7 superfoods of 2018 you should not miss out on

Feel like your tastebuds need some spicing up? Sick of all the standard healthy food that your supermarket has to offer? Healthloco is here to introduce you to some new superfoods that you may not have heard of!

What exactly are superfoods? Well, superfoods, by definition, are food (usually plant-based but may include fish or dairy products) that are dense in nutrients, thus being good for health. For example kale, wheatgrass and blueberries all fall into the category of superfood. But these are all old news now, so let’s move on to these must-have superfoods of 2018!

1. Pink Pineapples:

Photo: Khomhoavang

Yes, as mentioned above, pink pineapples are part of this new roster of superfoods. Although genetically modified, pink pineapples are sweeter than their yellow predecessors. They owe their pinkish glow to a phytonutrient called lycopene, also found in tomatoes. Lycopene is an active cancer preventor, and it also contains a whole load of antioxidants to guard you against damage caused by ingested toxins. Lycopene is also good for your eyes, brain, and heart, keeping them functioning healthily.

2. Camu Camu:

Photo: Paisagismo Brazil

Another fruit, this time from the rainforests of South America, the Camu Camu is light orange in color, but its size and vitamin C content are comparable to that of a lemon. The Camu Camu is believed to have anti viral properties, which fights against cold sores, herpes, shingles and the common cold. It’s mostly available in tablet or powder form, and can be used to flavor ice cream and drinks.

3. Watermelon Seeds:

Photo: Zoombangla

You may be thinking, what about the common watermelon seed is so nutritious? Isn’t it just a snack the Chinese have during the new year? Well, not much, aside from the fact that eating them helps to boost heart health and immunity with the richness of the minerals and vitamin that it contains, and that the oil that can be extracted from them has wonderful moisturizing properties and a subtle texture, and is good for both hair and skin.

4. Hemp Seeds:

Photo: Jack Herer

Hemp? Isn’t that cannabis? Well yes indeed, but we’re not asking you to smoke weed or anything like that! Hemp seeds serve a vastly different purpose than that of cannabis – Eating it helps with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, obesity and even ADHD! Hemp seeds contain a lot of vitamins, amino acids, GLA and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and only a trace amount of THC, the ingredient in marijuana which gets people high, thus being completely safe, and in fact, healthy, to consume.

5.Maqui Berries:

Photo: Bitacorademichile

An obscure type of super berry found in the hills of Southern Chile, Maqui berries are abundant in anthocyanins, which gives it it’s deep purple hue. This helps in fighting inflammation, from diabetes to arthritis. The antioxidants present in Maqui berries also reduces the possibilities of heart attacks, strokes and the hardening of the arteries.

6. Cricket Flour:

Photo: Pixabay

You read that right. Cricket flour. As in flour made from roasted and milled crickets. Sounds terrible? Well, a cricket has almost triple the amount of proteins you can find in steak. This protein load is perfect for anyone who wants to maximize muscle growth. Also, cricket flour has a ton of magnesium and amino acids, and best of all, it’s gluten-free. Just don’t think too much about it when you’re having some cricket baked goods.

7. Ashwagandha:

Photo: Vitamixuk

Feeling stressed? Ashwagandha. Feeling tired? Ashwagandha. Liver problems? Ashwagandha. This herb, native to India, has been used in cultural healing practices for ages. It helps to regulate insulin and blood sugar levels, while reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. There are many benefits of taking this herb, and it is widely available in powder form.