Are superfoods really that super? A new report out this week suggests that it may be all hype.

Whilst there are no doubt many benefits to eating more natural foods, there is often no scientific evidence to back up various different health claims.

From what I can make out from this particular report, the best one for overall health that does have scientific backing is kale, along with all other green  leafy veggies. Spirulina is a tricky one, which, whilst it does have a lot of health benefits, you have to be careful where it comes from. The Korean variety has a high lead content, which definitely negates any of the positive health benefits. This further highlights the case for checking where all of the so called superfoods are grown. If they come from countries with little or no regulation on the use of chemical fertilisers there could also be high contamination from agricultural chemicals. The best advice is stick to home grown local produce and you won’t go far wrong.

Cider vinegar has also come under question. It does undoubtedly have many health benefits, helping with weight loss and warding off diabetes. However, it could be that all vinegars have this beneficial effect. That is certainly something that hasn’t been researched. Maybe try for yourself. Can ordinary vinegar do the same thing? Maybe some research will be done some day.

Meantime try testing for yourself. If a food makes you feel good then it probably is good. Just remember not to overdo it. Little and often and a properly balanced diet is always the best policy.