In the last decade, superfoods have soared in popularity and remain one of the key nutritional trends. We see the word all over food packaging, and thousands of nutritionists and influencers alike share their love for their favorite superfoods and the alleged benefits. Research findings have been published indicating they\u2019re better for our skin, can increase our libido, and can even boost our immune systems, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many \u201csuperfoods\u201d, such as berries and kakadu plums are rich in Vitamin C<\/a>, which plays a key role in the body\u2019s healing process and maintaining healthy skin and bones. Brain health can also be improved by the consumption of some superfoods, and certain foods can also lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, according to Harvard Medical School.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Superfoods are often full of fiber, which can help to keep us feeling fuller for longer, leading to a healthier diet and potentially reducing obesity levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s also been a major jump on Google too, and last year has seen a significant rise in searches for superfood recipe ideas, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n But what makes a food \u201csuper\u201d? After all, there\u2019s lots of food items that are rich in vitamins that aren\u2019t grouped in with the foods that seem to sit on a pedestal, such as broccoli, mushrooms and even potatoes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Superfoods are, arguably, simply food items that claim to have significant health benefits – and often, when you\u2019re buying one, you\u2019ll know about it from the labeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the foods most commonly classified as superfoods are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Superfoods are often recognized for their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce chronic inflammation and bloating. But for millions of Americans with a food sensitivity,<\/a> they could be doing the exact opposite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain superfoods can trigger adverse reactions in individuals who are sensitive to that specific ingredient. Consuming foods you are sensitive to triggers an immune response and IgG antibodies are released. Raised IgG antibodies have been linked to symptoms<\/a> like IBS and bloating through to skin problems, headaches and fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the foods someone is sensitive to will always vary from person to person – each person\u2019s body chemistry is different. This makes it almost impossible to classify any food as universally \u2018good for you\u2019 \u2013 even superfoods!<\/p>\n\n\n\n YorkTest<\/a> has analyzed over 12,000 food sensitivity test <\/a>results to reveal that almost 9% of people are sensitive to at least one superfood. That\u2019s equivalent to almost 30,000,000 people across America.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to our research, there\u2019s a number of superfoods that are more likely to cause a reaction than other items. But what are they?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 – Chia Seeds – 27 million Americans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n YorkTest saw an 8.7% reaction rate in tests for chia seeds. When extrapolated across America, that\u2019s approximately 27,135,300 people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chia seeds may be small, but they are packed full of nutrients, containing minerals, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. They\u2019re regularly touted for their health benefits, but with possibly almost one in ten <\/strong>Americans having a sensitivity to them, it may be worth re-evaluating your diet if you\u2019re experiencing symptoms of a food sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 – Goji berries – 23 million Americans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n YorkTest found that 7.4% of tests showed a reactivity to goji berries – the equivalent of 23,080,600 people in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Goji berries contain a huge amount of vitamins A and C, like other berries. However, they\u2019ve been promoted into the superfood league due to their large levels of antioxidants, which may help fight cancer cells and prevent UV light damage. Yet while they have good anti-inflammatory properties, goji berries are one of the most common foods that people are sensitive to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3 – Flax\/linseed – 16 million Americans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One in 20 (5.2% of tests) Americans showed a reactivity to flax or linseed – which estimates at around 16,218,800 people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Linseed or flaxseed is loaded with nutrients, and people are often recommended to take one tablespoon to pack a punch in terms of getting your nutrients. It includes Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, which can also help to nourish your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flaxseed is a common breakfast item – whether you add it to the top of your cereal, yoghurt, or muffins, however others may add it into smoothies or even in a sandwich. Others might even use linseed oil – an alternative to traditional vegetable oil. According to Allergy Los Angeles, <\/a>flaxseed is an emerging allergen in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4 – Cranberry – 5 million Americans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In what could be bad news for some ahead of Thanksgiving, 1.2% of tests (5,302,300) showed a reactivity to cranberries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cranberries and cranberry juice contain essential vitamins and antioxidant properties. According to WebMD,<\/a> one cup has 25% of your daily requirement of vitamin C, 9% of vitamin A and 6% of your daily requirement of vitamin K. Another study<\/a> found that cranberries have the most amount of phenol (an antioxidant) than any other common fruit in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet when you\u2019re eating your cranberry sauce over the dinner table, and you find that hours or days after you\u2019re experiencing stomachache or low energy, it could be a sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5 – Green tea – 3 million Americans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the huge nutritional value of green tea, YorkTest found that 1.2% of tests showed reactivity – around 3,742,000 Americans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Green tea is good for digestive health, improving cholesterol levels, and also includes a nutrient called polyphenols – which contain powerful antioxidants. It can also lower blood pressure and reduce risk of viral infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s worth noting that a food sensitivity should not be confused with a food allergy<\/a>. Whilst symptoms of a sensitivity can impact quality of life, they are not life-threatening and are typically less severe than allergy symptoms. If you\u2019re experiencing a response to food or drink which causes difficulty breathing or swallowing, it\u2019s important to seek immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re currently experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned and are concerned that you might have a sensitivity to one of the items listed in this report, consider taking a food sensitivity test<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>to establish if you should consider changing your diet and seeking professional nutrition advice, or if your symptoms could be due to something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important that you consume foods that help you to feel good – even if they\u2019re not branded as a \u201csuperfood.\u201d Consume a balanced diet that contains vegetables, fruit, whole grains and healthy fats and proteins, and ensure that you\u2019re regularly drinking water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Food sensitivities can cause a number of symptoms and will vary depending on your individual circumstances. If you\u2019re currently experiencing any of the below symptoms, especially in the day or days after consuming superfoods, it\u2019s worth considering a food sensitivity test:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
What is a superfood?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Can I be sensitive to superfoods?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An analysis of food sensitivities in America<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do I know if I\u2019m intolerant to a superfood?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the common symptoms of a food sensitivity?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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