Superfoods, a good deal or a scam?

Superfoods, a good deal or a scam?(superfood list)

The food industry is increasingly interested in superfoods . This food category includes certain plants, certain fruits, certain algae, and even certain widely consumed vegetables. What do they have in common? They are natural, they were traditionally used in the diet of some peoples, and they contain essential nutrients at high levels . 

Superfoods are said to be natural foods. The term food (which is equivalent to that of functional food) is a neologism of the food industry and designates a food having a health role, that is to say that can prevent the appearance of certain diseases. Béatrice de Raynal, president of the Nutrimarketing firm, explains that the popularity of superfoods started in the United States about ten years ago. “  In the beginning, we weren't talking about superfoods but superfruits », 

She specifies. It must be said that fruits generally contain fiber and antioxidants. The Americans have used this term "superfruits" to designate fruits exceptionally provided with these elements. In the same way as for food, one can also speak of "functional fruits". Some examples of superfoods: acai berries, blueberries, cranberries, grapefruit, pears, Maca root, Cat's claw liana, spirulina, shiitake ...

Superfoods have their origins in the history of times. Their provenance is almost always linked to a founding myth or to an important episode in the history of populations living near their original habitat. In these ancient cultures, food, history, the sacred, health, medicine and customs are intertwined. Thus, Maca is a root that was consumed more than 4,000 years ago by the inhabitants of the high mountains of Peru . Its high content of rare nutrients was known to give them strength, energy and vitality. Likewise, quinoa was originally cultivated in South America, where the Incas called it "chisiya mama", which in Quechua means "the mother grain".. 

This traditional plant was already cultivated more than 5,000 years ago in highlands and was the staple food of pre-Columbian civilizations. The goji berries, in turn, are eaten in Asia and are known for their medicinal properties , is supposed to stimulate and invigorate jing qi (vital energy both) eaters. It was one of the myths linked to the quest for Taoist immortality. Last example, the pomegranate, native to Asia, has the reputation of having therapeutic virtues. It has been used as a remedy since ancient Persia . It was considered a fruit of the Gods and they believed that it contained all the nutrients necessary for their vitality.(superfood for pregnancy)

Superfoods seem to be able to cure all kinds of ailments. Thus, cranberry juice, rich in proanthocyanidins, inhibits bacterial adhesion and prevents urinary tract infections in women. The bilberries improve night vision and reduce micro-circulatory disorders. The grapefruit would reduce the development of prostate tumors and is also protective against atherosclerosis. The pear would prevent hypercholesterolemia and arterial hypertension . 

The spirulina with its high protein content, helps in the fight against malnutrition. And these are just a few examples ... The goji berry, on its own, contains 18 amino acids, including the eight essential, 21 trace elements, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, omega 3, vitamins B1 , B2, B6, C and E, proteins, and beta sitosterols, anti-inflammatory.

It is possible to consume these superfoods in almost all forms. Thus, the food industry has used them in small quantities in many products . It is possible to find pasta with spirulina, acai juice, cereals with antioxidant effects, pomegranate-based juices, cat's claw vine decoctions, traditional beers or quinoa-based flour, cranberry juice cocktails, etc.

Current consumers of these superfoods are quite affluent and elderly. Possessing significant purchasing power , they are concerned about their health. Organic activists and all those concerned with preserving the environment are also concerned. 

Finally, young populations, who are open to taste discoveries, can be tempted. In general, consumers of superfoods denounce the excesses of industrial societies and are open to other cultures. "Superfoods, by inducing a promise of nutritional benefits, respond to the concerns of rich populations who eat too much or badly", according to Béatrice de Reynal.

However, we may wonder if these superfoods are just great marketing arguments . Indeed, it may only be a fad. Some Scientists Believe The Nutritional Benefits Of Superfoods May Have Been "Overestimated". Thus, goji berries do not contain more vitamins than orange or apple, and less than sea buckthorn berries. 

However, certain superfoods have benefits which have been recognized by Afssa; we can cite, for example, cranberries, whose effects on the prevention of urinary tract infections were demonstrated in 2004, as well as in 2008 by Afssaps. However, be careful with the quantities used by manufacturers, which are sometimes tiny and whose real effectiveness we can doubt. To conclude, we can quote Béatrice de Reynal, who affirms that "the superfood market has a bright future and is proving to be very interesting from a nutritional point of view, provided that it does not fall into charlatanism" http://www.rubuntu.com/