Categorizing (and then eating) “Superfoods” 

Categorizing (and then eating) “Superfoods”

What exactly is a “superfood”? For those involved in agricultural technology or the biotech industry, the term “superfood” may conjure up images of massive rows of tomatoes and corn that have been bioengineered to be resistant to herbivores, to have longer shelf lives, or to grow in dry climates. Among the natural health, holistic wellness, and organic food communities, superfoods may be synonymous with ripe, colorful, and organic produce and legumes. For the bodybuilder, elite athlete, or weekend warrior, superfoods take on yet another slightly different meaning.

My definition of a superfood for an athlete is any whole, unprocessed food with a dense nutrient and antioxidant profile that confers wide ranging health benefits, helps fuel workouts, and enhances recovery. Pratt and Matthews were the first to promote these benefits in their “SuperFoods Rx” book, (Harper Collins, 2004). The authors describe how these health benefits come from the food’s mostly “live and bioactive cellular components”, and they may play a strong role in fighting disease, have a positive impact on the cardiovascular or muscular-skeletal systems, help eliminate free radicals from the body, or a combination of these processes.

As a sports performance trainer, I consider the unique nutritional needs of the athlete, and help the client determine where superfoods can fit. I also separate superfoods into three distinct categories: antioxidants, builders, and sustainers. Most superfoods have abundant macro- and micro-nutrient profiles, and can cross into other categories. Try to add 2 of the three superfoods from each group everyday, and you will be amazed at the results.

A. Antioxidants

• Green Tea (2 cups of hot tea per day)
• Blueberries (and other dark berries) (1-2 cups per day, on cereal, in smoothies, as dried snacks)
• Spinach (and other green leafies) (2-3 cups per day, steamed, or fresh in salads)

B. Builders

• Whole Eggs (2-3 egg whites everyday, yolks every other day)
• Cold Water Fish (Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel) (3 – 5 servings a week, grilled, poached, or with light mayo)
• Walnuts (2 handfuls each day as a snack)

C. Sustainers

• Brown Rice (1-2 cups per day)
• Oats (1 cup for breakfast)
• Legumes (red kidney beans, lentils, etc.) (1 cup per day, in salads, soups)

These foods address the specialized needs of athletes: an increased needs for antioxidants; amino acids for muscles and connective tissue; and slow release carbohydrates for sustained energy and glucose levels. Eating a variety of superfoods throughout the day will impart greater benefits for the athlete due to the food’s supplementary (and often unknown) synergistic effects.

Portions of this piece were produced by Eric Minkwitz and published on realjock.com in 2006.

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About The Author

Eric Minkwitz

Since 2002, Eric Minkwitz has operated Mink Training Systems, a sports performance, workplace wellness, and nutritional consulting business geared towards student-athletes, active individuals, and busy professionals. Minkwitz works with people of all levels, to educate and empower his clients to reach their potential in team sports, personal endeavors, and physical competitions of all types.