SUPERFOOD

Feb. 4, 2019

The Kerala State Agriculture Department is earmarking farm space in more districts for growing superfoods such as nutrient-rich millets and Chia, a Central American plant, which is gaining popularity in India as yet another superfood.

About:

Superfoods are foods thought to be nutritionally dense and thus good for one's health. They have extra-large doses of vitamins and minerals that can help us ward off diseases and live a longer, healthier life.
Examples: Superfoods are mostly plant-based but also some fish and dairy. Blueberries, Kiwifruit, Beans and whole grains, Salmon are few examples.
Criteria: There are no set criteria for determining what is and what is not a superfood, according to the American Heart Association.
Criticism of the term:
- Scientists do not use the term. According to them, 'superfood' is more of a marketing term for foods that have health benefits.
- In 2007, the marketing of products as superfoods was prohibited in the European Union unless accompanied by a specific authorized health claim supported by credible scientific research.