What Are Superfruits?
For more than a decade we have been introduced to “superfoods.” The term superfruit was first used by the food, beverage and diet industry in about 2005 to describe produce that offers more than average nutrition and many health benefits. “Superfruit” is more of a category of description derived from “superfoods” that was used to promote of fruits and vegetables however it is very true that many of the fruits given this title really do possess nutritional benefits not shared by other foods. Superfoods is not a real category of medicinal foods that could be defined and rated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the U.S. Department of Agriculture however indigenous cultures have been enjoying the healing properties and delicious taste of superfruits for centuries.
Superfruits are considered to be a cut above ordinary fruits because of their high nutritional content and low fat content. These are the fruits that have numerous phytonutrients and special compounds that can help in the prevention of cancer, relieve inflammation and fight conditions associated with aging.
Generally the nutritive value of any food is based on “what’s in it?” Foods with high nutritive value are low in calories and fat, have “good” carbohydrates, many vitamins and minerals and components that can help heal and optimize body functions. This is how superfoods got their name. They have superior levels of nutrition packed into foods with lower calorie counts.
Superfoods contain high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that can help protect your cells from damaging molecules known as free radicals. Superfruits are also packed with vitamins such as A, C and E. Foods high in these vitamins help optimize the immune system and improve visual and skin health. Bowel function is improved by the high amounts of fiber in these fruits.
Many of the foods that we are familiar with in every day life are superfruits, especially the berries such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. However it is the fruits that are from exotic places in the world that tend to pack the most phytonutrients and anti-oxidants and tend to have the most ability to fight cancer, arthritis, colds, flu, aging and other common conditions. These fruits, (like dragon fruit, lychees and mangosteens) are strange looking but they seem are becoming more of a regular sight in our supermarkets. If you can’t find them there you can also try searching in local Asian, Far Eastern or Caribbean markets.
