Instead of trendy superfoods, choose domestic ones! – advises the National Association of Hungarian Dietitians

Although scientific evidence does not confirm the advertised and exceptional nutrient content, new and new, previously unknown, exotic and far-flung crops and raw materials are emerging and being proclaimed superfoods. The superfood situation has gotten so bad that a European Union law has banned the use of the term on foods until their beneficial effects on health can be proven with some credible, scientific research.

It is worth choosing domestic ones instead of exotic, expensive superfoods!

For example, instead of salmon, choose trout, since the omega-3 fatty acid content of trout, which also lives in our country, is approx. 0.7 g/100 g, so if we consumed 250 g of this fish once a week, we would be able to cover the minimum requirement. It is even better if fish is on our plate twice a week, and it is worth emphasizing plant-based omega-3 intake, which can come from nuts, hemp seeds, and flax seeds, for example. Omega-3 fatty acids are present in smaller quantities in all domestic fish, so we can choose from them according to our taste and the supply. Chia seeds are also flaxseed oil pressed from flaxseeds is an excellent plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, just like fish, these plant essential fatty acids also play a significant role in, among other things, preventing cardiovascular diseases, reducing blood pressure and blood sugar levels, delaying the rise in blood sugar after meals, anti-inflammatory processes, and inhibiting the production and absorption of cholesterol. It is good to know that flaxseed oil, due to its high unsaturated fatty acid content, is easily oxidized, so it is important to protect it from heat and light, it is best to store it in the refrigerator!

Instead of goji berries, rose hips are a typical superfood in that they are not common, we do not use them in everyday life and their practical use is also a bit obscure. Their antioxidant effect is quite outstanding, which is why they are also effective as a painkiller. Although it loses its vitamin C content during drying, it still remains significant if the berry is not boiled, but soaked in cold water for 12 hours to make tea. The vitamin C and other phytochemicals contained in it are actively involved in anti-tumor processes. The ground product made from the dried fruit can be an excellent part of the popular porridges, milkshakes, and smoothies today, especially in the winter and early spring periods, which are considered to be low in vitamins.
Instead of wasabi, horseradish, which is native to our country and was once cultivated as a medicinal plant, has known antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has long been used in folk medicine to relieve pain, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, or bladder infections. Its antioxidant content helps protect against cell-damaging oxidative stress because it binds free radicals, not to mention its exciting flavor.