Is there such a thing as a…
It’s a buzzword you can’t escape at this time of year, along with other alleged health terms such as ‘detox’ and ‘cleanse’. But can superfoods really weave nutritional magic, or are they nothing more than a super swindle? Sue Quinn investigates
THE SANE VIEW
From exotic berries that claim to make you glow, to green leafy vegetables that purport to prevent cancer – these days there’s no getting away from so-called superfoods. Wellness bloggers and media reports make huge claims for these nutrientdense foods: that they can stave off ageing and reduce the risk of a swathe of health problems. But do any of the claims stand up to scientific scrutiny?
The term ‘superfood’ has become ubiquitous in recent years, in line with growing public interest in food and health. An internet search of the word throws up more than 17 million results, from health blogs and supplement websites, online newspapers and magazines. “A daily dose of garlic can save your life,” claims one newspaper headline. “Why mangoes are the new superfood,” reads another, above an article explaining why the fruit “can help stop obesity and ward off type 2 diabetes”. And an enormous industry has grown out of the hype, dedicated to persuading us to buy these foods – often at vastly inflated prices.