In the last few years, there has become a trend to label some types of food as “superfoods”. These superfoods include cranberries, acai berries, blueberries, bilberries, among many others. The common theme in the foods themselves is that they are all berries, with many others (raspberries, loganberries, strawberries) touting the benefits, too.

Can any food be a “superfood”?

There is no doubt that berries are extremely good for you, and that can be seen in their vibrant hues. Berries contain phytochemicals and there is a link between these phytochemicals and the prevention of certain types of cancer. However, as good for you as berries are, they cannot be called a “superfood”. In fact, neither can any other food.

The truth is, it is more important to have a varied diet and include a wide range of fruit and vegetables in your food. Berries can be eaten in a variety of ways they make fantastic smoothies.

The Spanish make a smoothie which they call fruta del bosque or “fruits of the forest”. It is a rich fruity and satisfying drink which makes a great mid-morning snack.

To make it, simply liquidize thick Greek style yoghurt with a selection of berries. Some berries such as strawberries are naturally low in sugar, but they are extremely acidic and  have a high tannin content. Because of this, they have a natural tartness that is too sharp for many people. However, there is nothing at all to stop you from adding a sweetener, such as honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.

Berries=bliss

Berries make a beautiful addition to salads as they provide both a change of texture and taste. Blueberries look and taste stunning when they are strewn across a salad, alongside toasted pinenuts and a lemon vinaigrette. Spinach and strawberry (with balsamic) is a marriage made in heaven.

Many people add sugar to strawberries which merely makes their taste more cloying and actually destroys the natural sweetness in the fruit. The Italians have long known that strawberries and sugar is not the best flavor combination. They serve strawberries with a little ground black pepper. No, that is definitely not a typo, strawberry and black pepper is an amazingly fresh taste.

Native Americans used berries as a medicine and a food. Cranberry leaves were used to treat urinary tract infections. The science behind this was the fact that they are naturally acidic and this acidic made urine less alkaline. As a result, it  discouraged bacterial growth.

Pulses=pleasure

Pulses are a ’superfood’ because, not only are they nutritious, but delicious, too.

A favourite is puey lentils from France, which have a rich creamy, satisfying unctuousness about them. They are wonderful steamed and tempered.

Fry loads of finely chopped garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add either fresh zest of an orange or a lemon and its juice. Add the lentils and quickly fry for about one minute. Season to taste.

Giving the same treatment to garbanzos is also wonderful, but add a piece of preserved lemon and pomegranate molasses, as well.

Vegetarians have a natural advantage over carnivores. Because they eat more fruit and vegetables, they’re loading up on “superfoods” at least a few times a week–if not on a daily basis.

The American dietary guidelines have long argued that the recommendation of eating five fruits and vegetables a day is adequate… But truthfully, this is nonsense. To make the most of your health, you need more. And adopting a vegetarian diet–even a few times a week, can help you achieve this, eating better, more wisely, and, as a result,  a more sustainable method of enjoying your food.

Similar Posts:

Share