Local superfood spinach and kale as healthy as the exotics

Whether chia seeds, carob, goji or açaí berries: the so-called "superfoods" are currently on everyone's lips. Characteristic of the mostly from distant countries originating foods are their valuable ingredients, because they are particularly rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. But the healthy superfood does not necessarily have to be imported from countries like China, Mexico or Brazil. Instead, there are a variety of domestic alternatives that are just as healthy as the exotics.

Contain large amounts of valuable nutrients
The so-called "Superfoods" are well-tried natural products that have many advantages over industrially produced foods. These should not only have a positive effect on our figure and mood, but also serve the health to a high degree, among other things, they have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effect. "Superfoods such as certain nuts, berries or even matcha contain large amounts of antioxidants as well as important vitamins and minerals," explains bestselling author and vegan chef Attila Hildmann in an interview with the news agency "dpa". Thus, the special foods are ideal for supporting the body's own repair mechanisms, the expert continued.

As a local vegetable, kale can compete with so-called superfood like goji berries. (Image: HOEFFEL / fotolia.com)

The positive aspect due to the high content of antioxidants is also highlighted by Hamburg-based ecotrophologist Iris Lange-Frick: "They have the ability to bind free radicals in the body and make them harmless," says the nutrition expert. Accordingly, these phytochemicals could prevent e.g. Through metabolic processes, stress or smoking "free radicals" (oxidants) form, which are able to attack and destroy body cells. Angela Clausen of the consumer center North Rhine-Westphalia is also of the opinion that the valuable ingredients of herbal foods support a balanced and healthy diet.

Term from expert's point of view rather a "marketing gag"
The term "superfoods", however, in their view, rather a "marketing gimmick" by which "exotic food, wrapped in a story about their miracle effect, can be sold at high cost," said the expert opposite the "dpa". Because only a few seeds or nuts in the daily food would not constitute a healthy diet, Clausen points out. Careful consumers should also be aware of Superfood extracts such as. Moringa powder or pomegranate capsules, because "the best of a kilogram of vegetables can not be in a few grams of powder." The original foods are therefore always more valuable from a nutritional point of view than extracts.

However, in order to do something good for his health, it must not always be exotics such as goji berries or chia seeds, e.g. be imported from Asia or South America. Instead, many vegetable foods grow in this country, which offer just as many valuable ingredients and thus represent a healthy and delicious alternative. Another advantage of local products is the usually much lower price compared to the extra flown superfoods from afar. In addition, they are usually available on the local markets and are therefore usually fresher and more vitamin-rich than foods that have already traveled a long way.

Curly kale and blueberries as a regional superfood
In question come here various herbs, nuts or lettuce. Instead of chia seeds, e.g. according to Clausen linseed be used. Olives are a good alternative to acai berries because they have a similar nutrient composition. Also by other fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, lamb's lettuce or spinach as well as various kinds of cabbage one can replace the exotic food well. "Kale is a hyped superfood in New York City," says Clausen.

Attila Hildmann also tries to use "fresh organic products from the region" as far as possible for his vegan dishes. For in addition to the ecological aspect, these would usually have a higher proportion of valuable ingredients than imported products due to the later harvest time. Of course, this does not apply to dried and dried foods. In addition, can not be purchased in any case only regional, because, "Matcha and many spices you would not get here," said Hildmann.

Simply enhance your dishes with nuts or berries
According to the well-known author and cook, superfoods could easily be integrated into the daily diet. For lunch in the office, for example, a salad with quinoa and broccoli well suited. As a "superfood bomb", the expert recommends a Matcha banana chocolate shake, for which oatmeal, almond paste, agave syrup, vanilla, matcha powder, cocoa and banana are blended in the blender for three minutes. Even simple simple superfoods such as a few chopped walnuts or a handful of blueberries could be used to spice up dishes "super simple and delicious", adds Hildmann. (No)