Superfoods would have all kinds of positive effects on health due to a high content of good nutrients and antioxidants. Claimed health effects of superfoods are generally not sufficiently scientifically substantiated.
Berries, cocoa beans, wheatgrass, and hemp seeds are some example of superfood. Some experts believe that there are no superfoods. Not one food can provide all the essential nutrients that the body needs. Varied food, according to the nutritionist, is the best way to get all the important nutrients.
Health effects
Superfoods are foods that are said to contain high levels of nutrients or bioactive substances, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Positive qualities are attributed to superfoods. They would increase libido, prevent cardiovascular disease, help with weight loss or depression, and prevent or reduce skin aging.
The term superfoods are not defined by law and may be used by anyone. Because there is no official definition of a superfood, people give this stamp to various foods that differ in composition. Superfood is sometimes called superfood or superfood. It is also called more specifically super vegetable or super fruit.
Examples of ‘normal’ superfoods
Also, ‘normal’ foodstuffs are too regarded as superfoods. Examples of this are different fruits and vegetables (berries, red grapes, garlic and onions, cabbages, tomatoes, broccoli), fatty fish (omega-3 fatty acids), olive oil, certain nuts, dark chocolate, and green tea. A number of these products fit in with a healthy diet with the Disk of Five.
Health effects
Most superfoods contain nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which have health-promoting properties. These substances also occur in normal foods. Claimed health effects of superfoods are generally not sufficiently scientifically substantiated.
Variation
Many superfoods fall into the fruit and vegetable category. Giving the superfood label to certain types of fruit or vegetables gives the impression that eating these types is healthier than eating other types. Eating a lot of a certain type of fruit generally means that less is eaten from other types of fruit. There is no scientific evidence that eating one particular type of fruit provides health benefits. Nor is there one specific vegetable that can provide all the nutrients. Eating different types of fruit and vegetables is the best way to get all the important nutrients from fruit and vegetables.
Unhealthy aspects of superfoods
In addition to healthy nutrients, some products labeled superfood also contain nutrients that are not as good for your health. For example, there are indications that certain substances in cocoa have a beneficial effect on blood vessels. But chocolate also contains a lot of saturated fat. Saturated fat increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Chocolate also contains a lot of calories.
Also, too many specific superfoods may cause symptoms. For example, goji berries are known to cause large amounts of symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. There are also known cases of allergic reactions after eating goji berries in people who already had a food allergy. If you are pregnant, do not eat goji berries as a precaution.
Nutritional advice
The Voedingscentrum believes that there are no superfoods. Not one food can provide all the essential nutrients that the body needs. If you eat in a varied way according to the dietitian, you will get all the important nutrients.