Superfoods: what and what they are

Today we talk a lot about superfoods , but what is it? Can they really be considered “super” foods?

The advantages certainly seem to be many, given that first of all they are natural products; Furthermore, most of them have properties that still bring benefits to the human body. In fact, almost all of them have anti-inflammatory , antioxidant capabilities, very useful for fighting free radicals , as well as having energizing , nourishing effects for the skin and body and benefits for the muscles and organs. Therefore, the intake of these substances, in one way or another, produces beneficial effects.

But why are they so criticized?
Criticisms are mostly aimed at the very concept of superfood. To believe that these products are absolutely the best, given their intrinsic capabilities, is a real exaggeration for some. If you scroll through the list and check it on the internet it is inevitable that you will find a search, or a series of documentary evidence that demonstrates that a certain food is good for your health. Some of them may also have a scientific basis, but whether a food has "super miraculous" properties can lead to a series of doubts.
Many analyzes carried out on these products involve a too limited group of subjects, in other cases the studies linked to their phytotherapeutic effects are too recent. Furthermore, when we talk about their beneficial properties, we often refer to extracts or very high concentrations of the food, realities that are difficult to match in a normal diet.
Finally, if their properties are compared with other products, it is clear that they no longer appear as super foods, but simply as substances that contribute to making the human body feel good.

The list of superfoods is not easy to complete , given that others are often added as particular properties become highlighted, but we at IoBoscoVivo care particularly about some of them:

• Shiitake mushrooms: they have a precious content of beta-glucans, minerals, vitamins and proteins capable of supporting the immune system and exerting an antiviral, immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory action. They are particularly rich in: Vitamin D2, well known during COVID-19 because it is one of the fundamental nutrients for the functionality of the immune system; of Erytadenine, with hypocholesterolemic properties and of Chitosan, a polysaccharide valid for blood pressure. Our mushroom granules are very versatile and can be used as a flavoring for cooked dishes to give you the recommended daily dose of Vitamin D.
• Turmeric : it is widely used for its antioxidant capabilities, but also for the properties that allow it to accelerate skin healing. It also helps to stimulate the immune system as well as having analgesic characteristics by acting on joint pain.
• Chia seeds : the seeds derive from Salvia Hispanica, a plant from South America, and contain high percentages of omega 3.
• Edible algae : algae that are defined as edible, such as spirulina , are substances that have a high content of mineral salts but also vitamins such as B12 which is absent in other vegetables. Furthermore, the high contents of calcium and iron are a valid supplement for a diet.
• Ginger : an ingredient widely used in the preparation of herbal teas and desserts and can also be ingested in small pieces. It is a powerful antioxidant, as well as having anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
• Quinoa : it is one of the few plant elements that has a high content of essential amino acids, proteins, vitamins and mineral salts. It intervenes in improving metabolism, as well as having high percentages of antioxidants and calcium. It is often used in diets given its satiating effect.
• Blackcurrant : is a vasoprotector, has diuretic and purifying properties as well as anti-inflammatory.
• Cocoa : it is a very powerful antioxidant thanks to a high concentration of flavonoids.
• Black cabbage : it is very rich in antioxidants.
• Miso : it is a condiment widely used in the East, rich in proteins and vitamin B, which stimulates the body's immune capacity.
• Almonds : they are rich in antioxidants, improve blood sugar and promote good blood pressure.

And you, what do you think about superfoods? Let us know on our social media!