We hear a lot these days about superfoods. We naturopaths highlight the Food Medicine Pillar of practice nearly always when working with clients. It can be easy to be swayed by trends and advertising into buying products, doing diets, and investing in supplements you may not need.
A superfood is one that is whole, clean, and "nutrient dense". Nutrient dense means for the food energy (calories), there is a high % of nourishment and of macro or micro nutrients, including consituents such as antioxidants. An egg is a superfood because for the food energy, there is a good value of protein and of vitamins and essential fatty acids. Blueberries and cherries are superfoods because they deliver superior antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals and food energy in one little packet. Nuts and seeds, if fresh and whole, can be superfoods in their delivery of essential fatty acids, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.
Preparation is key. Nourishing whole clean foods can be adulterated via over processing. Two examples of this are the addition of excess sugars in otherwise great superfoods, and by over heating in preparation so as to reduce nutrients.
A clean whole foods diet is a superior diet, but in our experience, many need guidance to get there. We are trained to interpret dietary intakes and offer dietary counseling , as well as create Food Medicine programs, including those which take into consideration sensitivities and ethics preferences. Investing in good food medicine wisdom is one of the best investments anyone could make for their well- being and healing. Regardless of the diet structure- as long as it is a balanced, clean whole foods diet, it will heal.