4 Myths About Superfoods

4 Myths About Superfoods - Debunked

Written on February 14, 2024 - 4:56 am | by admin

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for that last few decades, there’s no way you haven’t heard the term “Superfood”. Superfoods are on the forefront of the healthy living campaign that has sweep over the world in that last few decades. Like any other new and popular thing, a host of myths have been riding the shirttails of superfoods. Here are 4 myths about superfoods – Debunked.

Avoid seafood to lower blood cholesterol

It’s no secret that omega 3 fatty acids are good for you. Omega 3 fatty acids are extremely beneficial for the heart, joints, and memory function. The fact is that fish contains a high level of cholesterol, but the cholesterol found in fish and certain meats has little to no effect on the blood cholesterol in most people. Seafood, however, is low in saturated fat which plays a huge role in heightening blood pressure.

Trans fats and saturated fats have been known to be one of the number one culprits with regard to high cholesterol levels. The warnings abound, and the FDA even took action by mandating that food manufacturers label all foods that contain a certain level of trans fats. Seafood, however, is not one of them. Omega 3 fatty acids are good for you, and you can benefit greatly by including certain types of seafood in your diet. Omega-3s are most prevalent in cold-water, non-farmed fish like salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel. Omega 3s are also found in fortified eggs, flax seed, and walnuts.

Herbal teas are a part of the superfood family

The truth is that herbal teas don’t even contain tea. It’s true. Herbal teas are made with the leaves from the evergreen tree known as Camellis. Herbal teas are no more than this type of leaf infused with various flowers, roots, and spices. Herbal teas contain no tea leaves and therefore possess no antioxidant qualities. So why does real tea?

Real tea is made from tea leaves. The tea leaves are what contain the antioxidant compound, polyphenols. It’s these polyphenols that help to fight free radicals and help to protect the body. Unfortunately, herbal teas have no other benefit other than the fact that they taste good. Note: some herbal teas are made with real tea leaves and therefore do contain the antioxidant polyphenols.

You can get just as much benefit from flax oil as you can from fresh seafood.

Wrong! While it’s true that flax oil contains beneficial omega 3 fatty acids, the amount pales in comparison to the amount of omega 3 fatty acids contained in fresh seafood. It’s the DHA fatty acid that makes seafood the better choice. DHA can help to lower the risk of dementia, depression, allergies, asthma, and there is speculation that it can even lower a person’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Even though it tastes like drinking an old cardboard box, Wheat Grass Juice is good for you.

Thank goodness this is simply a myth and not fact. Have you ever drunk Wheat Grass Juice? If you’ve choked down a few glasses you know what I’m talking about. The truth is there are no scientific studies that indicate Wheat Grass Juice has any benefits other than some vitamin A and iron. The good news is you can get more vitamin A and iron from a serving of spinach. At least with spinach you can flavor it to taste with a little salt and pepper.

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