6 new superfoods you didn’t even know about

According to the dictionary, a superfood is defined as “a food considered exceptionally good for one’s health and for boosting the immune system owing to its naturally high content of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, or omega-3 fatty acids.”

It seems like pretty frequently, scientists are discovering new superfoods and identifying natural compounds that serve multiple health and wellness purposes for the human body.

While we are still reeling from the many uses of quinoa and kale — and 2021 is seeing an uptick in the purchase of superfoods like almonds and blueberries — a new slew of options has cropped up to consider. For added health benefits in your every day, try any of these 6 up-and-coming superfoods that you didn’t even know about.

1. Teff

If you suffer from coeliac disease, teff is a great place to start. This tiny Ethiopian grain is a gluten-free replacement for wheat and is growing in popularity and availability in recent years. But it isn’t new. Teff is believed to have been domesticated over 6,000 years ago.

As a self-pollinating plant that is drought resistant, it’s a staple in Ethiopian food and makes incredible flatbread. Try it out in your diet for added calcium, iron and amino acid intake.

2. Breadfruit

We delved into the health benefits of breadfruit last fall, and proof that this health food trend is becoming more popular stateside is starting to pop up everywhere. Though this bizarre-looking fruit originated in New Guinea, it is found throughout the Pacific Islands and has provided sustenance to their people for centuries.

It is often referred to as a tree potato because of its consistency. However, NPR reports the development of recipes and the inclusion of this fruit more internationally could help solve world hunger, and science tends to point in that direction.

What is so spectacular about this natural food is that each stage of its existence provides various tastes, textures, and health benefits. As it ages, it gets sweeter and is often used in dessert recipes. Breadfruit can not only be dried, frozen, and fermented but it can also be used as a flour replacement.

According to the National Tropical Botanical Garden, “breadfruit is gluten-free and its protein is complete, providing all of the essential amino acids necessary for human health. Breadfruit trees provide food security and contribute to diversified regenerative agriculture and agroforestry, improved soil conditions and watersheds, and valuable environmental benefits including reduction of CO2. They also give shelter and food to important plant pollinators and seed dispersers such as honeybees, birds, and fruit bats.”

3. Camu Camu

If you’re looking for something to snack on in its simplest form that will satisfy your sweet tooth, Camu Camu is the way to go. This amazonian cherry resembles a red grape and contains up to thirty times more vitamin C than a medium-sized orange.

The antioxidant levels in this particular berry are very high, so there is no question that they are working to reduce free radicals and the damage they cause to your body. Camu Camu can also be a major player within the nervous system, as it is known to reduce cortisol levels and balance out serotonin.

4. Carob

If you’re looking to reduce your risk of heart disease, carob might be the answer to your prayers. You may remember carob rising in popularity as a chocolate substitute in the 1970s, however, the technology and knowledge to make it a comparable substitute didn’t exist at the time.

Its resurgence in the health community is a testament to its health benefits, which include the presence of gallic acid, polyphenols (micronutrients), D-pinitol (aids ovarian function), fibers, and condensed tannins. These beneficial compounds play a role in reducing heart disease, diabetes, and digestive disorders, among other health concerns.

Carob desserts such as puddings, smoothies, yogurts, and more exist on the market that is more palatable than their predecessors. Carob powder can be added to doughs and pancake batters, and the plant is also commonly used as a caffeine-free, calorie-conscious substitute for coffee.

5. Pu-erh tea

Americans really love our fermented beverages as additional probiotic resources. Kombucha is wildly popular stateside, and people who brew beer at home have found additional ways to ferment and make it healthier. Well, the Chinese have been using fermented tea for additional health benefits for centuries. Like many of its fermented friends, the tea leaves provide caffeine content comparable to coffee, with the added benefit of protecting your nervous system when fermented correctly.

6. Chickpeas

Though chickpeas are hardly new, many people don’t realize that they are considered a superfood. Chickpeas provide a slew of health benefits, are on the rise in popularity, are processed and used with less environmental impact, and are a simple staple in most kitchens.

They are high in iron, fiber, protein, folate, and phosphorous, and have been proven to help prevent symptom development in patients with diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Many modern cooks utilize chickpeas in salads, soups, and stews as a regular legume addition.

They can also help to improve the texture/flavor of meatless options and be eaten as healthy roasted snacks, a perfect substitute for chips. Their most famous form, however? Hummus. (And this homemade recipe is important to keep in your back pocket.)

Keep up with the latest health trends and all things work from home here.