It is enough to make you choke on your quinoa, curly kale and chia seed salad. Many so-called superfoods don't live up to the marketing hype, research has revealed. In fact, in many cases, everyday foods as oranges and Brussels sprouts are just as good for us--and far cheaper.
A study by New Scientist magazine found that while many foods claim to have miraculous health-giving properties, there is precious little evidence to back it up.
Nutrition scientist Duane Mellor said: "Superfoods are marketing gimmicks." With almost two-thirds of Britons admitting to buying superfoods and many saying they were willing to pay more for the privilege, the science magazine decided to see if they were getting their money's worth.
For the blueberry chemical that is said to protect the heart actually struggles to make it into the blood stream. One superfood did make the grade - the humble beetroot. The nitrates in beetroot are said to lower blood pressure and rev up the metabolism and studies seem to back up the claims. However, beetroot consumption comes with a health warning--in high quantities it may fuel gastric cancer.
New Scientist states: "You don't have to shop at Whole Foods or hang on to Gwyneth Paltrow's every word to have heard the buzz about exotic-sounding seeds that replenish your energy and make you glow or obscure berries from afar that disease-proof your organs. "Reliable, long-term studies to support most claims are thin on the ground. Most claims you hear refer to our mouse studies and should be taken with a hefty pinch of salt."
Here, 10 so-called superfoods with their health claims and the verdict by New Scientist magazine:
A study by New Scientist magazine found that while many foods claim to have miraculous health-giving properties, there is precious little evidence to back it up.
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Nutrition scientist Duane Mellor said: "Superfoods are marketing gimmicks." With almost two-thirds of Britons admitting to buying superfoods and many saying they were willing to pay more for the privilege, the science magazine decided to see if they were getting their money's worth.
For the blueberry chemical that is said to protect the heart actually struggles to make it into the blood stream. One superfood did make the grade - the humble beetroot. The nitrates in beetroot are said to lower blood pressure and rev up the metabolism and studies seem to back up the claims. However, beetroot consumption comes with a health warning--in high quantities it may fuel gastric cancer.
New Scientist states: "You don't have to shop at Whole Foods or hang on to Gwyneth Paltrow's every word to have heard the buzz about exotic-sounding seeds that replenish your energy and make you glow or obscure berries from afar that disease-proof your organs. "Reliable, long-term studies to support most claims are thin on the ground. Most claims you hear refer to our mouse studies and should be taken with a hefty pinch of salt."
Here, 10 so-called superfoods with their health claims and the verdict by New Scientist magazine:
- Beetroot juiceCLAIM: Lowers blood pressure and revs up metabolism.VERDICT: Good stuff, just don't overdo it.
- KaleCLAIM: Cuts risk of cancer, particularly in the gut and lungs.VERDICT: Brussels sprouts are better.
- Coconut waterCLAIM: Nature's sports drink, it rehydrates you quickly.VERDICT: No better than water.
- Dark chocolateCLAIM: Chemicals in cocoa beans regulate blood pressure.VERDICT: Fine occasionally but no health reason to gorge.
- QuinoaCLAIM: Helps with weight loss and cuts cholesterol.VERDICT: Eat it if you like, but not for health benefits.
- Baobab powderCLAIM: Boosts energy and immunity.VERDICT: Nothing you can't get elsewhere.
- BlueberriesCLAIM: Cuts the risk of heart disease. VERDICT: No better than many other berries.
- Wheatgrass juice shotsCLAIM: Floods the tissues with life-giving oxygen.VERDICT: A whole shot of nonsense.
- Goji berriesCLAIM: Boosts immunity, peps up libido and protects against heart disease and cancer.VERDICT: They are just a berry.
- Chia seedsCLAIM: Packed with health and brain-boosting omega-3fatty acids.VERDICT: Good, but salmon is better.
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