The term “superfood” was used to promote bananas in the early 20th century. Today, the word superfood is used to describe any food that has many health benefits, especially those that are high in nutrients and low in calories.
While there are many benefits to eating superfoods, overeating can be as dangerous as eating junk food. Although there are some foods that are healthier than others, we shouldn’t abuse them and let them affect our bodies.
- Broccoli can irritate the intestines.
One cup of raw broccoli contains only 31 calories, 6 grams of carbohydrates and 0.3 grams of fat. It is rich in fiber, protein, vitamin C, potassium, and other vitamins and minerals. However, studies have found that eating too much broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables (kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) can cause intestinal irritation or gas.
In a more alarming light, excessive consumption of broccoli and its cruciferous relatives has been found to have adverse effects on people taking heart medications and blood thinners due to its high vitamin K content.
- Salmon can thin the blood.
Salmon is a good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids which are good for reducing inflammation. A moderate serving of salmon provides nearly 30% of an adult’s daily protein requirement. Although salmon is the best choice for many health-conscious people, consuming too many omega-3s can have a negative effect on your platelet count and can even thin your blood. Additionally, studies have found that eating too much fish, including salmon, can raise blood mercury levels.
Unlike wild salmon, farmed salmon have been found to have nearly double the amount of fat and calories. Recent research has also found that farmed salmon may have a link to obesity with the amounts of pollutants and chemicals that can be found in farm water.
- Cinnamon can poison the body.
Cinnamon is considered a superfood due to its high antioxidant content and numerous medicinal properties. Capable of lowering blood sugar, reducing inflammation and preventing heart disease, the popular apple pie spice is considered one of the best superfoods in the spice family.
Despite all its health benefits, the amount of cinnamon we ingest should be monitored up to one teaspoon per day per adult. Research has shown that too much cinnamon can be toxic due to the coumarin it contains. Coumarin is especially dangerous for people with liver problems and can cause liver damage with excessive intake.
It is important to note that there are several types of cinnamon with different levels of coumarin:
Cassia Cinnamon (+ 1%) – considered “normal cinnamon”, the one we normally use
Ceylon cinnamon (0.04% coumarin) – also known as “true cinnamon” or “Mexican cinnamon”
Cinnamon Korintje (4% coumarin) – a variety of cassia cinnamon, most popular in North America
Saigon Cinnamon (8% coumarin) – stronger and sweeter than other cinnamon
- Avocados can cause fat accumulation.
Avocado has gained global popularity as a superfood in recent years due to its high nutritional properties. A single serving of avocado covers a quarter of an adult’s vitamin K requirement, a fifth of our folic acid requirement, and a tenth of our daily vitamin E requirement. The fatty fruit is also rich in omega-3s and fiber, but even a lot of avocado can also lead to inflammation, bloating and stomach pain.
Thanks to its fatty properties, avocado is not only dense in nutrients, but has a high calorie content. Like any other calorie, it can lead to weight gain. If you plan to include avocados in your diet, experts recommend eating 50 grams, or one-third to one-half of an avocado.
- Hummus can lead to obesity.
Hummus is a Middle Eastern spread made from chickpeas, sesame paste, lemons, garlic and olive oil. Individually, all ingredients contain a variety of health benefits; but when combined, they form a nutritious, protein-rich superfood. Not only is hummus suitable for vegans and people with nut, gluten, and dairy allergies, but it has been associated with improved digestive health and blood sugar control.
It is important to remember that the benefits of hummus are mostly found in the home version. Store-bought hummus is not that healthy and can even contain dangerous ingredients like high amounts of sodium, unnecessary oils, and preservatives. Ready-to-use hummus, like other processed foods, can contribute to obesity and various diseases, so it’s best to prepare it yourself.
- Kombucha can increase acidity.
Kombucha is a fermented sweet tea rich in antioxidants and probiotics. The drink gained popularity in the 1990s but can be traced back to 220 BC in China. Today, kombucha is considered a healthy superfood and detox drink. Kombucha, however, is not beneficial for people with weak immune systems because it contains different types of bacteria and yeast because it is served raw and unpasteurized.
Also, too much kombucha can upset the stomach or cause heartburn. With high amounts of sugar, it is best to drink it in moderation to prevent sugar spikes and weight gain.
- Tone can affect your fine motor skills.
Tuna has omega 3 and vitamin B12. Studies have shown that eating tuna is good for the heart and strengthens eye health, the immune system and lowers blood pressure. Similar to salmon and other fish, tuna contains mercury, making it a dangerous food when consumed in large quantities and frequently. Mercury poisoning occurs with memory or vision loss, physical tremors, and numbness.
Comparing the benefits of canned and fresh tuna, both are low in fat and high in protein. However, research has shown that albacore or albacore tuna has a higher mercury content than its smaller, darker cousins.
- Green tea can cause pain.
Green tea has been labeled as one of the healthiest drinks in the world due to its high antioxidant content. The antioxidants in green tea have been found to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, burn fat, and improve brain function. Although the benefits of green tea are innumerable, consuming it in excessive quantities can cause negative side effects, mainly due to its high caffeine content.
The effects of consuming too much caffeine include insomnia, headaches, palpitations, and heartburn. For those with a low tolerance to caffeine products, green tea can also cause heartburn and indigestion. According to experts, 3 to 5 cups of green tea per day is more than enough for an adult.
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