Superfoods... Or not?

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Superfood! It's like watching a movie repeated over and over again, hoping that something magical will happen and surprise us. Unfortunately, the result is almost always the same: disappointment accompanied by a feeling of wasted time and energy.

It is true that we live in an era in which childish gullibility seems to extend into adult life. We are bombarded by promises of quick fixes, magic pills and superfoods that promise to solve all our problems. It's as if we are invited to believe in modern fairy tales, where the key to complete happiness lies in shiny product packaging.

However, we must be cautious and questioning in the face of these exaggerated promises. We need to ask ourselves: are we really moving forward as a society when we allow ourselves to be carried away by illusory narratives? Are we taking a step back, becoming easy prey for a system that only seeks profit, without caring about the effects on our physical and mental health?

It is worrying to observe the direction of human thought in this context. Sometimes, it's as if we are losing our critical capacity, our ability to discern the true from the false, the useful from the useless. We are sacrificing our rationality on the altar of convenience and immediacy.

However, it is important to keep the flame of critical thinking burning. We need to remember that we are rational beings, capable of analyzing, questioning and making informed decisions. We must resist the temptation to allow ourselves to be carried away by the flood of distorted information and disinformation.

We cannot allow sensationalist marketing and unbridled commercial exploitation to determine the course of our lives. We must strive to seek truth, authenticity, and evidence-based knowledge. And, above all, we must be guardians of our thoughts, aware that our ability to discern is a valuable treasure that cannot be wasted.

Okay, if you've read this far, you seem to be interested in something more than magic potions, secret ingredients and, consequently, you deserve a reward. How about a synthetic compilation of reasons to distrust the claims of superfood benefits?

1. Lack of solid scientific evidence: Many claims about the benefits of superfoods lack robust scientific evidence. Often the studies available are limited, carried out on animals or a very small number of human participants. Therefore, it is important to question whether the results are truly applicable to the general population.

2. Conflict of interest and industry-funded studies: Some studies that claim the benefits of superfoods are funded by the industry that produces and markets them. This influence can lead to biased and exaggerated results, aiming to promote the sale of these products.

3. Correlation does not equal causation: Often, superfood benefit claims are based on studies that show a correlation between consumption of these foods and health. However, it is important to remember that correlation does not necessarily mean cause and effect. Other factors may be at play and further investigation is needed before establishing a cause and effect relationship.

4. Hype and fads: Sensational marketing often takes advantage of the hype and fads surrounding superfoods to drive sales. These trends can lead to exaggerated and scientifically unproven claims.

5. Doses and concentrations: Many superfood benefit claims are based on studies that use very high doses or concentrations of these foods or their active compounds. It is important to consider whether these doses are viable ​​or realistic for everyday human consumption.

6. Nutrients available in other foods: Although superfoods may be rich in certain nutrients, those same nutrients are often available in other, more common and accessible foods. It is important to assess whether the benefit claim is unique to the superfood in question or whether it can be obtained from other food sources.

7. Lack of clear regulation: The superfood sector often lacks clear regulation regarding health claims made by manufacturers. This allows misleading or exaggerated claims to be made without much consequence. It is important to seek information from reliable sources and based on evidence, such as scientific institutions and recognized health bodies.

8. Sensationalist marketing: Marketing around superfoods can be sensationalist, exaggerating the benefits and downplaying the limitations of these foods. It is important to question whether the claims are supported by solid scientific evidence or whether they are just sales ploys.

9. Biochemical individuality: Each individual is unique and has different nutritional needs. What may be beneficial for one person may not be beneficial for another. Therefore, it is important to consider biochemical individuality when evaluating superfood benefit claims.

10. Diet as a whole: Health is the result of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, and not just the consumption of one or two superfoods. It is important to remember that there is no single food or food group that provides all the nutrients and benefits necessary for health.

Anyway, using this issue as a scapegoat for all the excesses of fake news and current misinformation, my wish is that, together, we can face the challenges of this era of exaggerated marketing and puerile credulity, seeking more critical, sensible and insightful thinking. It's time to take a step forward and rescue the lucidity that makes us human.