Why Am I Not Impressed…

Posted By elissa on Jul 8, 2008 | 3 comments

…by this press release?

A just-released review article in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension concludes that an increase in potassium coupled with a decrease in sodium may be the most important dietary choice, after weight loss, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The problem is, most Americans consume about half the recommended daily amount of potassium and double the recommended amount of sodium, putting them at risk for high blood pressure and stroke.

Now, Unilever (NYSE: UN) is introducing the first functional shot that may help close the potassium gap. Promise SuperShots for blood pressure are essential fruit blend functional shots that provide a good source of potassium and are low in sodium. Each three-ounce Promise SuperShots contains 350 mg of potassium, similar to the amount contained in a serving of a fruit that is a good source of potassium, such as a small banana. Promise SuperShots fruit blends come in three delicious flavors: strawberry banana, peach apricot, and mixed berry.

Ummmm…so why not eat a small banana?  Or other good, food sources of potassium, many of which offer as much – or more – potassium per serving than a Promise Supershot?  And – I might add – offer more additional nutrients than a Supershot does, too?

It’s not that Supershots are bad…it’s that they really don’t offer the same value – in terms of nutrition or “bang for your buck” that real food does.