POPSUGAR

These Are the 15 Superfoods Your Kitchen Needs This Year

May 11 2018 - 4:55pm

In today's age of feeling good and eating better, it has become a common occurrence to find superfoods like acai [1], chia, cacao [2], and spirulina in our local grocery stores [3]. Wellness cafes are abundant, and menus have become increasingly aware of the next great smoothie, herbal tea, and clean alternative [4]. Each year comes with its own health-food trends [5], and 2018 is no different. There are new superfoods [6] that we should all be keeping on our radar. From greens and gut-healthy [7] go-tos to sweet options and cooking oils [8] for every chef, foodie, or healthy eater [9], these are some superfoods that deserve to be household names.

Moringa Powder

Classically known as moringa oleifera [11], this very nutritious plant is going to take over for supergreen must haves like kale, green tea [12], and matcha [13]. It's antiaging [14] and anti-inflammatory, and it's packed with all nine essential amino acids [15], powerful antioxidants [16], and an unbelievable amount of iron, calcium, protein, and vitamin C [17].

Avocado Oil

Kiss coconut oil [18] goodbye! While it's no bowl of guacamole [19], this oil alternative has the ability to improve heart health [20] and skin quality, and it neutralizes free radicals [21]. With high levels of antioxidants, healthy fats [22], and a burn point that keeps from destroying nutrients [23], it's ideal for cooking and tastes really good.

Elderflower

Rose water [24], herbal teas, and garnishes made from edible flowers have been around for years, but the elderflower [25] has an unrivaled antiviral effect. It is great for fighting off swollen sinuses, a sore throat [26], the common cold [27], and flu. Even the berry of the shrub can be cooked into jams or jellies [28].


Pink Pineapples

Pink pineapples [29] are as rich in color as they are in health benefits. This upcoming year, shades of red and purple are going to be filling our plates. The modified sweet fruit [30] contains the same antioxidant, lycopene [31], that gives tomatoes their red color — which may play a role in preventing cancer [32].

Ashwagandha

Native to India [33], this ancient herb has been used in Ayurvedic healing [34] for ages. Ashwagandha's [35] intense healing effects can be used to regulate the immune system [36], prevent stress, and combat anxiety, insomnia [37], liver problems, and more. The leaf is most easily found as a powder [38] or in a capsule form.

Baobab

Containing more antioxidants than any other fruit, baobab [39] dries on the branch and produces a powder that can help to restore skin complexion [40], heal damage, improve elasticity [41], and fight aging. It's naturally rich in vitamin A [42], C, D, E, and F, plus fatty acids, minerals, and B complexes.

Cassava

This vegetable is a great source of carbohydrates and is likely going to become a go-to baking flour [43] alternative for those who suffer from bloating [44], IBS, or gluten intolerance [45]. Traditionally used in Bali [46] and South Asia, this soft powder is Paleo [47], vegan-friendly, and nut-free! Other benefits include vitamin C [48], copper, and folate.



Cricket Flour

For those who are willing to try it, cricket flour [49] is soon to be mainstream. It's the perfect recipe hack [50] for an added boost of protein. Crickets have about three times more protein than a piece of steak! It's filled with loads of magnesium [51] and amino acids, and it's gluten-free [52].

Camu Camu

Hello, vitamin C [53]! This small and sour superfruit [54] contains more of it than any other plant in the world! It's native to the Amazon rainforest [55] and a very rich source of powerful phytochemicals that enhance the immune system and mood [56] and improve the aging process [57].

Peas

It's true that this vegetable [58] has been around for some time, but peas [59] are only just beginning to be recognized for their true potential. These green veggies [60] can be eaten dry, crispy [61], steamed, or raw. Free of allergens and proteins that tend to cause reactions, they're a great nutrient-packed snack [62], side, or supplement.

Maqui Berries

Now that acai [63] and goji berries [64] have had their starlight, it's time for maqui berries [65] to have theirs. Full of fiber [66], anti-inflammatory properties, minerals, and a colorful spectrum of vitamins, these berries can aid digestion, boost metabolism [67], and help to regulate blood sugar.

Hemp

Derived from cannabis [68], hemp is used in an entirely different way. It is extremely high in just about every nutrient and can be used to balance hormones [69] and improve digestion, metabolism [70], and joint pain. A single seed contains lots of GLA, vitamins, 21 amino acids [71], and an optimal 3:1 ratio of omega-6 [72] and omega-3 fatty acids.

Watermelon Seeds

It's time for chia seeds [73] and flaxseed [74] to step aside. Watermelon [75] seeds are a great source of monounsaturated [76] and polyunsaturated fats, protein, vitamin B, and magnesium. They're delicious sprinkled over a breakfast bowl [77] for a nutritious charge, on their own, or roasted as a snack.

Mushrooms

We're going to start finding mushrooms [78] (especially chaga) in everything from cold brew coffees [79] to nutritional powders. With impressive levels of antioxidants, they can actually increase the production of certain cells and support the immune system. Plus, they are anti-inflammatory [80], detoxifying [81], and high in fiber [82], which will help soothe the digestive system!

Switchel

It's the new kombucha [83] — made up of apple cider vinegar [84], fresh ginger, and maple syrup [85]. Brands around the country are producing bottled versions of the fermented [86] drink in a variety of flavors. There are tons of gut benefits [87], including easing inflammation, breaking down toxins, and providing potassium-rich electrolytes.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Best-Superfoods-2018-44256872