Whether you live in Belgium, the Netherlands or Thailand, we all want to grow old healthily. That's why we don't smoke, drink moderately and exercise as much as possible. We also faithfully take a multivitamin supplement as extra insurance. Finally, we also try to eat as healthy as possible. But what is healthy and are there 'Superfoods'? Yes, they exist and there is even scientific evidence for that. But there is also a lot of nonsense being sold. In this article from Examine.com you can read about 4 superfoods that are really super healthy!

More than 2300 years ago, the Greek physician Hippocrates already knew: “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food.” Healthy food can really make a positive contribution to your health. We will help you get started with these 4 superfoods that you should definitely include in your diet.

What are real superfoods?

The term 'superfood' is often used inappropriately in health blogs, supermarkets and during conversations with friends who mean well. Every year a new 'superfood' emerges, whether it is an exotic fruit from the Amazon rainforest or a seed that is said to cure every conceivable disease. The hype around many of these so-called superfoods is often great, but the scientific substantiation often lags behind. To guide you through the jungle of exaggerations, we've identified four foods that actually have science-backed health benefits.

1. Garlic

This humble culinary herb is more than just a seasoning. Garlic has been shown to promote heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels. In addition, it supports antioxidants such as glutathione, which contributes to improved overall health and may help stabilize blood sugar levels.

2. Dark berries

Berries such as blueberries are known for their wealth of antioxidants, including anthocyanins that can improve brain function. Regular consumption of these fruits can improve memory and other cognitive functions, especially in the elderly, possibly partly due to the influence on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Always choose organic berries, they are much healthier.

3. Spirulina

This blue-green algae is even being researched by NASA as a food source for astronauts. It contains an impressive amount of complete proteins, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that spirulina has anti-inflammatory properties and can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels, although the aftertaste may be less pleasant.

4. Green leafy vegetables

Not to mention, vegetables like spinach, kale and beets are rich in nitrates, which can improve blood circulation and contribute to lower blood pressure. These vegetables are not only good for your heart health, but also provide essential nutrients for overall well-being. Here again, choose organic vegetables.

In short, don't be misled by the media hype surrounding new 'superfoods'. It is better to focus on foods that have been scientifically proven to provide health benefits. Add these to your daily diet and experience the benefits yourself, without spending a lot of money on the latest trends.

Translated article from Examine: https://examine.com/

Sources

2. Ried K, Toben C, Fakler PEffect of garlic on serum lipids: an updated meta-analysisNutr Rev.(2013 May)
4. Bowtell JL, Aboo-Bakkar Z, Conway ME, Adlam AR, Fulford JEnhanced task-related brain activation and resting perfusion in healthy older adults after chronic blueberry supplementationAppl Physiol Nutr Metab.(2017 Jul)
5. Krikorian R, Shidler MD, Nash TA, Kalt W, Vinqvist-Tymchuk MR, Shukitt-Hale B, Joseph JABlueberry supplementation improves memory in older adultsJ Agric Food Chem.(2010 Apr 14)
6. Rendeiro C, Vauzour D, Kean RJ, Butler LT, Rattray M, Spencer JP, Williams CMBlueberry supplementation induces spatial memory improvements and region-specific regulation of hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression in young ratsPsychopharmacology (Berl).(2012 Oct)
10. Marles RJ, Barrett ML, Barnes J, Chavez ML, Gardiner P, Ko R, Mahady GB, Low Dog T, Sarma ND, Giancaspro GI, Sharaf M, Griffiths JUnited States pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulinaCrit Rev Food Sci Nutr.(2011 Aug)
11. Wu Q, Liu L, Miron A, Klímová B, Wan D, Kuča KThe antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: an overviewArch Toxicol.(2016 Aug)
12. Serban MC, Sahebkar A, Dragan S, Stoichescu-Hogea G, Ursoniu S, Andrica F, Banach MA systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of Spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid concentrationsClin Nutr.(2016 Aug)
13. Kerley CPDietary nitrate as modulator of physical performance and cardiovascular healthCurr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care.(2017 Nov)

About this blogger

Editorial office
Editorial office
Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.

8 responses to “4 science-based 'Superfoods' that really do something for your health”

  1. GeertP says up

    Good article without an advertising message, you read so much nonsense about superfoods with so-called scientific research.
    Just this week there was an article about salmon and you would almost believe that you can no longer live without it, if you know how salmon is farmed with growth hormones you will be able to stay away from it.
    Spirulina is truly a miracle drug and the effect on your body can be noticed after a relatively short time.
    For people with joint pain I would recommend glucosamine, chrondroitin with MSM, I have been using this for 30 years and I have no problems with my worn out knees and never have bursa inflammation after exercise.

  2. Jack S says up

    Haven't you forgotten one of the most important ones? Mushrooms? I bought shiitake this week and looked up a recipe. A few videos came along... how healthy they are. It is even said to have life-extending properties. Ultimately, I eat them because I just like them.
    But in any case, mushrooms appear to be one of the superfoods.
    https://ommushrooms.com/blogs/blog/health-benefits-of-shiitake-mushrooms

  3. cory says up

    I'm glad you also mentioned Spirulina in this article.
    I have been taking this product for 20+ years when I started eating vegetarian.
    That's the only supplement I take... because I know how much chemical junk those so-called food supplements contain!
    I feel particularly good about it.
    At the age of 78 I can still do a lot and I attribute this largely to the Spirulina GD-1 that is made here in Chiangmai in a GMP factory by a fantastic family business.
    GD means Green Diamond, and that's what it means for your health.
    Many people do not realize that Spirulina, among other things, contains more than 65% proteins in a natural form that are easily absorbed by the body.
    I even give 1 tablet of 500mg to my 4 dogs…
    Just to confirm that I am not a shareholder in this Thai company and that I have known the owners for more than 20 years.
    This is their website in English: http://www.greendiamondusa.com/ (in)

  4. Nik says up

    Good article. Nice reactions about experimentally proven remedies. Coincidentally, I started taking NMN this morning. The product should improve the health of your cells. This is noticeable after 2 months. Yesterday I had myself measured on a device that determines, among other things, the health of your cells. So I'll have that done again in 2 months. No effect? Then I'll stop. If only you could do that with every product, superfood, etc.

    • Ton says up

      Don't forget that when "measuring" the cells, an unchanged value could also be due to the meter. What method do you use to “measure” your cells?

  5. says up

    Dear Cory,
    Do you also have the address details or the Thai site of this family business in Chiang Mai?
    When I click on the link above I only find agricultural products.

  6. Peter (editor) says up

    I see in the responses that things are being mixed up. Some people talk about supplements and that is essentially different from eating healthy and therefore choosing Superfoods. Supplements are an addition. The basic principle remains to try to eat as healthily as possible. In addition, you can of course take supplements such as multivitamin, magnesium, glucosamine, etc.

  7. Arno says up

    Garlic has also been proven that in many people who have had thrombosis and are therefore taking blood thinners, the daily dose of blood thinners can be halved. if one eats garlic daily,
    Furthermore, in my opinion, we are being bullied with many products.
    Golden promises, yes yes, promising a lot and giving little makes a…………. live in joy.
    The only thing it is super healthy for is the producer's wallet.
    As with salmon mentioned in other answers, give my share to fikkie!
    I buy fish in the EU that is not farmed, such as plaice, dab and sole.
    In Thailand I rarely eat fish, often an unbelievably tasty fish, such as sewer perch.
    This also applies to the gigantic amount of miracle products for slimming down, the only thing that is guaranteed to help you lose weight is your wallet.

    Gr. Arno


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