Every year brings a new crop of superfoods and trendy supplements – from beet juice to sea moss.
We are reportedly more curious about these wonder ingredients than ever as health consciousness is on everyone’s mind following the global Covid pandemic.
But with so many so-called miracle products available, how do you know what’s really worth including in your diet?
Additionally, as wellness trends come and go, there are more and more “fauxperts” and influencers looking to push fake fads on willing customers.according to a brain training technology practice.
Here, health experts from Brainworks Neurotherapy told FEMAIL which ‘brain foods’ popular on TikTok are actually backed by science – and where you can easily swap for more available ingredients.
Every year brings a new crop of superfoods and trendy supplements – from beet juice to sea moss. Stock image used
Avocados
Avocados have skyrocketed in popularity among the Generation Z population and are now regularly added to breakfast menus.
The ‘superfood’ has received significant attention on TikTok (9.2 billion views), with some users claiming that avocado consumption can support brain health, which is attributed to the fruit’s significant vitamin E content.
When asked whether we should believe these claims, registered nutritional therapist at Nutrable, Caroline Hind, agreed that there are health benefits to consuming avocados, but there are more everyday foods you can add to your diet that have the same will have results.
“That’s true, but avocado is not essential for brain health,” she explained.
‘Eating a variety of nuts, seeds and green vegetables can meet the body’s vitamin E needs and also provide the brain-supporting B vitamins also found in avocado.’
Matcha
Matcha, a finely ground powdered version of green tea, has soared in popularity on TikTok (6.4 billion views), with users often sharing videos of iced or hot latte recipes using the ingredient.
Some users claim that matcha with L-theanine – an amino acid shown to relieve stress, improve mood and help regulate sleep patterns – may have more benefits for the brain than drinking green tea alone.
“While both matcha and regular green tea offer health benefits, matcha may have a slight benefit due to the higher concentration of certain compounds and the fact that you are consuming the entire tea leaf,” noted James Roy, brain health expert at Brainworks Neurotherapy.
Matcha, a finely ground powdered version of green tea, has skyrocketed in popularity on TikTok (6.4 billion views). Stock image used
‘The combination of L-theanine and caffeine in matcha has been shown to have positive effects on brain function.’
However, he says the differences between matcha and green tea are not dramatic.
“Regular green tea provides many of the same cognitive benefits thanks to its rich antioxidant, L-theanine and caffeine content, without the potential cost and preparation complexity associated with matcha,” he added.
Acai
Açaí berries are rumored to be packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, but they have become increasingly popular. Many flocked to TikTok to share their ‘Açaí bowls’ – a blended variety of the berry, often topped with nut butters, other fruits and granola.
With 2.2 billion views on the platform, some users claim that Açaí berries can protect your brain against neurodegenerative diseases and help improve memory.
But James Roy says research is still being done into the ‘brain benefits’ of this wonder ingredient.
“Claims about their cognitive effects should be approached with caution,” he said.
‘Although açaí berries are rich in antioxidants, which are known to have potential neuroprotective properties, there is limited direct evidence that convincingly supports claims of significant cognitive benefits from specifically consuming açaí berries.’
The expert explained that the berries’ supposed benefits are actually related to their vibrant purple color.
“Berry pigments (flavonoids) that give them their brilliant hues help improve memory and slow memory decline by two to three years,” he said.
‘Two servings of blueberries per week will maintain your flavonoid levels.’
Meanwhile, Caroline Hind says she recognizes the exotic berry as a benefit to our health, but notes that the same benefits can be found in alternative, cheaper and more readily available fruits.
“When it comes to açaí, other dark-colored berries may provide similar brain-boosting benefits,” she added.
‘Eating some blueberries, blackberries, blackcurrants and raspberries every day is a good strategy if these more exotic berries are not available.’