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EIT Food

Superfoods: Myths and Truths

EIT Food and Università di Torino via FutureLearn

Overview

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

Syllabus

  • 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?

Taught by

Alessandro Cicerale

Tags

Reviews

4.8 rating, based on 6 Class Central reviews

4.6 rating at FutureLearn based on 156 ratings

Start your review of Superfoods: Myths and Truths

  • Anonymous
    I thoroughly enjoyed this course and found it contained information that was new to me. The section on current research was particularly interesting. It was delivered in the usual, excellent, form of FutureLearn with video clips and articles and student discussion. The lecturers on this course seemed to me to use less visual props than I have become used to and I think for visual learners the presentation would benefit from more of these. However I recommend this course and look forward to doing another one in the near future.
  • Anonymous
    I really enjoyed this course. For me it was the perfect length and was great to do when I had time. I enjoyed the combination of videos, quizzes and articles as I found this varied the activities and stimulated interest. I would recommend making notes if you have not studies these types of courses before (or even if you have) in order to have a record of facts and definitions.
  • Anonymous
    I found all the information included in this subject most interesting and useful in helping me to work out the best foods, fruits and vegetables I need to live a balanced life!! Many thanks ;-))
  • Anonymous
    This course was interesting and very useful
    Many information we have got is very surprising for us
    Finally I would to thank every one in the team of superfood cours
  • Anonymous
    Direct to the consumer with clear to understand information. Easy to follow sequenced units with links for those seeking extra knowledge.
  • Karina
    Thanks a lot for the very interesting and informative course! I enjoyed it very much espesially video lectures. Got new knowledge on the topic i interested in.

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