The term superfood has invaded our senses over the past number of years. Even the infamous Dr. Oz has a list of superfoods, each claiming one or several magical properties.

Wikipedia describes superfood as:

…food with high phytonutrient content that may confer health benefits as a result.

Certainly that explanation sounds plausible, for any food with a high degree of nutrients is “super”.

However, if we consider the term superfood from an Ayurvedic perspective, we would arrive at a somewhat different, perhaps less exclusive, definition:

Foods which are whole, unprocessed, in the natural form, unblemished by artificial growing or transport methods, cultivated locally, eaten in season, taken in adequate amounts, and eaten to balance your doshic requirements – these are considered superfoods.

This is somewhat of a different understanding altogether.

The problem with the belief that, for example, blueberries being a superfood is that this food is not balancing for all dosha types. The taste of blueberries is Madhura (sweet) and Kashaya (astringent) – this will reduce Vata and Pitta but aggravate Kapha if eaten in excess. Consider that tumours can be Kapha in nature and this superfood, in excess, is no longer Raktaarbudanasna (Anticancer) as has been claimed.

And the same is true for a simple food – water. In excess water will aggravate Kapha but in deficiency it will aggravate Vata. And given that no single phytonutrient can be found in water, it would not even be considered a superfood. But yet we would quickly expire without it.

It is important to mention that even austerity in excess will cause an imbalance.

Ayurveda believes that an excess, or deficiency, of anything will cause an imbalance in the body. As illustrated in the blueberry example, we need appropriate quantities of whole and nutritious foods in order for our bodies to maintain Loka Purusa Samya (balance with the universe).

From an environmental perspective as soon as a food is labelled as a superfood, the price of that food will rise. This will have a double effect on farming as; the stretched community of growers struggles to keep up with demand, and growers switch from a reliable crop to growing the more lucrative superfood. This may lead to farmers using pesticides and harmful methods of cultivation which negate any positive phytonutrient effect the superfood may have.

The economic impact on communities as we shift from one superfood to another is both confusing and frustrating. If we reliably stick to eating traditional foods, grown locally, and in season, the farming community can maintain a reliable supply of the food we appreciate each day.

Of course, eating blueberries is not the problem. Just don’t eat them every day believing that this “superfood” is going to cure your ailments and bring longevity. Instead, enjoy it in moderation for the sweet and astringent fruit that it is.

If you are wondering, to maintain balance Kapha types should drink 4-5 cups of water a day, Pitta 5-7 cups, and Vata 6-8 cups.