled as superfood, I read the ingredients within the packaging to ensure it is in it’s most natural form. This way, I am able to acquire all of the components of the superfood effectively and organically.

Any vitamin or mineral you can ingest from a natural food is going to be significantly more effective and sustainable that a man-made supplement. Therefore finding superfoods can be a great alternative to incorporating healthy fats and minerals instead of purchasing pills usually filled made with sugar and additives for binders.

I hope you can see the vitamins and minerals within these fruits

I have determined that superfoods are quality component of a balanced diet because they do in fact supplement what we eat everyday in a natural way, but like all things must be consumed in moderation. For example, chia seeds offer a significant amount of fiber that can assist with digestion and portion control by making one feel fuller. Berries are a great natural source of antioxidants which are essential for supporting immunity and skin. Coconut oil, although it is a saturated fat, is a natural microbial that can help cleanse your gut, skin, and burn fat. However when consumed in staples instead of enhancements, they can lead to vitamin or mineral toxicity, and end up having the opposite rather than intended effect on the body. They key is to remember to read, research, and vary any food you consume.

Moderation and variation of all things is what will lead to a balanced and whole diet

So the next time you are at the super market and are unsure of what the label “superfood” means, read the lists, and ingredients on the packaging. No superfoods will not give you telekinesis or give you the ability to fly, but they will enhance your diet by supplementing essential vitamins and minerals in their most pure form.