Having presented people with superfoods, nature, it would seem, brought to life stories about young apples. There are so many useful substances in these products that you eat them for a month or two, and the body will be energized, weight will decrease, eyesight will improve, and 18-year-olds will envy libido. At least, this is how various superfoods are positioned in marketing promises.
But the experts of Roskachestvo do not believe the advertising promises, and decided to find out if the superfoods are really as good as they are. And at the same time they called cheap analogues of these miracle products.
5. Spirulina
According to Roskachestvo, the top 5 most popular superfoods are opened by blue-green algae, which is available to lovers of healthy lifestyle in capsules, tablets and powders at a price of 250 rubles and more. It is also included in certain foods and drinks, such as energy bars and shakes.
What the advertisement promises: spirulina helps in the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases and dangerous conditions, including high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, depression, viral hepatitis, and malnutrition. In addition, it stimulates the immune system and improves kidney function and liver function.
What is really useful in spirulina: high in protein and free amino acids; gluten and phytoestrogens are absent. However, this type of algae could theoretically contain an amino acid called phenylalanine. Therefore, spirulina should not be used by people with phenylketonuria (PKU), a metabolic disorder in which the body cannot absorb phenylalanine.
Cheap analogue of spirulina: other algae, such as fucus, it costs 2 times cheaper than the advertised spirulina.
4. Goji Berries
These elongated red berries are positioned as an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine. And you have to pay for medicine, so the price of 100 grams of goji varies from 200 rubles and above.
What the advertisement promises: Due to the high content of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, as well as the antioxidant zeaxanthin, goji berries can prevent macular retinal degeneration. They treat impotence and infertility. Goji berries also have a high fiber content, which has many health benefits, including: it helps to reduce weight, reduces the risk of certain cancers and helps reduce and eliminate excess cholesterol and even remove toxins from the body.
A large amount of nutrients such as vitamins A and C and minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium and selenium contribute to the regeneration of the tissue of the gastrointestinal tract.
What is really useful in goji: these berries have a really large number of useful substances, including 18 amino acids, 4 polysaccharides and 6 monosaccharides, 21 minerals, 6 carotenoids, beta-carotene and vitamins. Flavonoids help remove excess fat from the liver.
Cheap analogue of superfood: dogwood, blueberries, lingonberries, dried cranberries.
3. Quinoa croup
This grain crop comes from Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, and the price of 500 grams of quinoa cereal is about 200 rubles. People can eat both the seeds and leaves of this nutritious plant, sometimes called the "rice swan."
What the advertisement promises: Quinoa helps maintain a healthy weight because high fiber foods help people feel full for a long time, potentially reducing overall food intake. Quinoa is an indispensable source of antioxidants, and due to its high magnesium content it helps to lower high blood pressure, is a prevention of migraines, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
What is useful in quinoa: a lot of folic acid, and it is useful for pregnant women, a good source of iron, vitamin B9 and coarse fibers. Quinoa really helps to lose weight due to its low calorie content.
Inexpensive and complete quinoa analogue: buckwheat.
2. Acai Berries
Semi-precious stones seem to be hiding inside these small purple berries, they are so expensive. Only 50 grams of acai berry extract will cost you 450 rubles and more, and 330 ml of juice costs from 1130 rubles.
What the advertisement promises: charge of energy, stimulation of immunity and detoxification. Acai berries are one of the best anti-aging foods, thanks to the huge amount of antioxidants that contribute to weight loss and even reduce the risk of developing oncology.
What are the benefits of acai berries? they have a really high content of antioxidants, such as vitamins C, A and E. Moreover, they are an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, and contain a large amount of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper. They are also rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
But you will not wait for any rejuvenation from acai. Antioxidants are a good thing because they protect cells from free radicals. But are wrinkles smoothed out with the help of berries? A good anti-aging cream will cope with this much more effectively.
Inexpensive alternatives to acai berries: beets, cranberries, lingonberries, blueberries, avocados, fish, nuts.
1. Chia seeds
These seeds of the plant are family Iasnatkovye - one of the most popular superfoods in the world. They will cost the Russian buyer at least 250 rubles per 200 grams.
Nutrient-rich seeds are good sources of alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acids), fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, encouraging sellers to claim that chia is a “superfood.”
What the advertisement promises: energy charge, weight loss and a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.
What are the benefits of chia seeds in fact: contain calcium, α-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an essential omega-3 fatty acid, and are characterized by a high protein content (21%).
Chia seeds also contain more fiber than most other crops. However, fish and fish oil directly deliver DHA and EPA fatty acids to the body, while ALA in chia seeds must first be converted to the active forms of omega-3.
How can I replace chia seeds: fish, sesame seeds, hazelnuts and other nuts.
Promises such as strengthening immunity, improving libido and losing weight are selling well. That's why you come across them when it comes to superfoods. But as they say, if something sounds too good to be true, then it is probably a lie.
