5 Superfoods for 2018

You have likely heard the term superfood thrown around a lot.  And maybe you are wondering if it is truly all it is cracked up to be...

Well here’s the truth: it totally is!

And don’t dismiss the superfood concept: it’s not going anywhere any time soon.

With a new year upon us, this means a new onslaught of superfood trends, which are all that much better, more exciting and more health packed than ever before.

Here’s what to be on the lookout for in 2018:

1. Tigernuts – These little chewy gems are not a nut at all, but actually a root vegetable!  Rich in iron, protein, and healthy fats, these are nutrition powerhouses, which make a great snack.  You can also grind them into flour and use them in gluten free baking.  Perhaps even better though, is that soaking the nuts takes them from a chewy snack to a crunchy treat which makes a great topping for smoothie bowls, desserts, salads or simply to eat by the handful.
2. Mushrooms - No, not button mushrooms or Portobello, but adaptogenic mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps. They started to make an appearance in the latter months of 2017, but with their amazing health properties, natural energy boosting abilities and a host of other incredible benefits, it’s probably safe to say that they’re here to stay.
3. Switchel - Move over kombucha, there’s a new guy in town! Made from apple cider, ginger and maple syrup, this fermented drink is popping up next to the kombucha in gradually increasing numbers. The benefits of Apple cider vinegar, combined with the gut health boost of fermenting and the soothing effects of ginger, make this a choice beverage. It is not only tasty, but also healthy, good for your gut and a great alternative to higher sugar drinks or alcohol. Watch for it in your local health food store!
4. Fossil Flour – Also known as Diatomaceous earth, this powder is made from plant fossils.  It is the perfect addition to smoothies, baking or to sprinkle on top of smoothie bowls, and has exceptional gut healing properties.  It is a fine white powder that is tasteless when used in small quantities and doesn’t affect the texture of foods either. 
5. Macqui Berry – An antioxidant rich berry, like many of the superfood berries, this one has been around for a long time, but is becoming more and more popular and available.  Usually found as a powder, similar to the acai, this ingredient can be added to smoothies and juices, but also is great to use as a natural food dye, lending a beautiful purple to red hue.

Trying new superfoods offers a great opportunity to boost your diet with nutrient dense ingredients, while trying something new.  Variety in the diet is a very important component of helping in weight loss and in adopting a healthy sustainable lifestyle, which promotes good nutrition and optimal health. 

In the New Year, select to try new superfoods, new ingredients and new flavor combinations to increase your nutrient intake as well as improve your overall food and dining experience.

By: Laura Peill –  Viand Nutrition