28 Superfoods That Actually Aren't So Super
Eating healthy can be tough, especially when what’s considered “healthy” changes year after year. One of the biggest things we’re told to eat is “superfoods.” These are foods that are nutrient-rich and supposedly ease health conditions. The word is appearing on labels, on articles, and even news stories, but most of them aren’t as perfect as they seem.
In fact, the word “superfood” isn’t a technical scientific term. It’s actually a marketing tactic. That’s part of the reason why superfoods are so expensive. Those that have the desire to eat healthily are willing to pay more money for foods that are going to do something good for your body. For example, some superfood industries made as much as $200 million in the United States in a single year. When one superfood is losing its interest, another one pops up and becomes the new fad. It gets even worse when people claim they cure serious conditions when there is little research to support this claim.
If you want to eat healthily, you can certainly eat superfoods, but always check nutrition labels. Here are 28 superfoods that are good for you because of their high vitamin and mineral content, but aren’t going to cure anything.
Disclaimer: The information in this content is for general informational purposes only, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.
Açai Berries
Did you know...
- Does your job make you stressed? We all know that stress is psychologically bad for you, but it also has an effect on…your allergies? A Harvard Medical School study has shown that stress causes your allergies to become worse because your body's defense response loses efficacy when repeatedly triggered by stress. Then, when you really need to physically fight something off, you're less able to!
- Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!
- Do you know what the strongest muscle in your body is? No, it’s not your biceps or your thighs. It’s actually in your head. The masseter is a muscle in the jaw that is used when chewing. When all of the muscles of the jaw work together, they can exert a force as strong as 200 pounds on the molars. That’s some serious pressure.
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.