In 2016 it was all about kale and coconut water and chia. In 2017 the new superfoods are more surprising – and they are going to shake up your diet for better health and more energy.
Find out about the new superfoods for health and wellbeing in 2017, from berries to mushrooms, seeds to meat, and even insects!
Which New Superfoods Will You Be Eating in 2017?
1) Watermelon Seeds
The humble watermelon seeds that are usually discarded when eating this fruit are coming into fashion now, and after they have been prepared for eating – by sprouting and shelling them – they are roasted for added taste. Watermelon seeds are superfoods as they contain high levels of protein as well as vitamin B and magnesium, and high levels of healthy monosaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. You could snack on them or use them in salads for extra crunchiness.
2) Bone Broth
It may not sound very appetizing, but a simple broth made by boiling meat bones is ideal for clean eating and delivering the essential nutrients that are so often lacking in the modern diet. Bone broth can be made at home or you can buy ready-made, organic bone broth in stores.
3) Maqui Berries
Maqui berries come from Chile and are packed with healthy vitamin C along with other essential nutrients. They are a little bitter when you eat them but you can add them to other dishes for extra flavor. They also come ground into a powder, which is a nutritious addition to a smoothie or to yogurt.
4) Turmeric
Turmeric has obviously been available in stores for ages, but recently it has been expanding in popularity as a superfood as it boasts many distinct health benefits. The active component curcumin is the powerhouse behind turmeric’s health benefits.
5) Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga mushrooms are ground into powder and you can buy this in the form of tea, or you can use the powder in your own recipes. Chaga is an excellent antioxidant and also has superb antimicrobial properties.
6) Purple Vegetables and Fruit
Increase your intake of purple food. The fact that vegetables and fruit are purple often indicates that they are high in antioxidants and a variety of nutrients that you don’t often find on your plate. Choose from purple sprouting broccoli, purple cauliflower, purple sweet potatoes, elderberries, blackcurrants, or acai berries.
7) Nut Oils
Cook with a tiny amount of a nut oil like walnut oil or cashew oil and you deliver a punch of flavor and plenty of nutrients. It is a good idea to use these nut oils in dishes where they do not have to be heated, as cooking often damages the make-up of the healthy fats. There are plenty of different varieties to experiment with.
8) Goat Meat
You may not have thought about eating goat meat, although it is highly popular in many countries of the world. Goat meat is high in iron and very low in fat, making it a great source of nutrients for meat eaters. It is also very high in protein.
9) Kakadu Plum
The kakadu plum is small and bitter, and a surprisingly good source of vitamin C. It is therefore a potent antioxidant and perfect for a snack when you want to boost your immune system.
10) Algae
Algae, the sea plants that are found in the ocean, are a great source of essential fatty acids which makes algae perfect for vegans and vegetarians who may struggle to get omega 3 fatty acids from their diet.
11) Offal
Following on from goat meat, offal is another economical way to increase your intake of essential nutrients. Offal is the organs that are often neglected when the “choice” cuts of meat have been selected, and include kidneys, liver, brain, and hearts. Offal is a fine source of iron and antioxidant nutrients.
12) Goji Berries
Goji berries have been getting more popular and can now be found everywhere from seed and berry mixes to breads and yogurts. Goji berries contain lots of iron, a nice array of vitamins, and they act as antioxidants.
13) Tilapia
Tilapia is a type of fish. It is linked to some powerful health benefits including bone-building, metabolism boosting, anti-aging, and arthritis prevention. Try tilapia cooked in a way that brings out the natural flavors and eat with healthy vegetables like kale and sweet potatoes.
14) Raw Cacao
Raw cacao is the purest form of chocolate and organic raw cacao is the ideal way to add a bit of chocolatey sweetness to your diet without adding harmful fats and sugars. Raw cacao is in the form of powder or nibs, and provides lots of fiber, magnesium, and iron. It is an excellent alternative to a chocolate bar and one of the best new superfoods of 2017.
