Superfoods - fact or fiction?

It seems that the fads and fashions superfoods change daily, whether it is blueberries or purple sprouting brocolli; the truth is that for a heathy diet we all need vitamins and minerals. Some foods are high in antioxidants such as vitamin C, which are known to help combat free radicals (harmful molecules that damage cells and DNA) that can contribute to ageing, heart disease and cancer. So health shops, nutritionalist and marketers have introduced the term ‘superfoods’. What is a superfood?

Acai Berries come from palm trees that are indegenous to the Brazilian rainforest. For hundreds of years the small dark berries have been integral to the diet of native Amazon people, promoting overall wellbeing.

Acai berries contain extraordinary levels of Anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant as well as essential fatty acids that can help reduce cholesterol when used as part of a balanced diet. Acai berries also contain a host of beneficial nutrients including vitamins, minerals,amino acids and phytosterols.

Acai is widely acknowledged to have one of the highest nutritional values of any fruit, hence it's association with the term 'superfood'.

Optima™ Acai Juice is enriched with OXY3™, a unique combination of three natural occuring compounds rich in free radical scavenging antioxidants; Red Grape, Lycopene and Resveratrol.

Red Grape has numerous health benefits, particularly due to the dark skin that contains high levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins which are a potent source of antioxidants.

. Available from Simply Feel Good

Lycopene is the main carotenoid found in tomatoes giving the distinctive red colour. Lycopoene contains a high level of antioxidants.

Resveratrol naturally occurs in some plants and fruits in response to injury or fun gal infection. Resveratol is high in antioxidants and has also been shown to help reduce cholesterol in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.