Melvin A. Benarde of Princeton
‘Superfoods,’ by Rochelle Blank, (Feb. 3) requires cogitation. Ms. Blank, a holistic health advocate writes that she encourages the use of some ‘Superfoods to keep energy and health at peak performance, but fails to tell us what that is. And she promotes Acai berry juice (pronounced Ah sigh ee ) due to its high antioxidant content. Although there are many published articles in reputable science journals on Acai’s level of antioxidants few, if any, controlled clinical trials dealing with its effects on human health have been done and published.
Ms. Rochelle does tell us that “Acai berry-juice is said to promote energy as well as offer immune system, cholesterol-clearing, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal benefits,” and also quotes Audrey Braahn of the Whole Earth Center: “The powerful antioxidants found in abundance in Acai berry juice work at the cellular level to repair and restore.” How Ms. Braahn knows that Acai works at the cellular level is unclear, as human clinical trials have yet to be undertaken. As to what is repaired and restored, is left to our imagination. And what are we to understand by Ms. Blank’s remark that, “it is said to promote energy, offer immune system, cholesterol clearing, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal benefits?”
”It is said,” is a curious locution. We are not told who said these things, nor is any evidence of benefit offered. In fact, these have yet to be clinically tested.
We are also informed that Stevia, a South American plant, “is said not to upset blood sugar levels, and “Y acon syrup a raw veganglucose-free sweetener is said to improve digestive health.” We are not privy to just what digestive health is involved. Each reader will, I suspect, fill-in that blank. And, as a reader, I assume “it is said” is meant to convey a fact of established benefit. As for Probiotics, Yogurt and other fermented milks, the evidence of benefit is inconsistent. Marketing far exceeds the science. In fact, the entire article, meant to help people in need, actually offers not a scintilla of evidence that any of the “Superfoods” are in any way beneficial to our health. Although going natural has a warm and cuddly feeling, science has yet to catch up with the anecdotes.
But eating fruits, veggies, fish, meat and poultry, continue to provide the vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and carbs needed for health, and have experienced long years of testing.
Melvin A. Benarde
Princeton

