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Super foods, also known as functional foods, offer additional health benefits beyond general nutrition.
There are many foods that can be classified within this category. Prevention is better than cure and functional foods can definitely play a role in the prevention of disease.
It’s a popular area of research but further study is needed in many areas to confirm the exact strength of the health benefits that are claimed. Below is a selection functional foods explained in more detail...
Salmon As well as being high in protein and low in saturated fat, salmon is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids - the reason it makes the superfood list. Omega 3 fats have a huge range of health benefits. There is strong evidence to show omega 3 intake reduces the risk of heart disease, reducing LDL cholesterol (the bad type) prevent arrhythmias and they are also anti-inflammatory. They help keep skin and hair healthy and may aid the symptoms of depression. Other oily fish such as mackerel, sardines and albacore tuna are also good sources of omega 3. Eat fish twice a week to get the benefits. Probiotic Yoghurt Probiotics boast a variety of health enhancing properties. Evidence suggests probiotics play a role in maintaining gastrointestinal (GI) health, supporting the immune system and relieving some GI disorders. Probiotic yoghurt is similar in taste, texture and appearance to normal yoghurt, the main difference being the microorganisms used for fermentation. Yoghurts to look for are Yoplus A B C and Activate. If you’re not into yoghurt, you can also get shot sized probiotic drinks. These are a bit more expensive but are a quick easy way to get your fix.
Tea Tea contains compounds called catechins and polyphenols. These are potent antioxidants and may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, benefit heart health and are anti-inflammatory. So which tea is best? Green tea contains the highest level of antioxidants, but black tea is also a good source.
Cranberries As well as being high in antioxidants, cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidin which help protect against urinary tract infection (UTI). These compounds work by preventing the bacteria which cause UTI’s from adhering to cells in the urinary tract. If you’re prone to getting UTI’s drinking cranberry juice could help protect you.
Red wine The so called “French paradox” brought to light the benefits of red wine. Although the French have a diet high in saturated fat they have a lower rate of heart disease and some cancers than other European nations. The difference between the other countries was the French also drink more red wine. Red wine contains a compound called Resveratrol which is thought to protect against cardiovascular disease. It may also be help protect against cancer. If you’re not a red wine drinker, the evidence for its effects is not great enough to recommend that you start drinking. Drinking too much wine will also counteract the benefits. You can also get similar benefits from drinking grape juice.
Oats Oats are a wholegrain carbohydrate and are also a source of protein and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. They are high in fibre and in particular a type of fibre called beta glucan. The amount of fibre found in a bowl of rolled oats when consumed regularly lowers cholesterol levels. Oats are low GI and don’t cause rapid rises in blood sugar. Studies have shown diets that are high in wholegrains, including oats, lower the risk of Type II Diabetes. Porridge makes a tasty, filling breakfast so eat up and reap the benefits.
Nicola Graham
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Super foods, also known as functional foods, offer additional health benefits beyond general nutrition. 
As well as being high in protein and low in saturated fat, salmon is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids - the reason it makes the superfood list. Omega 3 fats have a huge range of health benefits. There is strong evidence to show omega 3 intake reduces the risk of heart disease, reducing LDL cholesterol (the bad type) prevent arrhythmias and they are also anti-inflammatory. They help keep skin and hair healthy and may aid the symptoms of depression. Other oily fish such as mackerel, sardines and albacore tuna are also good sources of omega 3. Eat fish twice a week to get the benefits. 
expensive but are a quick easy way 
As well as being high in antioxidants, cranberries contain 
some cancers than other European nations. The difference 