Superfoods in the spotlight in 2016

Black pudding has recently been hailed as a superfood.

When the news broke that one of my guilty pleasures, black pudding had been given “superfood” status, english breakfast junkies across the world rejoiced!

A “superfood” is more commonly associated with exotic berries and food that you probably didn’t even know existed.

So when this blood sausage joined the ranks for being a great source of iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium, I decided to look into what other foods are being hailed for their “super” qualities this year.

Brussel sprouts: unlike black pudding, these cruciferous vegetables are not a welcome sight on my plate. There is, however no denying in that they are nutritious, as they are full of vitamin B, K and C, folic acid, calcium and magnesium. They also contain glucosinolates which protects our DNA. Health experts are hailing these little green veggies and keep telling us that if cooked correctly, they taste wonderful; I am yet to be convinced.
Cactus water: move aside coconut, LA health-addicts have their sights set on a new type of water, one extracted from the fruit of the cactus plant, the prickly pear. Baloo the bear was onto something in “The Bare Necessities” after all. Expats in South and Central America will be pleased to hear that this fruitier version of coconut water is readily available. It’s bursting with antioxidants like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
It seems the Incas knew a thing or two about superfoods; the lucuma fruit, a staple in every Inca warrior diet, is a superfood to keep your eye on this year. It looks like an avocado but it’s actually yellow inside and tastes quite sweet. Expats in Peru, stock up on your Lucuma fruit as it contains beta carotene, iron, zinc, vitamin B3, calcium, and protein. It also balances your blood sugar levels and gives you glowing skin - an added bonus.
In ancient China this rice is known as “the forbidden rice”, however mistrust of this type of rice is misleading since there are said to be more antioxidants and fibre packed into one spoonful of black rice than in say blueberries, the “king” of the superfoods. Expats in China, perhaps be careful if you eat it in public!
Kelp has finally gained recognition for its superfood qualities. Expats in Japan will be happy to hear that this nutrient rich seaweed is easy to come by. For those suffering from water retention or regulating their metabolism, kelp can help since it contains large levels of iodine, the mineral responsible for producing thyroid hormones.

Images: [Unsplash, DorianKrauss, Will, chengzhu, mariaricci]