The Superfood Hype

🌱 My dear friends,

Today I want to discuss and let out my frustration on the topic of “Superfoods” 🍃.

Aiming for optimal health, people have gone nuts 🥜 running after superfoods like - kale 🥬, quinoa 🍚, spirulina 🌊, acai bowls 🫐, ginger 🌿, and turmeric shots 🍵, and whatnot!

These nutrient-dense foods are marketed as miracle workers for our health. However, that isn’t the case in reality.

One thing South Asians love most is to discuss health 🧘‍♀️, and today, we're taking a closer look at why relying solely on superfoods, the latest health trend 🌟, might not be the best approach for your well-being.

✨ The Superfood Hype

Superfoods have gained popularity due to their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants 🛡️. These foods are marketed as the ultimate solution to all that ails humans, but this portrayal can be misleading.

🌿 Complement, Don’t Replace

While superfoods offer their own set of benefits, they cannot replace real food that you’ve been avoiding 🍽️. They are complementary to your diet, not the diet itself! Our bodies need a diverse array of nutrients that cannot be provided by a single food source. Over-relying on superfoods can result in nutritional imbalances and deficiencies ⚖️.

🚨 The Risks of Overconsumption

I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news 📰, but with the rate at which superfoods and herbs are in demand in the market, and the number of certified sellers is on the rise 📈, I question the genuineness of the product and the transparency of the process 🧐.

My friend has a farmland where his family grows organic wheat 🌾. The neighboring farms too grow organic crops (so to speak). Excitedly, I asked him about the process of planting and harvesting, and all that comes in between.

To my dismay 😧, I learned that day that the government certifies you as an “organic” farmer based on a one-time sample of the crop. Once you receive the certification, you can sell your produce as you wish with the packaging reading “Organic” 🏷️. There is no check on pesticides, herbicides, or anything at all! Government agencies are reckless that way 🚫.

So, it doesn’t take much effort to be part of this “Organic” brigade 🚜. It’s the same with superfoods.

A concept that is new to us (at least in India 🇮🇳), how transparent can the process be? Do your chia seeds really come from Central America? How misleading is the advertisement of the seeds? 🤔

The moment something is in the rave, it is exploited, polluted, and adulterated 🌍. I can say that about India at least, where all the regulations in the food industry are so bendable.

To give you another example—

A huge part of why superfoods are Super-Foods is because they are grown in a certain environment under certain conditions 🌦️, which gives them the characteristics desired to be in the category.

Except that the demand is so high, they aren’t any longer grown the natural way! Some hobbyists and bio-engineers have honed the art of cultivating Saffron indoors 💡, all under artificial lighting and an entirely controlled atmosphere. Saffron is a coveted herb and fetches a lot of money 💰.

But can this variety of Saffron be compared with the one grown on the fertile land under the mighty sun in Kashmir (J&K, India)? Obviously, there is no comparison 🏔️.

Just like that, hydroponics and microgreens are much in demand, but when grown indoors, in an artificially controlled atmosphere, and off-season 🌱, will they be able to maintain their nutrition?

☠️ Toxicity

People don’t just eat sub-standard superfoods, they eat them in bulk 🚚. Superfoods contain many nutrients in high concentrations that can create toxicity in the body 🧪.

For example, Kale contains high levels of thallium and oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones and other health problems if consumed excessively ⚠️.

Spirulina is rich in protein and certain amino acids, potentially straining the kidneys when taken in large amounts 💧.

Chia Seeds are high in fiber, which can cause digestive issues if not paired with adequate water intake 💦.

Green Tea Extract can cause liver toxicity due to high concentrations of polyphenols, overwhelming the liver's capacity to process them 🚨.

Nutrient Imbalance: Focusing heavily on superfoods like quinoa for protein can result in a lack of essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and zinc, typically found in animal products and fortified foods 🥩.

🌟 Widely Marketed Superfoods

- Acai Berries: Known for their antioxidant content but can cause digestive issues and interactions with medications when overconsumed.

- Goji Berries: High in vitamin C but can lead to allergic reactions and interact with blood-thinning medications 💊.

- Turmeric: Renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties but excessive curcumin intake can cause gastrointestinal issues and impact liver function 💛.

My Uncle used to start his day with a “special tea” 🍵 made with Heart-Leaved Moonseed (Giloy in Hindi), Turmeric root, and Ginger, along with some spices like Cinnamon, and multiple other things… Until he developed MAJOR gastrointestinal issues 😟.

The body is not a dump yard 🗑️, and superfoods are not food replacements 🚫. You can’t have 10 cups of green tea daily and think you’ll get rid of free radicals in the body overnight! Or have copious amounts of nuts (as healthy snacking) 🥜, and then wonder why you have mouth ulcers or abdominal pains from the amino acid L-Arginine.

🌾 The Power of Real Food

The key to optimal health is a balanced diet composed of whole, unprocessed foods 🌱. You need a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meat, lean proteins, and healthy fats to ensure a more balanced nutrient intake.

Eating real food with occasional bites of superfoods (carefully sourced) in moderation will prevent the risk of overconsumption and nutrient toxicity 🛡️.

Moreover, choose foods that are locally sourced rather than exotic 🌍. Our bodies are more tolerant of local environments and foods than an alien palette.

📺 Stay Engaged: Check out my YouTube video on detoxifying your lymph nodes from toxins in the body (including all the superfood gunk) - Click here!

💖 Love,

Zitni Zun

Disclaimer: The picture used is not mine; the rights are reserved to the owner.