Superfoods are often portrayed as miracle foods that can solve all our health problems, but many of these trendy foods don’t live up to their reputation. So that you don’t waste your time and money, here are some of them that aren’t generally worth the fuss.
Quinoa
There’s no denying that quinoa is a good source of protein and fiber, but it’s often promoted as a superfood beyond its actual benefits. Other grains like barley and brown rice provide similar nutrients and can be more budget-friendly, making quinoa’s superfood status a bit overstated.
Coconut Oil
Everybody loves the creaminess of coconut oil, but you shouldn’t believe the health hype; while it’s marketed as a healthful alternative, it’s high in saturated fat. There is limited evidence supporting its health benefits over alternatives like olive oil. Moderation is key, so it shouldn’t be considered a miracle ingredient.
Spirulina
Often pushed by health food influencers, spirulina, a type of algae, is commonly praised for its protein and nutrient density. However, its taste is pretty gross and doesn’t provide any more benefits than other, more palatable green vegetables, making its superfood label rather exaggerated.
Chia Seeds
While chia seeds are celebrated for their fiber and omega-3 content, there are plenty of other similar sources out there. According to Healthline, Flaxseeds and walnuts provide similar advantages and are easier to introduce into your diet, making the buzz surrounding chia seeds nothing more than hype.
Acai Berries
Despite being packed with antioxidants, acai berries often come with a hefty price tag, which makes them somewhat overhyped. They don’t offer any more nutritional benefits than other, more affordable fruits like blueberries or strawberries, so their high cost leaves them a somewhat unnecessary purchase.
Goji Berries
Often renowned for their high vitamin content, goji berries are praised in the health food community and deemed superior in comparison to alternatives. In reality, their nutritional value is nothing special; other common fruits offer the same vitamin content, so considering their high import price, they’re really not worth it.
Maca Root
Energy-boosting properties are often used to explain the hype behind maca root, but the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. The benefits of eating it don’t stand out significantly compared to a balanced diet and regular exercise, making it yet another overhyped superfood.
Matcha
Many people are switching from coffee to matcha as it is praised for its antioxidants and natural caffeine content. It’s certainly better than coffee, but matcha isn’t particularly different from green tea. Furthermore, the premium price and elaborate preparation don’t justify the marginal difference in benefits.
Wheatgrass
The juice extracted from wheatgrass is often considered a detoxifier and nutrient powerhouse, but there isn’t much scientific backing for these claims. Consuming a variety of vegetables can offer the same if not more, nutritional benefits without the intense flavor of wheatgrass.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
The high vitamin C and antioxidant content of Amla, or Indian Gooseberry, has led to it receiving immense praise in recent years. However, other fruits like oranges and strawberries also offer plenty of vitamin C, which suggests that amla’s superfood status might be more about marketing than superior nutritional benefits.
Kombucha
Some people love kombucha, a fermented tea that promises probiotics for gut health. However, what isn’t discussed much is how it contains added sugars, which can be quite expensive. Yogurt can provide similar probiotic benefits without the high cost or sugar content, so it’s not worth it.
Hemp Seeds
The diversity of hemp seeds’ use cases is impressive, but the hype surrounding their omega-3 and protein content is excessive. Flaxseeds and chia seeds offer similar nutrients, making the high cost of hemp seeds present their superfood label as over-the-top.
Turmeric
Primarily due to its curcumin content, turmeric has recently been famed online for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the human body can’t absorb curcumin very well unless combined with black pepper. That’s obviously possible, but incorporating other anti-inflammatory foods is much easier.
Noni Juice
Commonly advertised as a cure-all, noni juice has been an obsession amongst health fanatics lately, but scientists are unsure. The evidence to support such claims is lacking severely, and the taste of noni juice, along with the high price, suggests that it might not be worth the potential benefits.
Bee Pollen
Vitamins, minerals, and protein are packed into bee pollen, which currently makes it all the rage. However, it can cause allergic reactions in some people, and it hasn’t been proven to be any more beneficial than other nutrient-dense foods. So, its superfood status looks to be more buzz than substance.
Cacao Nibs
One of the less common ‘superfoods’ on this list, cacao nibs are praised for their antioxidants and magnesium content. However, they can be disgustingly bitter, and they’re expensive, too. Meanwhile, dark chocolate offers similar benefits with a more pleasant taste and cost, preventing cacao nibs from being a worthwhile purchase.
Camu Camu
The exotic fruit of camu camu is famous for its high vitamin C content, but there are plenty of other options out there. Many fruits provide ample vitamin C without being so exotic, making them far more affordable. Ultimately, this suggests that camu camu’s superfood is just a fleeting novelty.
Baobab
Marketed for its high vitamin C and fiber, baobab powder is a recent trend in the world of superfoods. However, it’s no more superior than other fruits and fibers available in grocery stores, so, as with camu camu, baobab is clearly being hyped up based on its exotic status.