Sam Howells and Ben Jones have the answers to all your diet and nutrition questions. They are directors at diet, weightloss and holistic health provider BlueSkies and have over 20 years of experience in the health, fitness and nutrition industry- helping people make healthy food choices, manage their weight and become fitter and healthier.

Bronwyn Asks:

Which is the best superfood: dried cranberries, prunes or blueberries or something else? And are superfoods really that important to help you exercise better and lose weight?

The Nutritionists’ Answer:

What a great question – with so many conflicting articles and opinions in the media we think that, like you Bronwyn, most people are completely baffled by the concept of so called ‘superfoods’ and struggle to get through the marketing hype to the facts.

The term ‘superfood’ is much overused and doesn’t really mean anything!

All natural foods provide nutrients which are needed by the body, however there are some beneficial compounds for health found in some foods and not others. Foods which have many more of these than other foods has led them to be labelled as ‘superfoods’. 

The problem, as you alluded to, is that there seems to be a new ‘superfood’ every month – blueberries, goji berries, alfalfa sprouts, cranberries...the list goes on and on!  In terms of fruit, there was some interesting research done in Scotland not long ago which revealed that, in fact, blackcurrants contain the highest levels of antioxidants, flavonoids and vitamin C.  So, based on the amounts of these beneficial nutrients, blackcurrants are even more ‘super’ than other purported (and more expensive) ‘superfoods’. 

Blueberries, cranberries and most other berries are good sources of antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals so it’s good to eat a variety of different types.  Fresh is generally better than dried when it comes to fruit but it all counts towards your ‘5-a-day’!

In answer to your second question, ‘superfoods’ are not things that will help you exercise better and lose weight, despite what the marketing men would like you to believe. By far the most important factor to achieve both of these aims simultaneously is a healthy balanced diet that provides adequate levels of carbohydrate for fuel, adequate protein for muscle mass and plenty of fruit & veg for vitamins & minerals.  In addition, if aiming to achieve weight loss, you should eat a lower fat diet and create a small calorie deficit every day.

Sam Howells, pictured. Sam is an accredited Sports Physiologist with a Masters in Sports Science. Sam says, 'My passion is to see as many people as possible leading healthy, active lives in ways that suit them - eating well and being active is not necessarily hard, doesn’t have to cost a fortune and doesn’t need to take up 90% of your time!'

Ben Jones, pictured. Ben is a personal trainer with a BSC in Physiology. Ben has a ‘practice what you preach’ attitude and follows a regular training programme - currently a mix of running, cycling and weight training.

Wouldn’t it be better to learn to eat healthily and enjoy delicious, lower calorie, nutritious food, rather than living on junk food, milkshakes, supplements or meal replacement bars? Find out how from our resident nutrition experts!

If you have a question about making your diet healthy and balanced, losing weight sensibly, the latest food and performance supplements, fad diets or whether your diet meets your body’s requirements, all you have to do is send them your question using the Comment on this Article box below. And remember – sign up to our monthly health and fitness newsletter to receive your expert answer direct in your in-box.
For more information on diet, nutrition, holistic health and the simple changes you can make to look and feel fantastic, visit www.blueskiesfitness.co.uk