Trend superfood: healthy or marketing nonsense?

Superfoods have now arrived in many people's everyday lives. But what exactly is a superfood? We reveal which foods are defined as superfoods and show what's really going on with this trend towards the healthy miracle cure.

Whether on supermarket shelves, the media or on various private Facebook pages - superfoods are literally on everyone's lips. Especially new and exotic products such as chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) or goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are becoming increasingly popular. But are these super foods really that healthy, or just a marketing ploy by the food industry?

What is a superfood?

Even the term superfood makes you think that it has to be healthy, nutritious, but low-calorie food - everything is super. But one is probably quick to hope that not only does the food itself contain the attribute super, but also one's own body after eating it. In recent years, health awareness has increased significantly in many western countries. Feeling good in your own skin, being fit and ideally looking even better have become core goals. This is mutually fueled by the steadily growing lifestyle industry.

Superfood is in itself a marketing term. There is no official definition of what exactly a superfood is, what it must contain or anything like that. Nevertheless, we find more and more of them in regular supermarkets or discounters. First, there are the chia seeds. A few years ago, with a bit of luck, you could find the small, usually greyish globules in organic shops or health food stores, and the prices were usually not exactly cheap. They are now available from Germany's largest discounter, even in organic quality. The seeds originally come from Central America and were probably cultivated and consumed by the Aztecs. Chia are particularly rich in omega-3, but also contain many antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Other exotic foods that are increasingly being served, or rather added to muesli or smoothies, are goji berries, hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa) or wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum). All of these foods are said to have a particularly good effect on health and even alleviate diseases or even prevent them from developing in the first place. Empirical evidence on this remains contradictory to this day. Some studies have found improvements in the health of subjects, but other researchers have not found significant results.

Benefits of Superfoods: All Just a Lie?

Even if many assume that the name superfood is just a sophisticated marketing ploy, there is a grain of truth behind the name. In fact, many superfoods, such as the goji berry, are particularly rich in nutrients and shine with a high number of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. The plants can actually bring health benefits and contribute to a varied and healthy diet. However, they are not miracle cures: So far there is no reliable scientific data that proves that the health effect goes beyond that of a balanced diet. The slimming effect of various superfoods has also not been proven. However, those who resort to superfoods instead of sweets are likely to lose a few pounds through the healthier diet. The superfoods are therefore highly recommended as a healthy snack in between meals.

Disadvantages of Superfoods: How Sustainable is the Trend?

Superfoods are a great addition to a balanced diet - but healthy foods also have their downsides. The sustainability of such foods in particular is often discussed. The reason for this: A large part of the superfoods come from tropical regions and have to be imported specifically for the German market. The long transport of tropical food has a negative effect on the climate balance and can also significantly reduce the nutrient content of the plants. Accordingly, the superfoods often contain fewer of the valuable ingredients than actually assumed. In addition, for foods that come from distant regions, with an increased Pollutant loads are calculated, since German specifications are often not or only insufficiently complied with will. Nevertheless, superfoods should not be demonized: Variety on the plate has many health benefits and can be supplemented with superfoods. However, it is advisable not only to eat superfoods, but preferably fruit and vegetables Choosing your own or regional cultivation as the main component and only occasionally adding superfoods enrich.

Local alternatives for superfoods

Many people understand superfoods to be exotic fruits from the tropics. This assumption is wrong - particularly healthy food does not always have to come from the other side of the world: even local fruit and vegetables can be considered superfood by definition. blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) are particularly rich in vitamins K, C and antioxidants. They are also said to relieve heart disease and high blood pressure. Even if the British Dietetic Association could not clearly prove a direct health improvement, it still recommends the daily consumption of the healthy berries.

In fact, there is a whole range of local foods that can safely be called superfoods:

Black elder (Sambucus nigra): Similar to blueberries, elderberries also have a high content of anthocyanins, which are said to protect the body from oxidation processes. This means they stand in line with what is known as superfood Açaí berry (Euterpe oleracea) in nothing after.

Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum): the Blackcurrant convinces above all with its extremely high vitamin C content. In fact, this even exceeds that of the goji berry, making the blackcurrant one of the true superfoods.

walnuts (Juglans regia): With its high content of mono and polyunsaturated fats, the walnut is an ideal source of energy. Thanks to its long shelf life, the walnut is available regionally almost all year round and is therefore a great alternative to avocado (Persea americana).

millet (Panicum miliaceum): Gluten-free, rich in protein and with a high iron content, millet is a great supplement that vegans in particular like to use. In contrast to the superfood quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) it is also grown in Germany and is therefore available regionally.

Red cabbage (Brassica oleracea convar. capitata var. rubra): With a high content of anthocyanins, vitamins and minerals Red cabbage a useful addition to the diet and can serve as an alternative to açai berries.

flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum): You can also use chia seeds instead of chia seeds linseed grab: The local superfood convinces with a high content of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and calcium and can be used in many ways.

chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Matcha tea is considered the new trend among superfoods. A healthy regional alternative is the chamomile: It also boosts metabolism and has a relaxing effect.

So that superfoods from your home garden are really good for your health, you should always pay attention to the organic quality of your garden products. In our Plantura shop you will find everything you need for it.