With so many food fads around, it’s hard to know what will
really give your health a boost. We take a look at the latest trends to
sort the facts from the fiction…
New laws are now stricter on the use of the word 'superfood'
Did you know eating a bacon buttie can knock half an hour off your life expectancy? Before
you reach for that healthy green salad in a bid to add those 30 minutes
back on, let us take a look at what the healthier option really is.
With
so many foods claiming superhero status, there’s now a new law banning
the use of the word superfood on packaging – unless it can be backed up
by hard evidence. Here, we’ve separated the wheat from the chaff…
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has been hailed as a weight loss ally
What is it? Despite containing over 90%
saturated fat, coconut oil has been hailed as the latest weight-loss
ally. Celebrities are mad for it, with Angelina Jolie starting her day
with cereal topped with coconut oil, model Miranda Kerr stirring a spoon
into her green tea and Gwyneth Paltrow using it as a mouthwash. It’s no wonder jars of the white stuff (£5.99) are flying off the shelves!
Food facts:
"Studies show that coconut helps increase calorie burning and can aid
weight loss when consumed in moderation," says nutritionist Kim Pearson.
It contains lauric acid, which is known for killing harmful bacteria.
It can also be used on skin and hair too. So we’re going to be slim with
shiny hair and good skin? Sold.
Verdict: Super
Matcha powder
Matcha contains high levels of anti-ageing antioxidantsWhat is it? The antioxidant health benefits
of drinking green tea are widely known – but the ground down version,
matcha, is new on the block.
Celebrities such as Eva Longoria and
Dannii Minogue are swapping their soya lattes for this Incredible
Hulk-coloured tea, because drinking the powder means you consume all of
the goodness of the leaves, rather than just the water they’re steeped
in.
Food facts: "Research shows that matcha is
137 times higher in the health-promoting and anti-ageing antioxidants
found in other green teas, plus it’s a great energy booster," says Kim. It
contains caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine that increases
brain wave activity. But at £25 for 100g, you’ve got to really want
those antioxidants for it to be worth it. Verdict: Super expensive
Kale
Kale is a celebrity favoriteWhat is it? If you’re the sort of person who likes to carry the latest ‘IT’ bag, you’ll have spotted this on fashionable menus everywhere.
Foodies
reckon this dark leafy green packs a powerful nutritional punch, with
high levels of iron, calcium, vitamins K, A and C – there are even
claims it can reduce the signs of ageing.
Food facts: Kale can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, and the high fibre content helps to rev up your metabolism.
"It’s
rich in vitamin C and magnesium, and the main advantage is it’s great
value compared to other so-called superfoods," says The Food Doctor Ian
Marber. There’s loads of ways to eat it too, from salads to kale
chips. But keep in mind that iron from kale is not absorbed as easily as
iron from meat. Verdict: Semi super
Agave syrup
Agave syrup has long been used as an alternative to sugarWhat is it? Once hailed as the sweetener to
save us from our sugary sins, agave syrup’s low glycemic index (glucose
level) supposedly means that it will prevent your blood sugar levels
from spiking – stopping you reaching for unhealthy snacks.
The
syrup has been used for thousands of years in Mexico, and has been
marketed as a healthy alternative to sugar in baking and hot drinks.
Food facts: Recent studies have suggested that agave may actually play havoc with your metabolism, as it’s a form of over-processed syrup.
"Agave
contains fructose," says Ian, "which is the same natural fruit sugar
found in juices and honey." Unlike glucose or sucrose, fructose is only
metabolised by the liver, and is quickly turned into fat by the body.
Verdict: Not so super
Quinoa
Quinoa is a good addition to any dietWhat is it? Quinoa has soared in popularity
in recent years, with the health conscious swapping their rice or
couscous for this fluffy little grain-like seed. It’s reported to have
anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and antidepressant effects.
Food facts:
"Quinoa contains amino acids as well as fibre and nutrients, so it’s a
good addition to any diet," says Ian. NASA scientists searching for the
perfect food for long-term space missions declared quinoa to be
unbeatable in its nutritional value.
"It’s naturally gluten-free
and a rich source of protein, so it’s good for vegans and vegetarians,"
says healthy eating expert Amelia Freer. But the high fibre content may
cause digestive problems for some.
Verdict: Super
The superfoods you may already have in your kitchen
Fresh Tomatoes
Cooked tomatoes contain an easily absorbable
form of the antioxidant lycopene, which is important for reviving
sun-damaged skin. Who knew a bowl of tomato soup could be the cure for
sunburn?
Broccoli is one superfood you can rely
on without breaking the bank. This humble staple is packed full of
fibre, calcium, iron and vitamins C and A.
Blackberries
contain high-levels of vitamin C, which is vital for collagen
production. Eat plenty of these sweet treats to plump up your skin and
reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Garlic releases anti-bacterial photochemicals when crushed, useful for fighting off colds and treating acne. Turmeric
can be used to treat anything from heartburn, stomach complaints,
memory loss and diabetes. "This spice is more of a medicine in my mind,"
says Amelia.
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