Are raw 'superfoods' a waste of money?

[Kaila]

Hello all!

I’m trying to plan – and budget – my ‘health plan’ and transition to eating better with more raw food. I don’t make a lot of money, and need to budget my meals carefully. However, the good news is that fruit and veg can be obtained at the market and supermaket very cheaply!

I’m new to all of this, are ‘superfoods’ such as spirulina, wheatgrass, raw chocolate powder, purple corn flour, etc worth the money? The websites that sell these foods are full of marketing hype, but these ingredients are so omnipresent I thought they might be worth the cost? Is one worth more than the rest?

Thanks for the help!!

[Revvell]

...are ‘superfoods’ such as spirulina, wheatgrass, raw chocolate powder, purple corn flour, etc worth the money?

Not to me. I don't purchase any of that. To me, superfoods are all the fresh produce I find at the farmers' markets that still contain life-force energy and have short "shelf-lives".

[Green_Woman]

My favorite "superfoods" are spinach, mango and bananas. ;)

[contessa20]

I agree with the others, stick with what is fresh and readily available. Occasionally I have bought a so-called "superfood" but only when a special recipe called for it which, for me, has happened twice that I can recall in the 13 months I've been raw.

[xPIXIEx]

I'm glad to "hear" you ladies say this. It's something I fret over when I'm on one of my many raw attempts. I've been wondering, do I need it? Or not? Guess not. :)

[Kaila]

I'm glad to "hear" you ladies say this. It's something I fret over when I'm on one of my many raw attempts. I've been wondering, do I need it? Or not? Guess not. :)

I've been fretting over this as well, from an unfamiliar distance these 'superfoods' can make raw seem very exclusive, because these ingredients are so expensive and hard to get. Thanks for the advice!

The other element I'm trying to weigh up is detoxing- there are a bazillion detox kits, teas, and accessories. Is improving my diet with raw foods enough, or should I really do a detox programme first?

Is there a 'thrifty raw' thread on these forums?

Thanks for helping a newbie!

[skier2]

I've been fretting over this as well, from an unfamiliar distance these 'superfoods' can make raw seem very exclusive, because these ingredients are so expensive and hard to get. Thanks for the advice!

The other element I'm trying to weigh up is detoxing- there are a bazillion detox kits, teas, and accessories. Is improving my diet with raw foods enough, or should I really do a detox programme first?

Is there a 'thrifty raw' thread on these forums?

Thanks for helping a newbie!

Yeah I take maca sometimes and buy spirulina once in a while, but I definitely agree that many of these things are not as super as simple greens and fruits. For example, even on this board many recipes call for coconut oil or coconut meat, but for someone living in Minnesota, sure I can buy a coconut for 2-4 dollars but how far has it travelled? Why bother, especially when local farmers are growing chard and kale?

[RawLibrarian]

Hello all!

I’m trying to plan – and budget – my ‘health plan’ and transition to eating better with more raw food. I don’t make a lot of money, and need to budget my meals carefully. However, the good news is that fruit and veg can be obtained at the market and supermaket very cheaply!

I’m new to all of this, are ‘superfoods’ such as spirulina, wheatgrass, raw chocolate powder, purple corn flour, etc worth the money? The websites that sell these foods are full of marketing hype, but these ingredients are so omnipresent I thought they might be worth the cost? Is one worth more than the rest?

Thanks for the help!!

If people like them and can afford them, it's not a waste. As far as 'superfoods' being necessary, not for me. I do just fine on easily-available fruits and veggies (which can help keep costs down as well).

[sport]

No superfoods are necessary.
I buy Spirilena and Chlorella because I choose to and to add variety to my diet but I do not think they are necessary. They are a luxury.

[EZ rider]

are ‘superfoods’ such as spirulina, wheatgrass, raw chocolate powder, purple corn flour, etc worth the money?
I drink fresh made wheat grass juice and other juices because I consider the juices of whole foods to be natural foods. I think the concept of a "super food" is a marketing tool.



The other element I'm trying to weigh up is detoxing- there are a bazillion detox kits, teas, and accessories. Is improving my diet with raw foods enough, or should I really do a detox programme first?
I don't use any of that detox stuff you mentioned instead I use the natural whole "as is" raw foods that are high in fiber to "whisk" debris (including toxins) out of my colon. Also I drink plenty of clean water to "flush" debris (including toxins) from my bladder. Also I like to fast occasionally to rest and detox my body. I think walking the natural path of eating and drinking is the most natural and healthy way to live a long and healthy life. I base my lifestyle path decision on an old saying that I believe in: "wise is the person that cooperates with nature".

[Jessican]

Personally I do believe cacao powder to be a neccessity.... but you have to take into account that I'm a pregnant woman. ROTFLOL

[jobean]

I just started taking chia and think it is worthwhile as you only use a little since it expands so much. Also, was able to get a good price from a co-op. Got some dried coconut very inexpensive and it helps expand variety of foods to eat.

I also like maca, have had excellent results. It is expensive even though I only use 1-2 tsps a day, search the internet for good prices, it makes a difference.

