Harmful "healthy" products

Nutritionists opposed the fascination with "superfoods"<url>

People allow themselves to eat unhealthy food, hoping to neutralize its harmful effects with the help of "super-healthy" products, reports The Telegraph (Superfoods 'encourage unhealthy eating') according to the results of a study conducted by the British health organization Bupa.

There are a lot of persistent myths in society regarding pomegranate juice, almonds, black rice, acai berries and even corn popcorn. So, according to Bupa research, on average 11% of Britons believe that these "superfoods" protect against cancer. However, in fact, they are no more – and sometimes less – useful than ordinary dried fruits, apples or whole-grain food.

During the survey, 55% of British respondents reported that they had heard about the wonderful properties of "superfoods". 38% of citizens from this category believe that their use improves health. Another 61% of citizens admitted that they often buy food and drink for "brandness".

18% of the survey participants have tried "superfoods" themselves and believe that the more you eat, the healthier you will be. Finally, 21% of them believe in the anti-cancer properties of "super food".

"Information about acai berries, black rice and ordinary corn popcorn has not been scientifically confirmed," explains Christina Merryfield, a leading nutritionist at Cromwell Hospital. "Food can't work miracles." Most of these myths are the result of an active marketing strategy. The image of a "superfood" increases its price by 15%. At the same time, the belief in their enormous benefits can be not just useless, but also dangerous to health. "Pomegranate juice and almonds are good as part of a normal diet, but they cannot make up for the harm caused by eating unhealthy food," Merrifield said.

Russians are more resistant to myths. According to experts, when choosing products, our compatriots, first of all, focus on their cost and safety. The usefulness of food worries them 2 times less.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru 21.10.2011