I recently read the nutrient label of my Odwalla Superfood™ drink and really wondered how “super” it was [1]. Considering that the classical definition of a superfood is that it provides the main source of protein and calories to a particular cultural group this label seemed to have gotten it wrong on all counts [2]. The label clearly states that this drink is not a significant source of protein and it contains 130 calories, certainly not enough to be a main staple.
But then you look at the ingredients, fruit purées, bioflavonoids, soy lecithin and spirulina, and it becomes apparent where they are basing their claims. Spirulina alone has been shown in clinical studies to reduce LDL levels, increase HDL levels and reduce body mass index in obese patients [3]. The health benefit can therefore be seen in maintaining homeostatic serum cholesterol levels and returning to healthy weight to height ratios. So perhaps this could be considered a superfood, but in a new sense as a return to homeostasis.

References
[3] Belay, A., Ota, Y., Miyakawa, K., & Shimamatsu, H. (1993). Current knowledge on potential health benefits of spirulina. Journal of Applied Phycology , 5, 235-41.
[2] Jelliffe, D. B. (1967). Parallel food classifications in developing and industrialized countries. The American Journal of Classical Nutrition , 20 (3), 279-81.
[1] Odwalla Inc. (2010). Original superfood: micronutrient fruit juice drink . Retrieved December 2, 2010, from Odwalla: http://www.odwalla.com/index.jsp

Pros: Vitamin C helps in neutralizing two types of harmful compounds. The first type is unpaired electrons (radicals), these consists of superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, peroxyl radicals, nitrogen-oxygen radicals and sulphur radicals (Buettner, 1993). The second type is reactive species that are not radicals this includes hypochlorous acid, nitrosamines and other nitrosating compounds (Buettner, 1993). These reactive species are extremely dangerous and detrimental to the health because of their molecular properties. The instability of radicals and reactive species causes it to interact with any compound close to or around it. This could include DNA and other important cell cycle proteins.

Cons: Vitamin C is not always good. Research have recently shown that dehydroascorbic acid that is not reduced back to ascorbic acid, proceeds in the formation of 2,3-diketogulonic acid through the irreversible breaking of the lacton ring structure in ascorbic acid, ascorbyl radical, and dehydroascorbic acid. The production of 2,3-diketogulonic acid is further broken down into xylose, xylonite, lyxonate and oxalate (Lewin, 1976). The problem of having too much vitamin C is in the formation of oxalate. Oxalate has been clinically shown to result in kidney stones in some several populations of people.

Therefore Vitamin C is mostly deemed important for the body however as shown in studies too much Vitamin C can also be bad.

Buettner, G.R. (1993) The pecking order of free radicals and antioxidants: lipid peroxidation, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbate. Arch Biochem Biophys. 300: 535 –543.

Lewin, S. (1976) “Vitamin C: Its Molecular Biology and Medical Potential.” London: Academic Press.

Best known as a disease of civilization, obesity has now grown to the point where scientist from Harvard and MIT are projecting that possibly more than 42% of Americans will be obese by 2050. Individuals are considered obese once their body mass index (BMI) reaches 30 or higher – BMI is calculated based on a persons weight and height. Even with a dramatic statistic such as 42%, this is considered a “best case scenario”, meaning the likely percentages could be even higher. As a western civilization we must come to control outbreaks such as this from ever occurring. Studies mentioned also imply that the more obese individuals you surround yourself with, including friends, co-workers, etc., the more likely you are to become obese yourself.

Obesity is a disease produced by modern civilization, and as such is more than capable of being eradicated. Government funding into localized campaigns instead of national marketing strategies could potentially cause a reversal of obesity rates. Individuals that are surrounded by healthy co-workers, family members and friends, tend to adapt to a healthier lifestyle themselves. Just as the article states that surrounding yourself with obese individuals increases your likelihood of becoming obese, the same could be said for surrounding yourself with healthy individuals.

References:
1. Doheny, K. (2010, November 5). U.S. Obesity Rate May Hit 42% by 2050. Retrieved November 25, 2010, from Bloomberg Business Week: http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/645466.html

Pros: Vitamin C helps in neutralizing two types of harmful compounds. The first type is unpaired electrons (radicals), these consists of superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, peroxyl radicals, nitrogen-oxygen radicals and sulphur radicals (Buettner, 1993). The second type is reactive species that are not radicals this includes hypochlorous acid, nitrosamines and other nitrosating compounds (Buettner, 1993). These reactive species are extremely dangerous and detrimental to the health because of their molecular properties. The instability of radicals and reactive species causes it to interact with any compound close to or around it. This could include DNA and other important cell cycle proteins.

Cons: Vitamin C is not always good. Research have recently shown that dehydroascorbic acid that is not reduced back to ascorbic acid, proceeds in the formation of 2,3-diketogulonic acid through the irreversible breaking of the lacton ring structure in ascorbic acid, ascorbyl radical, and dehydroascorbic acid. The production of 2,3-diketogulonic acid is further broken down into xylose, xylonite, lyxonate and oxalate (Lewin, 1976). The problem of having too much vitamin C is in the formation of oxalate. Oxalate has been clinically shown to result in kidney stones in some several populations of people.

Therefore Vitamin C is mostly deemed important for the body however as shown in studies too much Vitamin C can also be bad.

Lewin, S. (1976) “Vitamin C: Its Molecular Biology and Medical Potential.” London: Academic Press.

Buettner, G.R. (1993) The pecking order of free radicals and antioxidants: lipid peroxidation, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbate. Arch Biochem Biophys. 300: 535 –543.