HEALTH FOOD SPECIAL................... Top 7 super foods of the future

Top 7 super foods of the future

Will spirulina, chia seeds and acai berries be replaced by other super foods ever? Nutritionist, weight management consultant and writer Kavita Devgan gives the lowdown on seven super foods to look out for in the next five years

Where was flaxseed (alsi) 10 years ago? It was relegated to a dusty corner in a grocery shop with no takers.Today, however, it has made a comeback in a brand new avatar and is being sold in fancy packages by every health food brand worth its salt. And all this because flaxseed is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids,which is now considered a panacea for all modern-day ailments. Ditto for spirulina, goji berry, acai and even quinoa. Here are seven superfoods that we’ll be piling on our plates a decade from now to tackle some of the biggest health problems: 1.For boosting immunity Move over: Spirulina New star: Moringa The naturally dried leaves of the African ‘Miracle Tree’ are super rich in nutrients. The leaf is replete with 13 essential vitamins and minerals; it is believed to have four times the potassium of banana, four times the calcium of milk and seven times more vitamin C (the immunity-boosting antioxidant) than oranges. Moreover, it is a super concentrated plant protein source. How to eat: Add to your salads 2.To keep Alzheimer’s away Move over: Kale New star: Dulse In July this year, Oregon State University researchers patented a new strain of a red marine algae (seaweed) called dulse, which looks like translucent, red lettuce and tastes like bacon! According to the researchers, dulse contains vitamin B12 (cobalamin), iron, Omega-3, Omega-6 and potassium. How to eat: Add in salads and to soups, stir fry or add to savory smoothies. 3.For weight loss Move over: Green tea New star: Matcha Matcha is a more potent source of nutrients compared to green tea. EGCG, a polyphenol in matcha, helps boost metabolism, which helps in natural weight loss. How to eat: Drink it like green tea, sweetened or unsweetened. 4.To fight diabetes Move over: Chia seeds New star: Sea buckthorn This tiny yellow-orange berry is one-third the size of a blueberry, but is a power-packed food. It contains 12 times the amount of vitamin C as an orange. It is loaded with protein, fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals (at least 190 bioactive compounds). This mighty berry has an extremely high Omega fatty acid content including Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9 and the recently discovered and rarely found Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid). Research shows interesting results about the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega 7, which has a positive effect on cholesterol levels, while also improving insulin sensitivity helping to protect against Type 2 diabetes. How to eat: Use it in smoothies or drink it as a juice. 5.For increasing strength and stamina Move over: Quinoa New star: Bee pollen Bee pollen is around 40 per cent protein. It is also considered to be the richest source of vitamins. How to eat: Use as toppings in smoothies and yoghurt. Consult your doctor before consuming them. 6.To prevent heart disease Move over: Acai berry New star: Pitaya (dragon fruit) This beautiful fruit is rich in vitamin C, B1, B2 and B3 and minerals such as iron, calcium and phosphorus. Also, it is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats. Studies have also shown that this fruit helps regulate cholesterol, strengthens kidneys and bones, sharpens eyesight and stabilises blood sugar levels. How to eat: Snack on it or make a smoothie 7.For gut health Move over: Blueberries New star: Baobab This fruit found aplenty in Africa is the next super fruit to look out for. It contains six times more vitamin C than oranges, twice as much calcium as milk and plenty of B vitamins, magnesium, iron, phosphorous and antioxidants. The fruit has an exceptionally high fibre content, which is good for the digestive system. It also helps stabilise blood sugar. How to eat: Bite into it, of course, or make sauces, porridge or even a refreshing beverage.

Kavita Devgan