by Gabby Bugwadia

Created on: August 18, 2010

To answer the query, let us first understand the concept of ‘super foods.’ In the broadest sense, super foods are those foods which are known to have multiple long-term health benefits like prevention of cardiovascular diseases or maintaining one’s bone health. The very fact that today people all over the world are becoming increasingly conscious of what they are eating, it is logical to believe that super foods do really work.

Studies indicate that adhering to a diet rich in super foods, could enhance your fitness level and help you to enjoy a healthier and longer life. However, having said that, it would be only fair to say that by simply consuming the so-called ‘super foods’, one cannot magically enjoy perfect health. Many other factors like one’s genes, lifestyle, regularity of habits, exercise and sleep- - -all have an important part to play in maintaining one’s health and keeping  health problems at bay.

According to the American Dietetic Association, it is critical that the emphasis need to be on the total diet of a person instead of certain individual ‘super ‘foods in order to attain optimal good health. Super foods can and do work. Certain foods are known to lower cholesterol thus lowering the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases when combined with adopting a balanced lifestyle, healthy eating habits and consistent physical activity.

Haven’t we repeatedly learnt that certain foods have enormous health benefits? Fruits and vegetables, fish, fish oil, seafood, milk and dairy foods, whole grains, fiber, oatmeal/oat bran and green tea are known for their rich health benefits. Indeed, these broad categories of food are an important source of vitamins and valuable nutrients; but research studies have indicated that there are some specific foods, now referred to as ‘super foods’ which not only provide nutrition, but yield dramatic results in the prevention of some diseases like Alzheimer’s, certain types of cancer, diabetes and hypertension.

For your guidance, here are some of the specific ‘super foods’ that could work for you:

- Avocados are excellent; they are rich in monounsaturated fat. They are also a great source of antioxidant plant sterol and are known to play a role in reducing the risk of heart diseases, stroke and cancer.  

- Blueberries can yield great benefits. They are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C. They are

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