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Superfoods)
Superfood is a term sometimes used to describe food with high phytonutrient content that may confer health benefits as a result. For example, blueberries are often considered a superfood (or superfruit) because they contain significant amounts of antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber.[1]
The term is not in common currency amongst dieticians and nutritional scientists, many of whom dispute the claims made that consuming particular foodstuffs can have a health benefit[2] There is no legal definition of the term and it has been alleged that this has led to it being over-used as a marketing tool.[3]
[edit] Etymology
The Oxford English Dictionary[4] includes citations for superfood in the general sense of "a food considered especially nutritious or otherwise beneficial to health and well-being," dating from 1915[5] and 1949,[6] as well as more recent examples.[7]
The term Superdrink is a variant term referring to beverages with the same supposed properties as superfoods.
[edit] Legal status in the EU
Since 1 July 2007, the marketing of products as superfoods is prohibited unless accompanied by a specific medical claim supported by credible scientific research.[8]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ [1] World's Healthiest Foods, in-depth nutrient profile for blueberries
- ^ 'The term "superfoods" is at best meaningless and at worst harmful,' said Catherine Collins, chief dietician at St George's Hospital in London. 'There are so many wrong ideas about superfoods that I don't know where best to begin to dismantle the whole concept.' Amelia Hill (2007-05-13). "Forget superfoods, you can't beat an apple a day". The Observer. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/may/13/health.healthandwellbeing1.
- ^ Caroline Stacey. ""Superfoods"". BBC Food. http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/food_matters/superfoods.shtml.
- ^ OED, online edition, additions September 2007, entry for super-
- ^ 1915 Daily Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) 24 June 18/2 He had changed the tenor of his mood, And wisely written wine as super-food
- ^ 1949 Lethbridge (Alberta) Herald 3 Feb. 14/3 Mr. LeBourdais extolled their [sc. the muffins's] worth as a superfood that contained all the known vitamins and some that had not been discovered.
- ^ 2002 Here's Health Mar. 59/3 Sprouts have long been recognised as superfoods, due to their high protein, enzyme, vitamin and mineral content.
- ^ "Superfood 'ban' comes into effect". BBC News. 2007-06-28. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6252390.stm.