Superfoods may be super unhealthy

Here's what some of the leading health experts have to say.

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IN a nutshell Welcome back to another Monday edition of Wellness Wire! We hope you had a restful weekend. Today, we're diving into the truth behind the latest nutrition trends. Buckle up, we're about to prove and disprove some pretty big claims about what we're eating. Let's chat about: • how super superfoods really are • apple cider vinegar gummy vitamins • the benefits of meat and dairy alternatives • more health stories you need Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota August 24, 2022 • 5 min read

what's got us buzzing Superfoods may be super unhealthy Goji berries, chia seeds, quinoa, you name it — SO many fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds that are naturally high in vitamins or nutrients are called superfoods nowadays. This ~prestigious title~ (*cough* fancy marketing buzzword to sell more products) is meant to hype up the health perks that a food might offer. But just how super are these superfoods? According to leading health orgs and professionals, they may not be as healthy as we think. "The range of so-called superfoods is wide, but there's no scientific or legal definition of the term," German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) President Professor Dr. Andreas Hensel said in a press release. "Many so-called superfoods are offered and advertised — often via the internet — with sometimes untenable promises," adds German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety President Friedel Cramer. Think the ability to prevent diseases, help you lose weight, treat conditions like diabetes, and more. Yes, these foods *can* offer a healthy dose of valuable vitamins and minerals. But according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, this highly marketable term is way more useful for driving sales than anything else. The BfR team claims that so-called superfoods may even harm your health when eaten in high concentrations. So, rather than running to buy the next superfood you see trending, experts suggest 1) reading product labels to understand the why behind the claim and 2) balancing your meals to score the nutritional benefits of different foods instead. tl;dr: The superfood label may be better at driving super sales than health benefits, so be mindful of what you're eating and believing! If you want to learn about *actual* science-backed, nutrient-packed superfoods, here's our list of 16 foods most worthy of that title.

great finds Products we love       Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies Apple cider vinegar boasts some health benefits, like helping kill harmful bacteria and potentially lowering blood sugar levels. Goli's ACV gummy vitamins are gluten-free, vegan, and so delicious that you (read: I) have to fight the urge to eat them like a snack. They're also packed with vitamins B9 and B12 to support immune function, heart health, and overall well-being. In addition to the other Goli gummies (Ashwagandha, Dreamy Sleep, etc.), this one has been a staple in my personal health routine for over a year. 10/10 highly recommend trying. Shop now

Monday Kickstart Plant-based meat is healthier and more eco-friendly Many people (read: meat eaters) love to hate it, but plant-based meat might actually live up to its hype. A new review published in Future Foods that analyzed 43 different studies about the impacts of plant-based foods and consumer attitudes shows that meat and dairy alternatives offer health and environmental benefits. In terms of health pros, these include weight loss and muscle building, higher nutritional profiles, and even the ability to help people manage certain health conditions. And for the eco-perks, plant-based products typically demand way less agricultural land and water than animal-based products. They also result in less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainability, for the win! One more surprising fact pulled from this research: Almost 90% of folks who ate plant-based meat and dairy were meat-eaters or flexitarians. So it's not just vegetarians and vegans who love this stuff — so many people do. (Myself, a pescatarian, included.) Sure, some meat and dairy alternatives don't taste great. But there are plenty of delicious options out there that do a solid job at imitating the real thing (shout-out to Impossible Burgers). Researchers predict future improvements in taste, too, so stay tuned for more news on this front. Which side of the fence are you on: For or against plant-based meat and dairy products? And why? Tell us at wellnesswire@healthline.com.

Health Hype Can certain foods lower your risk of cancer? (Find the answer at the end of this email)

health stories you need What we're reading next Ultra-processed veggie food and its impact on health. Not all plant-based diets are equal. Some may actually harm your health. Medical News Today dives into this in an edition of Honest Nutrition. The 9 best meal delivery services for kids. Adults aren't the only ones who can benefit from meal delivery kits. Here are the top nine kid-friendly services for families, picky eaters, and more. How do I eat better to improve my mental health? If you've ever asked yourself this question, listen to Psych Central's new podcast to learn about nutritional psychiatry and recipes to try.

Health Hype Answer Can certain foods lower your risk of cancer? Yes! What you eat can drastically affect many aspects of your health. This includes your risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes and even cancer. Some foods that have been linked with cancer-fighting properties are broccoli, carrots, beans, and berries. Now that's what we call superfoods! To learn more about the research behind this and which foods offer this benefit, check out our article all about foods that could lower your risk of cancer.

Thanks for reading! We'll be back with more great stories on Wednesday. Feel free to share your thoughts on this newsletter at wellnesswire@healthline.com. See you soon!

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by the energy gained from eating a well-balanced diet (plus lots of coffee).   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe © 2022 Healthline Media 1423 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707