It's been dubbed the "healthiest meal in the world" after careful research by food scientists. But what do local dietitians think? James Fuller reports.
The "healthiest meal in the world" has been given a cautious thumbs up by Tauranga nutritionists.
Researchers at the UK's Leatherhead Food Research whittled down 4000 health claims, made by manufacturers and supermarkets, to 222 to create the perfect dinner.
The meal combines renowned superfoods and includes salmon terrine, chicken casserole and live yoghurt blancmange.
Fiona Boyle, a Tauranga-based dietitian and nutritionist, said the meal should be used as a positive indication of the foods we should be eating.
"This meal on its own is not going to meet all our health requirements but I don't think it was intended to do that.
"For instance, our cholesterol levels are not going to be solved by a few drizzles of olive oil. Omega fats are important but the salmon alone will not provide all we require and our anti-oxidants should come from a variety and range of colours of fruit and vegetables.
"That said, it is a good pointer to the variety of foods we need to eat over the day and over the week."
Ms Boyle, founder of Food Solutions, issued a word of warning by highlighting the fact so many claims were dismissed during the researchers' study.
"They looked at 4000 health claims and decided only 222 stood up to some form of scrutiny. This shows that we always have to be mindful of the messages different companies use to promote their products," she said.
"Another good reason why we need to eat a variety of foods and not rely on specific meals/food choices to look after our health."
The "healthiest meal" was created after Dr Paul Berryman, Leatherhead chief executive, set about creating the perfect airline meal.
His team of researchers said Omega 3 fish oils and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is good for the arteries, heart and brain, is provided by a starter of fresh and smoked salmon terrine.
An accompanying mixed leaf salad with extra virgin olive oil is good for helping maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.
The main dish of chicken casserole with lentils and vegetables could answer 80 official health claims alone, including protein for muscle mass growth, said the scientists.
Walnuts contribute to the improvement of blood vessel elasticity.
Rachel Scrivin, a registered dietitian who established FoodFX, said some guidance on portion size would have been preferred.
"There is no information regarding food portions and it's important to analyse the amount of calories being consumed. Salmon is quite oily and high in calories so you wouldn't want to be having too large a portion.
"Chicken is a good lean meat for the main meal but there perhaps should have been more options for vegetarians. For the starter, replace the salmon with tomato soup, which is high in anti-oxidants and is good for the prostate. To replace the chicken, you could substitute chickpeas to provide alternative sources of protein.
"The basic meal looks good but I would like to have seen a bit more variety offered. With the walnuts, why not expand that out?
"There is plenty of research surrounding the benefits of all nuts. Almonds or Brazil nuts, which are a good source of selenium. Selenium is an anticarcinogenic trace element which New Zealand soils and diets are low in. And an alternative to the yoghurt could be fruit-based desserts like baked apple with coconut and raisins.
"The key is keeping these foods closer to their natural state, as that way you will get more health benefits from them. The less processed the food, the better."