Superfoods: Myths and Truths

Explore the definition and impact of superfoods

Please note this course runs without facilitation

Goji berries, quinoa, amaranth and green tea are all foods that have been labelled ‘superfoods’. But what does this superfood label actually mean?

On this course you will learn about the definition of a ‘superfood’. You will consider the biological, neuroscientific and social aspects of superfoods. Developing your critical abilities, you will also evaluate the impact of the superfood phenomenon on society and the economy.

This course is for anyone interested in diet, psychology, health and ‘superfoods’. You don’t need any previous experience.

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge on this topic, you might also find of interest the following EIT Food courses on food, nutrition and science communication:

• Food and Nutrition: The Truth Behind Food Headlines
• Understanding Food Labels
• Understanding Mediterranean and Okinawa Diets
• Nutrition for Health and Sustainability
• The Human Microbiome

• Introduction to superfoods
• Welcome to the course
• Introduction to superfoods
• Characteristics of (super) foods
• Nutrient content of superfoods and their alternatives
• Superfoods and their alternatives
• Gluten free diets and alternative grains
• A "super" class of molecules: flavonoids
• Introduction to flavonoids
• Flavonoid effects on brain and cognition
• Are superfoods always safe?
• Other kinds of superfoods
• Are superfoods always safe?