Are superfoods really super?

Stop buying superfoods and save your money – You will often hear of superfoods being sold by the fitness instructor or someone selling the next big thing and I’m here to tell you should stop.

Here’s why..

There is unfortunately no such thing as a ‘superfood’ and often you will see searches for superfoods for weight loss or to increase performance.

Sure, there are foods out there like blueberries that can reduce blood pressure or cholesterol. We also have tart cherry juice to help with sleep and milk to stimulate muscle growth.. but if someone is telling you these are superfoods they are lying to you. They do amazing stuff for your body but the term superfoods are to get you to buy them.  

The secret to super foods  

We have no evidence to suggest these powders with added vitamins do anything and with micronutrients.. more is not always better.

What are real superfoods?

Here is an example of what’s being sold to people looking to lose weight..

Five apparent superfoods to lose weight.. the only way to lose weight is through a calorie deficit which cannot be argued.

5 Superfoods That Will Help You Burn Belly Fat (ndtv.com)

There is a case that green tea increases fat burning during exercise (fat oxidation) but.. this is misleading and will not help with weight loss unless you are in a calorie deficit.

What should you eat?

Simple, normal tasty food.

Well-balanced in variety and colour.

Family meals which everyone enjoys with a good quality protein.

Carbohydrates should be added to help with energy levels throughout the day.

Healthy fats from nuts and foods like avocados to support energy and immunity.

Fruits and vegetables should be included throughout the day to support micronutrient intake.

For example:

Meat has every amino acid needed plus micronutrients such as iron, zinc, B12, Niacin, B6, phosphorus, riboflavin and pantothenic acid.

Fish contains lots of omega-3, and Vit D alongside B-Vitamins.

Fruit and veggies string together Vitamin A, C and E also folic acid to name a few.  

Why are people allowed to sell superfoods?

Unfortunately, nutrition is very much unregulated, and people say they are a nutritionist without any sort of accreditation. For example, I am SENr registered which means I’m on the list of accredited sports nutrition and health. I have a masters in sports nutrition and currently doing a PhD in the area. However, someone who is a personal trainer could technically call themselves a nutritionist and you will often hear of a holistic nutritionist.. which is totally made up. This is why trends of superfoods happen and we get people spouting nonsense about nutrition due to the current regulations.

There is also marketing and companies that do well in selling these types of ploys.. Holland and Barrett is certainly a culprit of this. The majority of the stuff they sell has no evidence attached and is more anecdotal.

Take home message.

Always look if a product has scientific backing – you can use www.examine.com to help if you don’t read journals.

Think about why you are buying a superfood product when food gives us everything..

Should you be deficient in something.. then is a superfood going to help.. likely no. Meaning, you need to see a nutritionist or GP in order to solve the issue.

If someone is selling you something that will enhance your performance beyond belief.. they are lying or it’s illegal.

Lastly, all food is in some way super but no need to go into an organic kale or spinach shop and say this is a superfood. When did kale become a superfood and meat become unhealthy – Think logically.

Superfood is a marketing ploy – not a scientific term.