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Myths to bust about Superfoods
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Wednesday, 27 April, 2022, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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S N Rao
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When you hear the word superfood, what comes to your mind? A boring vegetable? or a carrot in a cape? For years we have been fed with myths about superfoods. But what makes a superfood an actual super food? These food items are basically nutrient powerhouses that offer huge capacities of antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, and mineral deposits. While most superfoods are plant-based, some consist of fish and dairy as well. Let's discuss some of the commonly available superfoods and myths related to them:
1. Myth: Superfoods are exotic and expensive
Superfoods are exotic and expensive is a clear myth as all the products available in the market have different variants available that have different price ranges according to buyer's preference. For example, if today we have Goji Berry available in the market, we also have Amla which can be considered as a purer source of vitamins and medical benefits. Brands these days are also offering affordable means to consume these products and also make them tasty for consumption.
2. Myth: Superfoods not easily available
Some foods increase cholesterol, foods that cause cancer, and foods that make you fat. In contradiction, there are also many health-promoting foods such as superfoods but the misconception around these food products is that they are not easily available but clearly that's not true because these healthy foods don’t require a treasure hunt, but can be easily found in your local supermarket.
3. Quinoa: This tiny little seed is loaded with high-quality protein, minerals, vitamin B and is a gluten-free edible seed that has inspired health and food bloggers to go crazy with recipes for quinoa salad, pizza crust, and even desserts.
Myth: Quinoa has a bitter taste
Quinoa is one of the tastiest superfoods available but it has a bitter saponin coating over it that needs to be washed away properly before cooking that is why sometimes it might taste bitter. The correct way to consume it is that dry quinoa should be toasted until it smells like roasted sesame seeds, then washed and then boiled to avoid any bitterness.
4. Ragi: Ragi is an important staple food in India. It is one of the less commonly used cereals and the earliest known millets in India. It is known for numerous health benefits associated with its high calcium content and rich dietary fibre.
Myth: Ragi is not as tasty as rice or wheat
Saying your children won’t like it is another excuse. If a dish looks good and smells good, your kids will definitely try it! Use your normal recipes, substitute ragi for rice, add fresh, colourful veggies to make your dish healthier and prettier, and see how the aroma draws you in. We promise the taste will keep you hooked and compared to white rice, ragi has higher minerals, dietary fibre, and sulfur-containing amino acids.,which makes it a perfect choice for a family.
5. Amla: Amla is a house of vitamin C content with multiple medical benefits. It is a superfood suggested for hair and skin as well. It is considered an astounding immunity booster that should be included in your diet, especially at this peak time of the health epidemic.
Myth: If you have dry scalp and skin do not consume amla
Amla works as a beauty tonic and is an essential ingredient for hair and skincare. It not just helps in strengthening the roots of the hair, but also enriches hair growth. It also prevents dandruff and premature graying of hair and gives your skin a glossy finish and a good skin tone.
6. Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body as seeds. These little seeds pack a major nutritional punch and a single tablespoon contains 4.5 gram of heart-healthy fats, plus 5.5 gram of fibre.
Myth: Hormonal imbalance
Hormone balancing in your body is very important and chia seeds can be one of the best options. Mix it with a smoothie, yogurt, or cereal. It's a high-quality protein. Add them and enjoy the benefits!
7. Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds are tiny edible seeds of a plant of the Sesamum genus, these seeds are a rich source of natural oils, lignans, antioxidants, protein, dietary fibre, and vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, etc.
Myth: Sesame seeds are not safe during pregnancy
The notion that sesame seeds are not safe for consumption during pregnancy is nothing but a myth because these seeds are packed with essential nutrients that are good for both the mother and the baby. It helps in the proper growth of the foetus and aids digestive-system related issues caused to the mother.
Consumption of one type of food in huge quantities can actually be harmful to health and prevent the body from receiving all of the nutrients it requires. This is the reason why superfoods should be supplementary to a well-balanced food, and not replacing one consequently this can help tear down all the persisting myths related to superfoods and help one add it to their diet with stability.
(The author is CMD, Supreem Super Foods)
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