Move over goji berries and take a back seat,
quinoa, there’ s a host of new superfoods hitting the big time. Ellie Moss
introduces the next generation of health superstars coming to a kitchen near
you
With powers that range from fighting free
radicals to stoking up your immune system, superfoods are an easy way to show
your body some love. But if you thought berries and barley grass had this
category all sewn up, you thought wrong – there’s a new wave of hero foods coming
to the table.
From exotic fruits to a Japanese breakfast
staple, the new kids on the superfood block will help boost your brain power,
aid your weight loss, increase your nutrient intake and more. ‘Making sure you
regularly eat a variety of superfoods may help to improve your health and
wellbeing now and in the future,’ says nutritional therapist Stephanie Ridley
(www.nourishtoflourish.co.uk). Ready to give your menu a super-healthy
makeover? Tuck in…
Chia Seeds
It’s said that the Aztec warriors used chia
seeds as a source of energy, and with a whole range of nutrients – and a high
fibre content – packed into this tiny grain, it’s the ideal food to see you
through long days. Chia seeds contain complete proteins, which help to keep
your energy levels high, while the fibre keeps you fuller for longer. The added
bonus? Chia seeds contain more brain-boosting and cholesterol-easing omega-3
than salmon!
How
To Use It
Sprinkle chia seeds over your porridge,
salads and yoghurt or use them to thicken homemade soups.
Where
To Find It
Chia Bia, US$19.5, Holland & Barrett
Black Garlic
This sweet and significantly less smelly
version of regular garlic boasts twice the antioxid ants of the already potent
original . It’s made by fermenting a standard garlic bulb over several weeks,
which makes the amino acid s and sugars react to produce the black colour. It
also has a softer texture , sweeter taste and doesn’t leave you with bad breath
. Winning formula!
How
To Use It
Exactly as you would normal garlic: in
everything!
Where
To Find It
$6, www.goodnessdirect.co.uk
Chikoo
This fleshy, brown fruit is about the size
of a large tomato and is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary
fibre. It’s native to South America and particularly high in the polyphenol
tannin, which has potential anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It
also has a delicious caramel-like flavour.
How
To Use It:
Wash, peel and deseed the fruit, then blend
into smoothies or frozen yoghurt.
Where
To Find It:
$4.4 for 500g, www.spicesofindia.co.uk
Natto
Rich in vitamins and an enzyme called
nattokinase, this Japanese breakfast staple is thought to help prevent heart
disease and strokes. The fermented soya beans are high in protein and are also
a great source of tummy-friendly probiotics. Rich in both types of vitamin K as
well as omega-3 fatty acids, natto has the credentials to help boost skin
health, bone density and brain power.
How
To Use It
Natto has a strong cheesy flavour and a
stringy consistency. It’s often served with soya sauce and mustard – eat it
straight or with rice, spaghetti or omelettes.
Where
To Find It
$3, www.japancentre.com
Cupuacu
This melon-like fruit is actually a relative
of the cocoa family. Its high vitamin and flavonoid content, protected by its
thick skin, can help to bolster the immune system. Cupuacu (pronounced
koo-pwa-sue) also has an energy-boosting effect, but contains zero caffeine.
How
To Use It:
The pulp of the fruit is usually made into
ice cream, juice or jam.
Where
To Find It:
$2.5, www.sublimefood.co.uk
Maqui Berry
Watch out, acai, this is one super-powered
berry! Hailing from Pata gonia, the maqui (pronounced ‘mah-kee’) berry has been
used by the Mapuche people for its health benefits for years. It’s said to
fight signs of ageing, aid weight loss and boost immunity. Maqui berries also
have one of the highest scores on the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity)
scale, which rate s the antioxid ant power of food.
How
To Use It:
It’s most widely available in supplement
form as capsules or as a powder.
Where
To Find It:
Maqui Berry Powder, from US$18.7,
www.buywhole foodsonline.co.uk
Baobab Fruit Powder
The baobab fruit, from the African tree of
the same name, contains six times as much vitamin C as an orange, twice as much
calcium as milk and it’s packed with antioxidants. Woah! It has an exotic
flavour, but it’s the tangy powder produced by the fruit naturally dehydrating
in its shell that you’re most likely to find in your local health store.
How
To Use It
Add the powder to smoothies, yoghurts and
juice or add a little to cake and bread mixes.
Where
To Find It
Minvita Baobab Superfruit Powder, US$22, www.minvita.co.uk
Kukicha Twig Tea
This refreshing tea, made with the twigs
(rather than leaves) of the camellia plant, has all the antioxidant goodness of
green tea. However, it contains significantly less caffeine than your usual
green brew, and about 90 per cent less caffeine than coffee, so it’s ideal if
you’re trying to quit the habit. It also has a smokier flavour, which many
people find more pleasant than bitter green tea.
How
To Use It
Drink it as you would a regular herbal tea.
Where
To Find It
$6.7, www.goodnessdirect.co.uk