I'm looking for good prices on goji berries, but I grew up with it, so it's not a new superfood to me.

I haven't found results with some of the superfoods, so I just try and see what works.

[Rick2009]

I live in blueberry and apple country. In season, I pick blueberries at a u-pick farm...because the fresh air and sunshine add to the experience and its a way of getting the kids away from computers and texting. My body gives me immediate feedback from eating freshly picked blueberries: it seems to be telling me: "hey, this is super!....doesn't get any better! ". I believe that whatever produce is grown close by and is fresh is the first choice of super foods.
Although Maca is from another land, it has helped me to adapt. Its the one "superfood" I think is a beneficial add-on to people converting to 100% live raw foods. There is a lot of processing going on in your body when detoxing so Maca can be very helpful.
In the summer, when I'm eating lots of fresh local produce, I don't consume Maca or any other "superfood". I just enjoy the freshness and tastes.

[RawKnitster]

I like superfoods. Spirulina, chlorella, VitaMineral Green, aloe vera, coconuts, coconut oil, hempseed oil, farm honey, bee pollen, maca, cacao, goji berries, kelp powder, acai powder, and yacon syrup. Since they are an investment, I make them last a long time. About once a week I drink a superfood smoothie using various combinations. I like how it makes me feel, and I like the taste.

I use a lot of hempseeds, too. Mostly on salads.

You certainly don't need superfoods. From the other responses here, I am obviously outside the norm on this one.

I don't recommend you buy anything unless you can find a sample pack or single serving size to try first. Lots of people can't stand the strong flavors of some of these items.

I also use chia seeds, flax seeds, olive oil, and nutritional yeast. Not sure if they are "superfoods", but they are a staple in my raw kitchen.

[freelive]

I use flaxseeds too, but they are less than two dollars a pound at my coop. I think so called superfoods might be useful, when you travel and don't have easy access to true superfoods which are fresh fruits and veggies, especially when you eat them live from your garden. Tomatoes are like berries when you eat them straight from the garden-two hours later they are just tomatoes.

[DeniseM]

I don't know what's so super about foods that have been shipped around the world, dried, dehydrated, packaged, and sold at exorbitant prices. I think some of them could potentially benefit a regular cooked diet, but when your entire cuisine is full of fresh, nutrient-rich foods, "superfoods" become pretty redundant. I'd go as far as saying many of them (especially raw chocolate and purple corn flower) would hinder a raw diet rather than help it, but that's just my opinion. :)

My experience with superfoods isn't too extensive, but when I did experiment with them, I never noticed a difference. They definitely aren't necessary for a raw food diet. The folks who tell you otherwise are usually the ones profiting from superfood sales.

[rawviveyourself]

I do like the super-marketed superfoods. They are like shiny trinkets to me - too expensive and completely superfluous. But I like experimenting with new recipes, so they give me things to play with when I get bored.

Necessary? Absolutely not. Local? Nope. Healthy? Who knows. I just like to change it up every now and then. But there is something to be said for a simple, whole, local, just-picked food that can't be beat.

[RawKnitster]

I don't know what's so super about foods that have been shipped around the world, dried, dehydrated, packaged, and sold at exorbitant prices.

All the fruits (and most of the veggies) I eat for 8 months out of the year fit into two or more of those catagories. ;)

[Green_Woman]

Here's my absolute FAVORITE Detox Kit.... you need the following ingredients:

1 hot bath
1 package of organic lavender bath powder
1 soft sponge


Soak in hot bath filled with relaxing, rejuvenating lavender... sponge your whole body gently with the hot water and relax some more.

Follow this up with a brief session of Youtube Yoga or a Green Smoothie, and you're set. ;)

[cara4art]

In general, yes, if you haven't fixed your diet yet. However, a superfood or two can be excellent in smoothies to power them up, especially if you work out, like chia seeds or hemp protein. I've done spirulina at previous times - liked that very much. I do have some raw cacao powder on hand, but I only use it sometimes for a very occasional raw dessert treat. I don't do a lot of the fancier exotic stuff - aside from some of my dehydrator and food processor stuff I keep things pretty simple with smoothies, salads, wraps, or just some cut-up fruit with a few raw nuts or seeds. I'd say that working on one's main diet first, with getting in one's fruits, seeds/nuts, sprouts(if one eats them - I just have them sometimes) and greens, before adding any superfood is best - THEN you could add in a food-based concentrate if you like, depending on your lifestyle and physical demands.
One thing I did awhile back(this was before raw but it could apply now)is that my old practitioner would muscle test any supplements and/or foods, and it was right on the money for me. This could save one from thinking one had to have 9000 supplements and special foods, as some would be either neutral, or really not good on one's particular body, or some could be very good. Just a thought here!

[RawKnitster]

cara4art, muscle testing is an amazing way to help with decisions. I was looking at a special item in my favorite raw store. The store owner muscled tested me about it, she told me I didn't need it. I have mixed results muscle testing myself. When someone experienced does it to me, it works better.

