We’re always hearing about the next superfood… you’re likely familiar with gogi berries, raw cacao, acai berries, quinoa, and even kale — functional foods that do more than just taste great.
For foodies or for those looking to add a little oomph to your diet, here are some of our newest favourite superfoods that are standing a little stronger in the spotlight.
Camu Camu
- One of the richest sources of vitamin C in the world, housing about 60 times more than an orange
- Rich in antioxidants and powerful phytochemicals, as well as varying amino acids
- Because vitamin C strengthens the immune system while reducing inflammation and protecting against infection, camu camu powder and berries do the same — but more efficiently
- Camu camu has also been linked to healthy skin and protecting against damage caused by free radicals
- Swirl it into a smoothie, add it to yogurt, or sprinkle it on your cereal
Goldenberries
- These chewy berries have a sweet flavor with a hint of tartness, with high levels of vitamins A and C
- Also known as Cape Gooseberries and Incan Berries
- They are a good source of fiber, including pectin, and are home to a significant amount of protein
- Because they are loaded with bioflavonoids, they have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in antioxidants
- They have also been linked to decreased inflammation, which can contribute to reducing the risk of heart-related diseases
- Vitamin C is known to protect again free-radical damage, thereby reducing cancer risk, as well
- Toss them in your next trailmix and add them into curries
Maqui Berries
- One of the most antioxidant-rich berries in the world, maqui berries are loaded with vitamin C, anthocyanins, and polyphenols
- They have a tart and sweet flavor, and are delicious in juices, as well well as eaten as-is
- Maqui berries are also a good source of calcium, iron and potassium
- They have four times the amount of antioxidant action than blueberries, which helps fight damage caused by free-radicals.
- They have also been linked to improving cardiovascular function, regulating blood sugar levels and decreasing inflammation.
- For something fun and unique, try using both the powder and whole berries in your next batch of homemade ice cream
Lucuma Powder
- Ground from thewhole Peruvian lucuma fruit, this sweet, caramel-like ingredient has a unique taste that adds a lot of flavor
- It is a good source of beta-carotene, iron, zinc, vitamin B3, calcium and protein, as well as fibre
- Because of its natural sweetness, it can be used as a healthy sweetener that is low in sugar
- Use it as they do in Peru: as a popular ice cream flavor, or try it ground with dates and nuts for a delicious snack bar option
Mesquite Powder
- Native to South and North America, mesquite powder has a sweet, malt-like flavor
- It is a good source of fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc.
- Filled with almost all of the essential amino acids are present, it also contains lysine, which is generally lacking in plant-based proteins
- It has a high level of fiber which helps regulate blood sugar levels
- A delicious complement to chocolate, stir it into smoothies, puddings, cake, and ice cream.
Yacon Syrup
- This low-glycemic sweetener is molasses-like in flavor, but has half the calories of sugar and high in inulin
- Inulin is a complex sugar that breaks down slowly into fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and doesn’t spike your blood sugar
- It is also a good source of potassium, calcium, phosphorous and iron
- Use it as a liquid sweetener in all your favorite applications