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Superfoods in the test Harmful substances in Chia seeds and Co
Whether goji berries, chia seeds or quinoa: The so-called "superfoods" are currently on everyone's lips. Characteristic of the most originating from far away countries foods are their valuable ingredients. They are often especially rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. However, it is not uncommon for substances harmful to health to be included, as a recent test shows.
Superfoods on everyone's lips
Many people often expect tremendous health effects from so-called superfoods such as chia seeds, goji or acai berries. Such foods are sometimes awarded true miracle effects. Among other things, they should have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effect and have a positive effect on our figure and mood. A recent test has shown that in many of the exotic foods also residues of hazardous substances such as pesticides or heavy metals can be found.
Many people expect so-called superfoods like chia seeds or goji berries to have a positive effect on their health. A recent test has now shown that in such foods are often harmful substances. (Image: Marilyn Barbone / fotolia.com) Exaggerated expectations
Nutrition experts warn against exaggerated expectations in connection with so-called superfoods. Such foods may complement the diet, but you should not expect any miracles.
For example, Goji berries contain a lot of iron, calcium, magnesium and vitamins A, C and E over other fruits and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for millennia.
Their alleged rejuvenation effect is scientifically but not proven. Even with chia seeds, according to some experts, it is not clear what the superfood can do.
Harmful substances
The problem is that can find in many such products harmful substances, as the consumer magazine "eco-test" found in a study last year.
A recent test conducted by the environmental organization GLOBAL 2000, which was carried out in cooperation with the Lower Austrian Chamber of Labor and the human rights organization Südwind, has now also shown that harmful substances can often be found in such foods.
"These so-called superfoods are consumed on the assumption that they are extremely conducive to health and wellbeing," Dr. Waltraud Novak, pesticide expert at GLOBAL 2000, in a statement.
"What you certainly do not expect on such foods are residues of hazardous substances such as pesticides or heavy metals. But that's exactly what we found in our review. "
Pesticides, lead and cadmium found
According to GLOBAL 2000, up to 13 different pesticide active ingredients could be detected on Goji berries from China.
Several of the active substances found are no longer authorized in the EU for health reasons because, for example, they can alter the genetic material or damage the unborn child. However, these substances continue to be used in the countries of origin.
Furthermore, residues of lead and cadmium were detected on all goji berries. At the same time, according to the experts, very little is known about the interaction of several pesticides at the same time and these "cocktails" are also not regulated by law.
Many of the substances found are also suspected of being carcinogenic or toxic to reproduction.
Superfood has traveled a long way
Although neither pesticide nor heavy metal residues were found on the cranberries examined, the question arises whether they would really be needed:
"The Cranberries are all from Canada and have traveled a long way. Thanks to these many kilometers of transport, they have a large CO2 rucksack that is detrimental to our climate, "says Novak.
The examined chia seeds and quinoa came from far away, namely from Latin America. All goji berries came from China. As a result, superfoods typically have a 30 to 75 times greater carbon footprint than comparable domestic products.
For many products, no information on the origin was found on the packaging. It is not required by law to specify the country of origin of superfoods. The environmentalist said: "We demand consistent labeling of the country of cultivation for food."
Legal maximum limits were not exceeded
Even though most of the products did not exceed legal maximum levels and there are no acute risks for consumers, the many residues showed what the production of these superfoods looks like.
Any residue means that this pesticide was previously sprayed on the plantations. Without protective clothing, farmers in cultivated countries are dealing with toxic pesticides. In addition, there are bad working conditions and earnings often below subsistence level.
Superfood plantations that could prove compliance with social standards such as living wages or banning child labor through independent certification are rare.
Local superfood
But why wander into the distance, even if there are so many local alternatives to superfoods?
Domestic crops such as spinach and kale make an important contribution to a healthy diet.
And blueberries and redcurrants are no match for cranberries, millet is just as healthy as quinoa. Domestic rosehips even surpass the goji berries with their vitamin C content.
A balanced diet rich in seasonal vegetables and locally grown organic fruits is unbeatable - for health and the environment. And who wants to buy superfoods from distant countries, should opt for products with Fairtrade seal and organic certification. (Ad)