Did you know that millions of people around the world cannot afford a healthy diet or even access healthy foods? This puts them at a high risk of food insecurity and malnutrition. These problems have been magnified as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, inequality, and rising prices – all of which are being were experienced globally. World Food Day, which is takes place on October 16, aims to bring awareness to these problems, and attention to those who are affected, by working towards ensuring healthy diets for all.
Now, have you ever heard about superfoods? And before you ask, no, superfoods don’t have any superpowers like healing capabilities or immediate weight loss. But they do offer high levels of desirable nutrients and several simultaneous health benefits, even beyond their nutritional value. The great news is that these superfoods are not rare or hard to find food – chances are, your kitchen may be filled with superfoods on a regular basis! Let’s look at some.
Superfood |
Nutrient |
Health Benefit |
| Grapes | Resveratrol Quercetin | Natural anti-inflammatory |
| Berries | Flavonoids | Lowers the risk of a heart attack |
| Leafy Greens | Vitamins A, C , E and K, and many B vitamins | Promotes a healthy digestive tract |
| Salmon | Omega-3 fatty acid | Reduces cholesterol |
Some other common superfoods include garlic, beets, Brazil nuts, avocado and turmeric.
As good as they may be, we must still be mindful of our expectations of these superfoods. We must never allow our diet to rely on these specific foods. There are other equally nutritious options that may not be classified as superfoods and they’re important too! Having variety in our diet is important not just for the various health benefits but also to receive a balanced variety of nutrients. It also helps make the selection, preparation, and consumption of our meals interesting and enjoyable! You can add berries to your morning oatmeal, enjoy a green smoothie as an afternoon snack and have salmon as your protein for lunch. The key is to incorporate your superfoods to make a super plate!
