Five superfoods that are not so super

The latest buzzword in the world of nutrition is ‘superfood’. Food items like quinoa, kale, and goji berries are fast becoming popular items in regular diets. Packed with nutrients essential for our daily balanced diet, these superfoods are touted to help you with everything from fighting diseases to losing your weight. However, these health foods are not necessarily as perfect as you’d like to think. While the idea of consuming superfoods to nullify the excesses of our unhealthy eating habits does sound impressive, the reality is far from it. We speak to some nutritionists who bust the myth of the healthy superfood, and tell you about food items that do not deserve the credit they otherwise get.

Prachi Sanghvi, nutritionist Soya Soya is one product, which is claimed to be a superfood since it is supposed to help fight cancer and strengthen bones. However, there are controversies regarding the healthy quantity of soya intake since an excess of it lowers testosterone levels in men, disrupts thyroid hormone and leads to weight gain. I would suggest paneer instead of soya in diets since it is rich in protein and calcium.

Luke Coutinho Quinoa It’s a grain local to South America. Yes, it has great health benefits since it has fibre, protein and antioxidants, but our Indian brown unpolished rice has the same health benefits. Quinoa may probably win by a gram of extra protein when compared nutritionally, but in no way would I call it a superfood and encourage people to spend so much money on it. If we call it a superfood, then we should call our Indian brown rice a superfood too.

Kanchan Patwardhan Red Meat Many people think that red meat is a superfood high in proteins, but it contains lots of saturated fat and sodium. High amount of saturated fats leads to weight gain, which is the root cause of health problems such as high cholesterol and plaque formation in the arteries. Meat is also acidic in nature and increases uric acid and inflammation in joints. It has no fibre so it can also cause constipation.

Plant-based proteins are good substitutes for red meat. Peas, lentils, like red kidney beans and chickpea, are easily digestible and have a good combination of complex carbohydrates and fibre. Pulses and legumes are a great source of micronutrients like zinc, calcium and iron. This is good for weight watchers, and people suffering from diabetes or blood pressure.

Khushboo Sahijwani Goji berries Goji berries may be a healthy nutritional food source high in Vitamin B and amino acids, but one shouldn’t blindly pop them in since there aren’t enough studies to support their health claims. It is a product native to China so in India, we definitely have other foods that can easily act as a substitute for it. A good enough local substitute for goji berries are pomegranate. They are high in vitamin C, B5 and, polyphenols called ellagitannins, which several studies suggest may help to reduce cholesterol levels and other heart disease risks.