The Superfoods of 2017

Superfoods of 2017, it's a bit like the Oscar's.  "And the SUPERFOOD of 2017 goes to...!"

But what is a superfood and do they really exist?

Well according to the Oxford Dictionary, a superfood is a food considered especially nutritious or other wise beneficial to health and well-being.  Well, I think that pretty much has all fresh produce covered...

You see, I believe that fresh, natural foods are all superfoods.  However, marketing companies would like us to believe other wise, why?  Because that's how you sell stuff.

Every year there is a new "trend" something that has been found to offer something we didn't already know.  I don't actually think this is a bad thing, the more knowledge we have the better choices we can make.

2017 isn't going to be any different, well except for the insects.  So here is the all new superfood list for 2017, with all those "delicious" foods you didn't know you can't live without.  I leave it up to you to decide which ones you choose to incorporate into your diet.

1.  Avocado Oil.  Avocados are amazing, they are packed full of healthy fats that we all need in our diets.  Last year eating the "stone" was a trend, this year it's the oil.  Avocado oil is full of nutrients such as vitamin E which is very good for you skin.  So don't be afraid of the avocado.

2.  Red Algae.  This has me intrigued.  Described as "bacon flavored seaweed", I am definitely going to have to try this.  Red algae is full of vitamins and minerals and lots of antioxidants, but the main benefits of this sea plant are its ability to promote healthy circulation in the body, regulate blood sugar levels and lower bad cholesterol.  It is very high in fiber and is a rich source of calcium and magnesium so good for bone health.  It is also full of antioxidants that nourish your immune system and your skin.  And if it really does taste like bacon then even better!

3.  Macadamia Nuts.  Nuts are very important in our diets and these sweet tasting ones give a huge energy boost.  They are also powerhouses of vitamin A, iron, zinc and calcium.  But don't go overboard.  Just a few a day as a snack are enough.

4.  Kakadu Plum or Gubinge.  A tart and tangy fruit from the northern end of Australia, which supposedly contain 100 times more vitamin C than an orange...  Apparently it has been identified as the single natural food source with the highest vitamin C content on the planet.  That's 3000mg of vitamin C per 100g of fruit.

5.  Buckwheat Noodles.  Don't be fooled by the name, there is no wheat here and these noodles are perfectly adequate for celiac sufferers.  However, these noodles also aid digestion and reduce the risk of diabetes.

6.  Coconut Sugar.  Well I guess if you are going to have sugar it had better be coconut sugar.  It isn't just sweet, coconut sugar also contains vitamins, minerals and has added iron and zinc.

7.  Maca Powder.  A powerhouse of vitamins with large amounts of vitamins B, C and E, calcium, zinc and iron.

8.  Goji Berries.  These are "back", they were very trendy a few years ago for supposedly making you lose weight but soon disappeared but they do have a certain following thanks to the amount of vitamins and minerals they contain.  Iron and vitamins A, C and B2 are in abundance.

9.  Tilapia.  If you haven't heard of it, this is a fish.  Apparently eating tilapia boosts your metabolism, promotes strong bones, prevents arthritis and is anti-aging.

10.  Bone Broth.  A staple that has been around for centuries and is very undervalued.  It is full of essential minerals and protein and collagen, so a great immune booster and anti-aging aid, also really nice on cold winter evenings.

11.  Insects.  Ok, this is one you won't find me trying unless it is a matter of life or death, and even then I might have to think about it.  They are a sustainable food source, just 100g of crickets contain 214% more protein than 100g of chicken breast...  hmmm... ok.... but the legs!!!!!

12.  Offal.  Well this is another one that I can't deny the benefits but I still can't stomach it.  Offal, think beef and pork hearts, liver, brain, kidney and other organs... These are, however, full of amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, iron and essential anti-oxidants.  Another plus for offal is it is cheap and you get a lot for your money.

13.  Goat Meat.  I could try this.  Less fat than beef, pork and lamb and higher in iron.  Goat meat is already a staple food in many parts of the world such as south Asia and the Caribbean.  It also makes a nice change.

14.  Pea Protein.  Protein is good, it repairs things and aids growth.  Pea protein is dairy and gluten free so a sure thing for vegans and celiac sufferers.

15.  Raw Cacao Nibs.  I've never found these very exciting to be honest.  But having said that they are high in iron, fiber and magnesium and mixed with other ingredients can make a healthier dessert than using normal chocolate.

16.  Black Bean Pasta.  Now that vegetable pasta is a thing, you can add to your variety with the black bean variety.  This type of pasta is higher in protein and fiber than normal pasta.

17.  Turmeric.  Turmeric is carrying on its trend from 2016... summing up because it is just so amazing I already wrote a post just about this; anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antioxidant, improves brain function, lowers the risk of heart disease, helps prevent cancer, may be useful in preventing and treating Alzheimer's Disease, helps in the treatment of arthritis, anti-aging agent... need I say more?

Here's to a healthy 2017.

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