I’M frequently asked by patients whether ‘superfoods’ really afford health benefits. The answer is they do.

The term, first coined in the 1990s, is usually associated with foodstuffs with positive effects on health and disease prevention - and there are considered to be 136 ‘superfoods’.

Pomegranate is a superfood low in calories and fat but high in fibre, vitamins and minerals.

It has been shown to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer growth and spread, kidney stones and improves exercise endurance.

Pomegranate also supports the gut microbiome improving digestive health.

Whole grains are a good source of fibre that improve gut and digestive health. They have been shown to lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Berries, like açai berries, cranberries, raspberries, blueberries and goji berries, are high in antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins C and E and manganese.

They can lower the risk of a heart attack, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and urinary tract infections.

Oily fish provides protein and omega-3 fatty acids to help prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels alongside improving pain and joint stiffness in arthritis.

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes and turnips are all cruciferous vegetables.

Clinical evidence has demonstrated cruciferous vegetables may lower the risk of breast, bowel, prostate and lung cancer.

Legumes, such as kidney, black, red and garbanzo beans as well as soybeans and peas, are high in fiber, folate and plant-based protein.

Studies show they can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and lycopene which has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Nuts are a good source of plant protein and contain monounsaturated fats which may be a factor in reducing heart disease risk.

Olive oil is a good source of vitamin E, polyphenols and monounsaturated fatty acids which help reduce the risk of heart disease.

But people have unrealistic expectations about these foods, thinking they will be completely protected from chronic diseases and health problems.

No single food, including superfoods, can offer all the nutrition, health benefits and energy needed to nourish ourselves.

Healthy eating involves combining healthy choices from across all food groups.

Our columnist Dr Jason Seewoodhary is a former Worcester GP.