Superfoods or superfrauds?

Subject: Superfoods or superfrauds? Thu Jul 03, 2014 8:28 pm

New superfoods seem to be discovered with increasing frequency.

The label seems to attach itself to any foodstuff that is rich in a particular nutrient. Goji berries, an original superfood, have a lot of vitamin C, while the quinoa seed contains all nine essential amino acids.

Both quinoa and goji berries - and other prominent superfoods such as kale, acai berries, blueberries and green tea - also contain high levels of vitamins that act as antioxidants.

With this elevation in status often come wildly exaggerated claims that blockbuster nutrients will stave off ageing or prevent some as-yet-incurable disease like cancer. Who needs superpowers when you can eat superfoods?
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While the description is widely used in blogs and the media, it has no status in science - you’ll struggle to find it referenced in a peer-reviewed journal.

‘‘It’s just a marketing tool used by people to push a certain food,’’ says Dr Paul Roach, a University of Newcastle biochemist.

The problem with the term is that it implies a food contains all the nutrients the body needs, he says.

‘‘But there is no such food."

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/superfoods-or-superfrauds-20140703-zsv87.html

Superfoods or superfrauds?

Superfoods or superfrauds?

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