The Whole Truth About Super Foods

Lettuce or peach is not the same as before. It is the topic of many table conversations and a reality that promoted a new generation of nutrition. So-called super food.

The arrival of these new products with additional properties is welcome given the reduced quality of products consumed today and the face of an unbalanced diet: Antioxidants [vitamin A E]] Phytonutrients [chemicals present in plants that give color and flavor, protect against UV rays and infection], remove toxins, reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, and prevent aging The

I often hear about the excellence of traditional Mediterranean food products such as olive oil.

Myth or reality

Are you facing drugs that can cure and protect potential illnesses? Is this a temporary unfounded trend and a product of general interest in diet and health in developed countries?

A quick search for the term “superfood” on Google will show that someone is tracking a term on the Internet every 0.13 seconds.

In addition, approximately 700,000 results are returned.

But despite its ubiquity, there is no official definition.

Is it trend or fashion? It's not new. Years ago, the scientific community has designated nutrients as functional ingredients that maintain health, such as olive oil, nuts, and blue fish, without adding calories. Therefore, it is named superfood, but it does not enjoy scientific evidence. It is true that they are very healthy products.

Nutritionist at Manuel Monino, Biomedical Research Center at Carlos III Institute, agrees with the following statement: “There is no superfood itself. Instead, talk about the food superpattern, not the specific product. In fact, most studies have done in vitro testing of animals, I use it, but I can't achieve it by habitually ingesting foods containing them.

Still, it is true that some people are rich in bioactive substances and phytochemicals that are the focus of research, such as flavonoids, carotene, and phenolic compounds ... ''

“These are healthy products, but don't heal and just stay healthy,” warns Irene Breton.

For this expert, the best way to give the body everything it needs is to eat a variety of diets rich in legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains, but exclusive to certain products Do n’t consume or exclude eggs, dairy products, etc. “things that contribute to health, or take away food patterns and don't eat isolated things. Sell oat bran, exotic juice, or goji berries Some people have a great business to ask, the latter is considered a lot of superfood and is no different from raisins. ''

Spain spends over 2 billion euros on miraculous products. This may include extracts from possibly horrible foods. According to Nieves Palacios, an endocrinologist and sports medicine specialist, fruits, nuts, and vegetables are not forgotten every day, and vegetables and fish are a few times a week when making menus.

In 2013, the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of a Carlos III laboratory study of patients at cardiovascular risk. The probability of a heart attack. “Concept” is “popular in the media, not among scientists,” he added.

Exotic and traditional

What seems to be clear is that incorporating these foods into a balanced diet is both physically and emotionally beneficial. Itxasne Tome, a psychologist at Ravenna Clinic, “Becoming aware of our bodies brings emotional well-being and increases self-esteem.

But what should I buy?

All praises of life and praises of luxury names praised by journalists and bloggers? Paula Rosso, a nutritionist at the Laho Plaza Medical Center, will not bet on both options.

“Some traditions come back when scientifically discovered active ingredients such as omega-3 acid and thiafiber, cardiovascular protectors, or the superior antioxidant goji berry. They don't sell.

In any case, Mediterranean cuisine is a source of vitamins and the basis of our diet. “Add a dietitian, and as important as what you do.

“This type of food needs to be consumed fresh or uncooked as much as possible and must be very fresh to make it easier for the body to absorb without compromising its properties,” said Rosso. say. And there is nothing to be gorgeous in one and neglect everything else.

“There is evidence that fruits and vegetables fight cancer, but in the form of supplements—that is, isolating external nutrients—does not produce the same effect, and thus contributes to imbalances,” Manuel Monino said. say.