You’ve probably heard of superfoods, but do you know what they are?
Superfood is a term that’s used to describe foods that are high in important nutrients. It seems like every year there are new foods that are being talked about as superfoods, or which suddenly start appearing on restaurant menus and health food store shelves.
Kale and cauliflower have had their turn, and though they are still considered superfoods, they aren’t the ones getting this year’s buzz.
So, which are the hot foods that are getting all the attention this year?
Read on to learn about 2018’s star foods.
1. Maca Root Powder
Maca is a plant that grows in the Andes in Peru. A powder made from the plant’s roots is one of this year’s most talked about supplements.
It’s said to boost sexual desire and male fertility, as well as to stop mood swings that come from menopause. Maybe most important, it is said to boost athletic performance.
2. Dates
This cousin of raisins and plums is a sweet treat that is also a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc.
3. Sorghum
Sorghum is a grain that is high in riboflavin, vitamin B6, thiamin and other minerals. It is also a good source of fiber.
Though it ranks as the fifth most important cereal in the world it has not been widely used in the U.S. until now. Part of its popularity has come from the fact that it is gluten-free.
4. Broccoli Stalks
If you’ve been eating broccoli stalks all along then you were ahead of the curve.
Most people only eat the dark green broccoli florets, but now it’s become clear that means wasting a whole lot of healthy food.
The stalks can be used in soups and salads. You can chop them up and mix them with rice or put big chunks on skewers and grill them. They're high in Vitamin K and Vitamin C, as well as fiber and potassium.
5. Reishi Mushrooms
If you love the taste of mushrooms, you may wonder why you haven’t heard of the Reishi.
These fungi are health warriors, boosting energy, lowering blood pressure, and even said to cut the risk of cancer.
Unfortunately, they do not have the flavor we have come to expect from mushrooms, so it's a good idea to get your Reishi boost from pills or capsules that contain a powdered version.
6. Oat Milk
Just as rice milk, almond milk and soy milk have made a splash as dairy alternatives, it’s time for oat milk to shine.
Oat milk has folic acid and vitamin E. It's said to boost the immune system and cardiovascular health, as well as vision.
Best of all, you can make it yourself. Just soak one part oats in two parts water overnight, then blend and strain.
7. Moringa
Moringa is a green plant that can be broken down into different nutritious parts.
Its leaves are high in vitamins B, C, A and K, and can be eaten like spinach. The plant’s seed pods, which are known as drumsticks, are high in vitamin C, and so are the seeds, which can be roasted and eaten like nuts.
Even the roots are shredded, dried, and used as a spice that is high in polyphenol. As you can see, I'm a little ahead of the curve on loving moringa!
Yours in health and happiness,
Danette
P.S. I hope you will share this with your friends who like to stay ahead of the curve on health trends and I welcome your comments below. What's the newest craze for superfood in your kitchen this year?
