Superfoods have now arrived in many people's everyday lives. But what exactly is a superfood? We reveal which foods are defined as superfoods and show what's really going on with this trend for the he althy miracle cure.
No matter whether on supermarket shelves, in the media or on various private Facebook pages - superfoods are literally on everyone's lips. In particular, new and exotic products such as chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) or goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are becoming increasingly popular. But are these super foods really that he althy or just a marketing ploy by the food industry?
What is a superfood?
Even the term superfood makes you think that it has to be he althy, nutritious, but low-calorie food - everything is great. But one is probably quick to hope that not only does the food itself contain the attribute super, but also one's own body after eating it. In recent years, he alth awareness has increased significantly in many western countries. Feeling good in your own skin, being fit and ideally looking even better have become core goals. This is mutually fueled by the steadily growing lifestyle industry.
Superfood itself is a marketing term. There is no official definition of what exactly a superfood is, what it must contain or anything like that. Nevertheless, we find more and more of them in regular supermarkets or discounters. First, there are the chia seeds. A few years ago, with a bit of luck, you could find the small, usually greyish globules in organic shops or he alth food stores, and the prices were usually not exactly cheap. They are now available from Germany's largest discounter, even in organic quality. The seeds originally come from Central America and were probably cultivated and consumed by the Aztecs. Chia are particularly rich in omega-3, but also contain many antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Other exotics that are increasingly coming to the plate, or rather into itAdded to muesli or in the smoothie are goji berries, hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa) or wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum). All of these foods are said to have a particularly good effect on he alth and even alleviate diseases or even prevent them from developing in the first place. Empirical evidence on this remains contradictory to this day. Some studies have found improvements in subjects' he alth, while other researchers have found no significant results.
Benefits of superfoods: Is it all just a lie?
Even if many assume that the name superfood is just a sophisticated marketing ploy, there is a grain of truth behind the name. In fact, many superfoods, such as the goji berry, are particularly rich in nutrients and shine with a high number of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. The plants can actually bring he alth benefits and contribute to a varied and he althy diet. However, there are no miracle cures: So far there is no reliable scientific data that proves that the he alth effect goes beyond that of a balanced diet. The slimming effect of various superfoods has also not been proven. However, those who resort to superfoods instead of sweets are likely to lose a few pounds through the he althier diet. The superfoods are therefore highly recommended as a he althy snack in between.
Disadvantages of superfoods: How sustainable is the trend?
Superfoods are a great addition to a balanced diet - but he althy foods also have their downsides. The sustainability of such foods in particular is often discussed. The reason for this: A large part of the superfoods come from tropical regions and have to be imported specifically for the German market. The long transport of tropical food has a negative effect on the climate balance and can also significantly reduce the nutrient content of the plants. Accordingly, the superfoods often contain fewer of the valuable ingredients than actually assumed. In addition, food that comes from distant regions has to be expected to have an increased level of pollution, since German requirements are often not or only insufficiently complied with. Nevertheless, superfoods should not be demonized: Variety on the plate brings many he alth benefits andcan be supplemented with superfoods. However, it is advisable not only to eat superfoods, but to choose fruit and vegetables from your own or regional cultivation as the main component and only occasionally enrich them with superfoods.
Local alternatives for superfoods
Many people understand superfoods to mean exotic fruits from the tropics. This assumption is wrong - particularly he althy food does not always have to come from the other side of the world: even local fruit and vegetables can be considered superfood by definition. Blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), for example, are particularly rich in vitamins K, C and antioxidants. They are also said to relieve heart disease and high blood pressure. Even if the British Dietetic Association could not clearly prove a direct he alth improvement, it still recommends the daily consumption of the he althy berries.
In fact, there is a whole range of local foods that can confidently be called superfood:
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra): Similar to blueberries, elderberries also have a high content of anthocyanins, which protect the body from oxidation processes must. They are in no way inferior to the acai berry (Euterpe oleracea), which is referred to as a superfood.
Black currants (Ribes nigrum): The black currant convinces with its extremely high vitamin C content. In fact, this even exceeds that of the goji berry, making the blackcurrant one of the true superfoods.
Walnuts (Juglans regia): With their high content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, walnuts are an ideal source of energy. Thanks to their long shelf life, walnuts are available regionally almost all year round, making them a great alternative to avocados (Persea americana).
Millet (Panicum miliaceum): Gluten-free, rich in protein and with a high iron content, millet is a great supplement, which is mainly used by Vegans like to use it. In contrast to the superfood quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), it is also grown in Germany and is therefore available regionally.
Red cabbage (Brassica oleracea convar. capitata var. Rubra ): High in anthocyanins, vitamins and mineralsRed cabbage is a useful addition to the menu and can serve as an alternative to açai berries.
Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum): Instead of chia seeds, you can also use flaxseed: The local superfood convinces with a high content of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and calcium and can be used in many ways.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Matcha tea is considered the new trend among superfoods. A he althy regional alternative is chamomile: it also boosts the metabolism and has a relaxing effect.
So that superfoods from your home garden are really good for your he alth, you should always pay attention to the organic quality of your garden products. In our Plantura Shop you will find everything you need.