Not So Super, These Foods?
I believe I can fly! I believe I can touch the sky!
“Superfoods”: do they stand up to the soaring hype? Chow takes a bite out of these caped crusaders of health to uncover which ones are fit for all you ninjas, and which ones are just regular old grub.
Chocolate: Yes, the 70%+ dark variety is rich in antioxidants and tryptophan (translation: good for your heart and your mood). No, this is not a license to dine religiously on truffles and champagne. Not like that’s something any of us would do. On Wednesdays.
Wine: Again with the flavonoids! In addition to the antioxidants every vegetable seems to come with, wine is also packed with resveratrol, a potential cancer-fighter. But you really, really do have to be moderate about this. You want to help your heart out, but don’t do it at the expense of your liver. Two glasses per sitting for guys, one for girls. (Sitting: this does not mean relocating to a new bar stool.)
Acai: Everyone got hot for blueberries; next came pomegranates. It was only a matter of time before the chewy acai berry assumed the sparkling antioxidant throne. They’re great for you, but so are other fruits and berries, and acai is really expensive.
Coffee: Not just good, but great! Reasonable amounts of coffee - no more than a few cups a day - promote all kinds of healthy side effects, from reduced risk of colon cancer, Parkinson’s, and type 2 diabetes to healthier liver function (aha!). And three cups of coffee have just as much fiber as an apple.
Raw Dairy: No clinical studies have substantiated the claims that raw dairy is healthier, but even experts concede that unpasteurized dairy is probably more nutritious. The problem is that bacterial contamination is a strong possibility, so if you do go raw, know your source.
Raw Food Diet: So, there’s zero evidence and the entire philosophy is completely illogical, but it sure sounds fun! The raw food diet centers around the belief that uncooked foods contain important enzymes needed for optimum digestion. This is wrong. Besides, some fruits and vegetables are actually better for you once they’re cooked. You can read more here.
Green tea, soy, kombucha, and spirulina also get schooled by Chow, so head over to read the full assessment.
10 opinions for Not So Super, These Foods?
John
Sep 19, 2007 at 2:20 pm
I love these little short blurbs “debunking” things….”there’s zero evidence” the raw food diet is good for you? I don’t think so. The philosophy is illogical? Not really…you’re right though..it is fun! Also in about 1 year on a raw food diet I look and feel about 10 years younger and constantly get told how healthy I look. But I haven’t got the lab reports back yet….
I haven’t hear anyone call coffee or wine a superfood..now that is funny!
Sara
Sep 19, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Hi, John,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your point of view! I encourage you to read that raw food link if you are interested. I for one would be really interested in hearing more about your experience with the raw food diet, if you wouldn’t mind telling us. :)
Crabby McSlacker
Sep 20, 2007 at 7:41 am
Great article! I’m kind of bummed about the green tea, because I’d seen such encouraging things about anti-cancer potential. However, these studies sometimes go back and forth so I probably won’t be too discouraged until a few more studies say the same thing. And, well, the heart disease aspects are good.
Sara
Sep 20, 2007 at 10:02 am
Thanks, Crabby! I personally will still be eating and drinking many of these slightly-less-super-than-super foods. The next hot thing always makes a great headline, but natural, nutritious foods like several of these are still healthy even if they’re knocked off their sensationalized throne. There’s always another study, as we know. I’m sure next month green tea will be miraculous again ;)
steve
Sep 20, 2007 at 1:48 pm
I MUST find some of that Açaí stuff…it sounds great.
And to comment on the article’s assessment of raw foods: whenever I see the phrase “there is no scientific evidence,” then it always reflexively raises my brow. To me it sounds like they’re saying, “Although this has been proven as beneficial/effective for generations, we couldn’t substantiate that in the lab.” Quality of life (such as John’s comments about general feelings of wellness, or compliments on his appearance) aren’t the things measured in the laboratory. So here’s a recommendation from a complete non-scientist regarding raw foods (or any other food, for that matter): if it feels good, it’s not killing you, and not hurting anyone else, then do it.
For example, I’m sure as hell not giving up my dark chocolate any time soon. It’s one of the building blocks of the universe, as far as I’m concerned. And I bet it’s cheaper than Açaí.
Sara
Sep 20, 2007 at 1:50 pm
“So here’s a recommendation from a complete non-scientist regarding raw foods (or any other food, for that matter): if it feels good, it’s not killing you, and not hurting anyone else, then do it.”
Great point, Steve! Thanks for the comments.
I for one will not be giving up dark chocolate or wine or coffee. ;)
Wally
Sep 21, 2007 at 12:30 am
These foods are indeed super. We just have to keep in mind that even though they are healthy, we still have to eat and drink in moderation.
Thanks for sharing this.
Pat
Sep 23, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Coffee is indeed great, especially on a cold morning. With a number of health benefits, coffee will always be a part of my day.
Barbara
Oct 6, 2007 at 8:10 pm
you need a good translator…. i can help. :)
Jayakumar
Oct 14, 2007 at 6:25 am
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