The New Superfoods And How To Eat Them

IMAGE: INSTAGRAM @LILYMDONALDSON

There are some superfoods we’ll never get over. Spirulina, the superfood of the sea has been loved since the seventies – and for good reason (it’s a rich source of chlorophyll, micro and macro nutrients along with protein and antioxidants). Also make sure to keep the quiet achieving blueberries and lemons on hand for added immunity and detoxifying purposes. As a substitute for sugar Ricardo suggests opting for raw cacao, and raw honey – “it’s anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and has anti-fungal properties, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals”. For everything else, there are some game changers on the horizon.

THIS RAWSOME VEGAN LIFE RECIPE FOR RAW VEGAN BAOBAB ICE CREAM SANDWICHES ARE A DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY INDULGENCE

Baobab

Native to South Africa, this exotic fruit powder is bursting with fibre, antioxidants and a rich source of Vitamin C. Not only is it a natural energiser, it encourages a healthy nervous system and aids the growth of collagen and elastin for the skin. Karen Ward suggests incorporating one heaped tablespoon of their Baobab to smoothies, sprinkled over muesli and porridge or blended with yoghurt. Added to water, Baobab can encourage optimum hydration and has been proven to detoxify the liver after high exposure to toxins like alcohol. If you are feeling creative, try adding this versatile ingredient into baking and desserts, even ice cream or sorbets make for a healthy snack.

FOOD BLOGGER MEREDITH STEELE’S RECIPE FOR DANDELION GREENS WITH MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE ARE A QUICK AND EASY ACCOMPANIMENT TO ANY MEAL

Yacon Syrup

This Low GI natural sweetener (only 20 calories per tablespoon) is perfect as a sweet additive for the healthy inclined, along with those suffering from diabetes and other renal disorders. Beauticate loves the Honest to Goodness Yacon Syrup for its gratifying flavour of molasses meets caramel.  Karen recommends “eating it off a spoon or putting a splash on your cereal or yoghurt”. It’s also a great additive to smoothies, drizzled over pancakes or oatmeal for added nutritional value. Studies also show that this superfood is a natural weight loss aid as it’s naturally high in a compound called FOS which feeds healthy gut bacteria and makes you feel fuller for longer.

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Artichoke Extract

A delicacy of the mediterranean diet, the artichoke has been adored for it’s phenomenal nutritional properties since the beginning of The Roman Empire. Artichoke extract is one of the very few herbal remedies that have been embraced by biomedical research. The extract derived from the basal leaves of the artichoke plant has been proven to improve the gastrointestinal system by improving bile secretion in the liver. Better yet, it’s been found to improve everything from high cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), kidney problems, anaemia, arthritis, heartburn, nausea and the all-too-dreadful hangover. Need we say more?

Fermented Foods

An oldie but a goodie, there’s a reason why the fermentation process has been used across various cultures for thousands of centuries. Ricardo is a firm believer in incorporating sauerkraut, kombucha, rejuvelac and nut cheeses into your everyday diet. “They are great to help digestion, enhance the immune system, detoxification and to create great skin,” says Ricardo. Make your own with Sigourney’s step-by-step video tutorial for fermenting Sauerkrautand Kombucha. Try to avoid store bought as they can be laden with salt.

GINGER INFUSED KOMBUCHA DRINK RECIPE BY THE KITCHN AND PHOTO BY EMMA CHRISTENSEN

Story by Claudia De Berardinis