Although there’s no scientific definition of “superfoods,” it usually pertains to food rich in compounds like antioxidants, fiber, and fatty acids that can be extremely beneficial to a person — promoting optimal health and wellness while preventing sickness. The notion of defining food as a ‘superfood’ is more in line with underscoring a desire for a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats.
To help you understand more about the hype surrounding superfoods, here’s what you need to know about them — from reasons behind its popularity, the most popular superfoods there are, and if it’s all just a trend.
Popular ‘Superfoods’
It can be similar to scouting for the best car loan deals and rates when you compare the popular greens, veggies and fruits on the market. But very much like cars, what you need may not be the one that’s trending at the moment. To give you a better understanding of what superfoods are, the following are some of the most popular ones people worldwide are raving about.
- Blueberries – You’ll often find blueberries on top of many superfoods lists thanks to their high levels of vitamins, phytochemicals, and soluble fiber. Studies have linked it with a potential ability to reduce a young woman’s risk of developing heart conditions thanks to its high phytochemical content.
- Kale – This leafy green, alongside others including swiss chard, spinach, mustards, and collards, is known to live up to the hype surrounding it. They’re packed with vitamins A, C, K, fiber, and minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Whole Grains – Unliked refined grains, whole grains are not stripped of their nutrient-rich bran and germinating parts, boasting high insoluble and soluble fiber levels, lowering cholesterol, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Why Are Superfoods So Popular?
Superfoods aren’t only popular on the internet, but the numbers in the sector prove it to be dominating global markets. The global superfood sector size is estimated at over $137 billion in 2018 and is projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%.
But what makes superfoods so popular? Although there’s no single reason as to why many people are buying into the superfood trend, a common one is that it gives a new perspective to the already healthy foods they’re advertising, piquing many people’s interest. In fact, consumers are always on the lookout for ‘functional foods,’ providing benefits that can reduce their risks of developing diseases or promote better health.
Health significantly influences the food consumers purchase. There are many willing to pay a premium for these health benefits, with over 80% of food consumers actively using food to forestall their health problems, including obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. These findings are the primary reasons behind the popularity of top-performing superfoods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Plus, the word ‘super’ makes it more appealing to many consumers.
Superfood or Superhype?
Although particular ‘superfoods’ offer additional benefits to healthy eating, having variety and eating them in moderation is ideal, so it’s still best to follow healthy and balanced diets. In essence, people have ‘overhyped’ the concept of superfoods, but they still have notable advantages that are genuinely beneficial to people.
Superfoods generally pertain to foods with high levels of nutrients, such as vitamins or minerals, and a great source of antioxidants, promoting better health and preventing many diseases. Adding these foods to your diet can be a great way to help you develop a healthier lifestyle, but don’t solely rely on them and change up your diet every once in a while.
