Tiger nuts to aid digestion, maqui berries to combat sugar cravings… and five other superfoods YOU should eat in 2018
It's time to stock up your cupboards with the latest health food fads...
CASSAVA flour and tiger nuts are just some of the new superfoods we'll be eating in 2018.
MuscleFood, an online healthy food retailer, has compiled a list of the nutrient-packed grub set to sweep the nation.
While bacon and mushrooms are likely to be regular favourites in most UK household, others, such as the exotic maqui berries and turmeric powder, are not so well known.
A spokesperson said: “Cassava flour and macqui berries aren’t the usual foods you’d expect to see in the supermarket, but we recommend scoping them out as the health benefits are amazing.
“On the other hand, it may be surprising to see regular foods like bacon on the list, but it’s a staple favourite for most meat eaters and opting for nitrate-free bacon provides an excellent source of protein.”
Here are the top seven superfoods for 2018.
1. Cassava Flour
Forget coconut, buckwheat and self-raising flour - health fanatics are going mad for cassava flour.
Traditionally used in Bali and South Asia, this soft flour is paleo friendly, gluten free, nut free and vegan friendly so it plays nicely into the hands of the booming vegan lifestyle.
It's a good source of carbohydrate and has hypoallergenic properties.
2. Superpowders
This health and wellbeing benefits of so called “superpowders” has been well documented.
But in 2018, expect to see a powder explosion with the likes of turmeric, matcha, cacao and maca all gaining 'must-have' status.
Turmeric is famed for its anti-inflammatory properties, while cacao is rich in antioxidants that help absorb free radicals that cause damage in the body.
3. Maqui Berries
Remember when goji berries took over the world? Expect the same for maqui berries.
These tasty little berries are low in sugar and have a much milder flavour than goji or acai berries. They’re also crammed with anti-oxidants and are packed with a rainbow of vitamins.
It’s even thought they can help regulate blood sugar levels – perfect for those of you looking for a simple way to combat sugar cravings without the dreaded insulin spike.
4. Tiger Nuts
Almonds are so 2017, this year the only thing you should be snacking on is tiger nuts.
These small, raisin like nuts are brimming with filling fibre, vegetable protein, potassium and prebiotics – known to assist digestion.
They’re also a fantastic source of magnesium - a natural muscle relaxant and an essential mineral for your body to stay in tiptop shape.
5. Nut Oils
Nut oils have a lower trans fat intakeAlmond oil, cashew oil, peanut oil, walnut oil, hazelnut oil… if it’s a nut, there’ll be a nut oil in 2018.
These oils have been designed for cooking with and are believed to give your home cooked meals the added benefits that come with eating nuts, such as a lower trans fat intake.
However, they’re not just healthier for your heart, nut oils have better smoke points and taste just as delicious as extra virgin olive oil.
6. Bacon
Bacon can provide your body with low-carbohydrate energyEating bacon has been proven to alleviate the effects of diabetes, strokes and heart disease.
But you must choose your bacon wisely to reap these rewards and nitrate-free bacon is the way to go - it’s an excellent source of protein and, as a result, amino acids – the building blocks of muscle tissue.
It can also provide your body with low-carbohydrate energy – known to help reset your metabolism – ideal if you’re planning a body or lifestyle overhaul this coming year.
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7. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are becoming “functional,” meaning they’re going to start cropping up in unexpected places. Think coffee, tea, health drinks and even body products like soap.
It’s all down to their super health benefits – they’re a powerful antioxidant and crammed with Vitamin D and B-Vitamins.
Meanwhile, here are 15 snacks that come in under 100 calories, from popcorn to a glass of orange juice.
And, Joe Wicks has revealed his plan for a healthier, fitter year - and here's how you can do it too.