You see them in health food shops, online stores and the premium aisle of the supermarket: special seeds, berries, grains and powders with all sorts of claims on the packaging, often at a hefty price. Are these products really a miracle cure?
Claims
The term 'superfood' is not protected, so it can be printed on any packaging. The health claims are often not backed by science.
- Goji berries: no evidence that they cure disease; in large amounts they can even make you feel sick.
- Chia seeds and hemp seeds: certainly healthy (omega-3, fibre), but linseed is nutritionally comparable and much cheaper.
- Baobab powder: a serving contains very little; milk, nuts and vegetables give you more calcium and potassium.
- Açaí powder: said to help with weight loss, but there is no scientific evidence for that. Blueberries are a cheaper alternative.
Conclusion
There is no single product that contains every nutrient. Eating a varied diet is the real secret: vegetables, fruit and wholegrains are so packed with nutrients that you could really call them superfoods too.