Green Woman, a lavender bath sounds wonderful. I've got some lavender oil that will work. I'm relaxing just thinking about it. :)

[Rick2009]

[QUOTE=DeniseM;589600] I'd go as far as saying many of them (especially raw chocolate and purple corn flower) would hinder a raw diet rather than help it, but that's just my opinion. :)
QUOTE]

Hi Denise,

Ok I'm guilty, raw chocolate .... I make raw chocolate smoothies, raw chocolate with coconut, cinnamon, raw honey ..1000 recipes with raw chocky. I saw a video of Davd Wolfe (free on U-Tube) talking about raw chocolate and started to include it in my diet. Too good.

[Eva]

I find that when I add some of the marketed "superfoods" to my diet, I have ANXIETY! Cacao in particular makes me feel really awful if I have more than a tiny bit of it.

Goji berries are good for variety, but they seem dry and dead compared to the fresh berries I can get from my local farmers.

And some of the other so-called "superfoods" I do use on occasion just for my personal enjoyment, such as maca (make a malt mylkshake), yacon syrup, coconut oil, etc.

I tried some reputable green powder and felt less energy than not having it (and it was not detox, I'm pretty ridiculously self aware at this point, on what my body is doing!)

Most of the time, I feel SOOOOOOOOOOO good just eating simple foods from nature, often blended or food processed but not dried, packaged and shipped.

I considered selling some of the superfoods at my classes because so many people ask for them, but I chose not to because I don't believe in them or want to be associated with that side of the raw "business". I just don't.

BUT, this is a very personal question that you will (as you can see here) find really varied opinions, as varied as the bodies themselves conducting experiments with the foods. So, play, have fun, discover for yourself WHICH superfoods are super for YOU! :)

[xPIXIEx]

I didn't realize some of the items named in this thread were considered superfoods. Cacao, coconut oil, and the seeds. Guess I'm still learning! :D I do use those particular items.

[EZ rider]

Do the "super foods" have "super nutrients" in them ? Does anyone know of an online food calculator that will keep track of your "super nutrients" so that you can tell if your body is lacking in "super nutrients" ?

[Raw Angel Mom]

I live in the North and by the time that the food comes to our grocery store, it has lost so much of its freshness and aliveness. I agree if you have fresh food, and you can also start sprouting for very cheap, you can get away with the expensive cost of superfood.

Your best bet, is to go for a blood test once in a while (checking for nutrients especially B12), THEN go from there.

Some people seem to need this supper food more and some others not as much. As for children, they need a lot of calories and rich food, so i do use super food for my child. If you are an athlete, you may need to supplement, everyone has different need.

Since you are starting with raw food, i personally think that you will be more then ok with fresh food. You will go through healing, detox etc... and you are doing a wonderful thing for your health. In time, you will know if you need more then fruit/vegetables.

Congratulation for doing raw food!

[edelweiss]

This is something I have wondered about too, and I am so glad to hear that superfoods are not necessary!!
I was really frustrated because I couldn't find any of these superfoods in the stores, and so many raw food people online suggest them in their blogs and rave about them..
I'm so glad to hear they aren't really necessary!!

[veeg]

I am in agreement with what many have said before me:
fresh fruits and veggies are the true superfood.

Eating fruits and veggies in their natural state is best.

[DopeRawAbundance]

There's a lot of stuff touted as superfoods, I've even heard fresh stuff like pomegranates and blueberries touted as such. With that said, I wouldn't say the whole catalog of "superfoods" should be stamped with the "not necessary" label. Hemp seeds, for one, I would say everybody could benefit from. The whole hemp plant is of great nutrition, but unfortunately is illegal, even the varieties not bearing THC. So the least one can do is munch on the lil' seeds. Or grow some in your backyard. Revolution! Hempseed Oil is also amazin'.

I also have good memories of Maca Powder and Goji Berries, though these days if I ate Gojis I would soak them in spring water first. I will try to grow some Goji Berries in my mini Garden of Eden. They're supposedly raved about in Chinese Medicine.

[bikediva]

Glad you said it, Dope...I was just going to bring up hemp seeds!

IMO, the benefits of superfoods is they're convenient. If you can whip up a cacao smoothie instead of eating a chocolate bar, the cacao is hugely valuable. Beyond that, they are a gimick, like any other "health" or "weight loss" product.

The whole point of raw is to eat SIMPLE foods that are CLOSE TO THE EARTH. No packages...

[Raw Angel Mom]

I wouldn't say that super food aren't necessary but more that they may not be needed for certain people or for a while and needed them later on. It depends of the quality of food that is available in your area, the season, your daily activity etc...

We have a raw Canadian Athlete Brendon Brazier, i love his product because this is about nourishment. I started to use his smoothie mix for my child. I add some of it, fresh fruits, greens, hemp seeds, e3lives or whatever i may have that day.

If you can learn how to sprout and use the internet to get more information, you can most probably get by without having to spend a fortune on super food.

Your health should always come first and you must listen to your body. If you need to supplement you do, if you don't need, you don't.