This year's hottest superfoods

Everyday we know more and more about what foods are good for our bodies and, more importantly, what isn't.

To be honest, I really think that focusing on what ISN'T good for us is a lot easier than understanding what is... Mother Nature is such a generous provider that the list of what IS good for us is very very long.

But, maybe focusing on what ISN'T is too negative, so here is some food for thought... the 10 hottest NEW superfoods for this year.  Yes, food is fashionable and each year people are "discovering" foods that have always been there but just weren't on our radar, so if you like to try new healthy foods, here are some for you to try:

• Sesame seeds - nothing new here I hear you shout, but did you know that these tiny seeds that populate your hamburger bun are filled with essential minerals including manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus, and contain 20% of your daily zinc and calcium?  Eating sesame seeds has been shown to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL), reduce hypertension and stress and can also protect your liver.  You can add them to almost anything and sesame paste, also known as tahini, is one of the ingredients of hummus - delicious!
• Avocado oil - this fruit (yes, it is a fruit) is already known for being a great source of fibre, vitamins and protein.  It is thought that the humble avocado can help lower cholesterol and the risk of diabetes, stroke and coronary artery disease.  Avocado oil is high in lecithin, add it to your salad dressings, dips and marinades and reap the benefits of its healthy monounsaturated fats.  It is also safe as a cooking oil as it's smoke point is very high.
• Coffee - another one that isn't new, and it doesn't get much good press... until now!  New studies show that drinking black coffee in moderation may help prevent diabetes, certain cancers, and liver disease and can also be good for your heart.  Coffee is a great source of antioxidants, researchers at the University of Scranton said,

"Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than any other dietary source.  Nothing else comes close," states Joe Vinson, Ph.D, the lead author of the study.

          However, never drink caffeine of any sort on an empty stomach.

• Beet juice.  Richly colored vegetables are very beneficial to your health, beets are a prime example.  Beet juice is a great source of inflammation-reducing antioxidants and blood flow-improving nitrates.  This powerful and healthy combination promotes brain health, lowers blood pressure, and is an excellent energy booster.
• Teff - have you ever heard of this?  I hadn't!  It's a gluten free cereal packed full of dietary fiber that can help with managing your blood sugar levels, weight control and colon health because 20-40% of it's carbs are resistant starches.  You can substitute teff flour in most baked goods.
• Canary seeds - another gluten free grain and contains more protein per ounce than most others.  Canary seeds are made suitable for human consumption by a de-hulling process that retains their nutrients.
• Beluga Lentils.  You've probably heard of red, green and brown lentils and this is another variety.  They have a rich black color so you'll be able to identify them.  Their color comes from high concentrations of anthocyanins that fight inflammation, cancer and heart disease.  
• Salsify - what?  This, believe it or not, is a root vegetable also known as "oyster plant" due to its taste when cooked.  It looks like a form of parsnip, but is low in calories, high in fiber and can be boiled, mashed and used in soups and stews, and it's rumored to help people maintain a healthy weight.
• Za'atar.  A spice blend of sumac seeds, thyme salt, and sesame seeds from the Middle East.

  

  Za'atar

   Za'atar can be sprinkled over a variety of foods including flatbread, yogurt, and chicken and gives a savory flavor.  What makes it even better is that it is known to reduce your risks of food borne illnesses.
• Shichimi Togarashi.  A Japanese spice blend rich in antioxidants is made up of chili powder, orange or tangerine peel, black and white sesame seeds, and seaweed.  It is thought that this spice blend contributes to lowering your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

So get sprinkling - among other things!  

I can help you improve your health.  If you would like to make an appointment with me either in person or via Skype, just send me an email to lucycarr@socialnutrition.com