cepted in terms of taste versus
turmeric, and there are so many ways
to use it, but if too much sugar is used
along with it, then the anti-inflammatory benefits lessen or go away. Some
great products that feature ginger are
Living Intentions Chia Ginger Granola and the GoRaw Ginger Snap
Super Cookies.
However, when it comes to processing, superfoods like superheroes
not only have special powers, but they, too, have their kryptonite—that
which renders them useless despite their powers. The benefits of superfoods can be minimized or lost if overwhelmed by too much of an
antagonist (e.g., sugar, bad fats, salt), over-processing (e.g., heat or isolating a single nutrient), or insufficient quantity or quality. Whether or
not we have regulation to ensure that the term “superfoods” is not
abused, we can all learn a lesson from the EU on this one. We should
spend less effort looking to promote a food as “super” and more effort
continuing to create nutrient-dense foods for consumers to enjoy. o
Hydration
For years, we’ve known the numerous benefits of water, but hydration
goes beyond water and looks at electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Most Americans get sufficient, if
not excessive, sodium in their diet
from foods and beverages. However,
potassium is what helps bring water
inside the cell. While potatoes and bananas, even dried fruit, are good
sources of potassium, coconut water
supplies an excellent level of potassium in a diluted source of carbohydrate (it’s a water, not a juice) along
with other minerals.
The Future of Superfoods
There are so many more foods
which, especially when grown organically, could also be called “super.”
Ashley Koff, RD, strives to
make better nutrition a
way of life for all. Never
preachy, Koff takes the best
of nutrition and makes it
doable. Koff appears monthly on Good
Morning America Health and developed
HuffPost Living’s ‘Total Energy Makeover’
with Ashley Koff, RD. She has been selected as Hollywood’s Dietitian by InStyle
magazine and O magazine has also featured Koff’s work. A proud supporter of all
things organic, Koff uses all her access
points—patients, healthcare practitioner
colleagues, media, entertainment productions, and corporations—to increase
awareness and consumption of organic
goods. You can find out more at
www.ashleykoffapproved.com, or contact
her at aka@ashleykoffapproved.com.
