Are Super Foods Kale And Quinoa Actually Bad For You?

It seems you can't go into a restaurant, grocery store, or corner bodega these days without running into different varieties and forms of kale and quinoa labeled as superfoods. But despite the fact that over two-thirds of consumers have bought a food or drink because of this label, nutrition researchers and scientists do not consider it to be a scientific term, according to National Health Service, UK's largest health website.

These superfoods may be super-trendy at the moment, but well-known nutritionist Petronella Ravenshear told Vogue this month that "all I can say is these foods should be avoided."

"They might be exotic and packed full of promise, but do we need to eat little-known berries from far-flung places or the foods of ancient civilizations to stay well?" said Ravenshear. "Superfoods notwithstanding, their lives were short and brutal; the average Aztec lived for 37 years."

Who knew? Ravenshear elaborated on her aversion to kale and quinoa, as well as goji berries by saying that eating raw green smoothies can cause serious thyroid problems, and that consuming too many grains or goji berries (Chinese berries related to the lychee fruit) can irritate the stomach. Also, according to The Daily Mail, a chemical compound found in goji berries can lead to a syndrome known as leaky gut syndrome with symptons such as bloating, gas, cramps, food sensitivities, and aches and pains. 

Joanna Fantozzi is an Associate Editor with The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @JoannaFantozzi