5 Trending Superfoods You Need to Try

In addition to your New Year’s goals and resolutions, it’s time to watch out for the New Year’s superfoods. 

While kale, acai and activated charcoal aren’t going anywhere any time soon, they’re so 2016! 

There are a whole new slew of superfoods for you to stock in your cupboard, and you can start with these 5:

1. Dulse – A member of the seaweed family, dulse is the next up and coming sea veggie that you need to look out for.  Red as opposed to green like our friend spirulina and blue-green algae, dulse is loaded with fiber, as is evident from its chewy texture. It looks disgusting fresh, but compressed and powder versions are available as well! 
   
   
   
   It is high in antioxidants, and is often dried in the sun to help maintain its nutrient value.  Furthermore, it is very alkalizing to the body, helping reduce acidity from excess toxins or poorly digested food.  Consume dulse as a snack, or buy as dulse flakes to sprinkle over salads and add into soups.
2. Mustard Greens – While kale has been in the spotlight for a long time, we have started to see things switch to other types of greens in an effort to increase our variety of consumption and maximize our nutrient intake.  While all greens are nutrient dense, consuming different types means you are able to get different nutrient profiles and different levels of antioxidants and fiber.  Mustard greens are another one to add to your list.  Slightly bitter, but great in salads and on sandwiches, these greens are sure to be a nice change from your usual repertoire!
3. Ancient grains – With the increase of gluten intolerances, celiac disease and overall poor gut health, amongst the population, more and more people are turning towards ancient grains, such as teff, amaranth and spelt.  These grains have much lower gluten contents (or none at all), than their typical wheat counterpart, and since they have not been modified or changed at all from their original biological composition upon growth.  Not only that, but also many, such as teff and quinoa are a great source of protein, an added bonus, and all whole grains are a great source of fiber. 
4. Dragon fruit powder – The pretty pink bowls are creeping up all over Instagram, with their brilliant, vibrant colour. 
   
   
   
   And with a hue that strong, it can only mean that they are packed full of antioxidants and does wonders for the body.  High in vitamin C and with the little seeds offering a source of fiber, dragonfruit is a great addition to your diet.  You can but it as a powder, where you will receive a concentrated form of the all these great benefits, or enjoy it fresh, where it is rich in enzymes and nutrients and does well being turned into perfectly shaped balls to garnish smoothie bowls and fruit plates. You can buy dragon fruit powder here!
5. Inca berries – A non-sweet, slightly tart berry, also known as golden berries, these dried delights are golden in colour and are rich in antioxidants.  In fact, in an unusual case, the dried berry is actually higher in antioxidants than the fresh berry! These berries grow in South America on the Peruvian ground cherry tree, and indeed are the size and shape of dried cherries.  Enjoy them on top of smoothie bowls, a handful as a tasty snack, or even for dessert when you are craving a little something extra after your meal.

Also check out 5 superfoods you've never heard of and 10 superfoods that help with weight loss.

By: Laura Peill – (Check out her blog Viand Nutrition & Facebook)