New Superfoods Part 2: Fruits and Vegetables
Today marks part 2 of our series on new superfoods. We’re taking a look at lesser known fruits and vegetables that are phenomenal additions to your diet. While most fruits and vegetables are nutritious, these new superfoods are particularly exceptional choices.
Moringa: With nearly 100 phyto-nutrients, Moringa is a mighty superfood. The leaves can be eaten raw or it can be consumed in powder, capsule, tea or liquid oil forms. Moringa has been known to increase energy, support the cardiovascular system, boost mental clarity and emotional stability, and protect cells from the natural aging process.
Seaweed: You’re probably used to seaweed in sushi but how about a seaweed salad? This veggie from the sea has a ton of antioxidants and calcium that does a body good.
Lucuma: Native to South America, lucuma is a sweet fruit packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and carbohydrates. From the outside it looks like an avocado and the inside is mango-like. Lucuma is great for the immune system, boosts energy and also has an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effect.
Baobab: This fruit of the African baobab tree may be the latest smoothie ingredient to hit the market. It has a smooth, sweet flavor and is rich in antioxidants, calcium, potassium and magnesium. It’s also a wonderful source of fiber. Try it raw, mixed with yogurt or blended in drinks.
Jackfruit: As the largest tree fruit in the world, jackfruits can weigh up to 100 pounds each. The tropical superfruit contains lots of protein, iron, vitamin B and potassium. It has hundreds of seeds and its appearance and texture is both leathery and spiny. Jackfruit can be eaten raw, dried, roasted or turned into flour.
Fermented Vegetables: Here’s a little known fact – when you pickle a vegetable, the fermentation process generates healthy probiotics that help the flora in your gut. Not only will fermented veggies help digestion, they may boost your immune system as well. The more nutritious the vegetable, the more powerful it will be when pickled.
Banana Flour: Sweet and nutty, banana flower is a gluten-free baking and cooking alternative made from green bananas. It is highly absorbent so less is required for the same results as using other flours. Banana flour is known to improve blood sugar levels and help support the colon.
Black Raspberries: Different than blackberries, black raspberries are believed to have three times the antioxidants in raspberries. We all know that berries contain phenomenal immune-boosting, disease-fighting properties. Black raspberries just happen to be a little more supercharged than most.
We hope you enjoy these sweet and savory new superfoods. Check out our last installment of our new superfoods series next week when we’ll be talking all about superfoods you can drink!
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