Getting into superfoods
What will the big trends be this year?
SUSIE BURRELL
FIRST it was almond milk, then the food world turned its attention to matcha, and last year Hawaiian poke bowls were all the go.
So what are the superfood trends we will be seeing in 2018 if they haven’t crossed your path already?
Hemp
With new legislation now permitting low-THC hemp seed foods to be sold in Australia, expect to see hemp ice cream, seeds and even hemp beer doing the rounds.
But if you are hoping for any “special benefits” you will be disappointed.
While hemp and marijuana come from the same plant species, hemp plant seeds don’t contain a traceable amount of THC, the hallucinogenic component of marijuana.
A protein-rich seed, hemp can be used as a complete protein as it contains all the essential amino acids and is also a rich source of essential fats.
Used as a nutrient-rich addition to a range of foods including muffins, smoothies and yoghurt, hemp packs a strong nutritional punch although is a lot more expensive than chia and its distinct flavour is not necessarily appealing to all.
Vegan
With vegan foods one of the fastest growing consumer categories in supermarkets, expect to see more and more veganfriendly products.
In particular, alternatives to dairy-based options continue to grow with a range of veganfriendly milks.
Also expect to see a growth in meat alternatives that use tofu, tempeh and grains such as quinoa to mimic the taste and texture of meat.
Mushrooms
A range of different mushrooms have been used by both the Chinese and Japanese healers for centuries to treat numerous ailments.
Shiitake, reishi and maitake
mushrooms are most frequently referred to, and the cooked varieties of these mushrooms are known to increase immune system activity.
There is now a growing range of mushroom powders and supplementary drinks being promoted for healing and immune-boosting capacities.
Algae supplements
Forget fish oil — the latest way to get your daily dose of omega 3 fats is with algae.
A source of chlorophyll, long-chain omega 3 fats and iodine,
algae is a nutrient-rich organism.
While many of us will benefit from extra omega 3 fat in our diet, it is worth checking labels of various supplements as the newest algae supplements may also contain iodine but are often lower in actual fish oil content than many fish oil capsules available.
Apple cider vinegar
Supplement companies have been working on new mixes of this age-old diet remedy for the past couple of years as interest
in its role in weight loss grows.
A type of vinegar made from apples, it has been used for hundreds of years as a remedy for a range of ailments.
The good news about apple cider vinegar is there is some evidence it helps regulate blood glucose levels for those with elevated glucose.
Unfortunately this benefit does not extend to the average person, though it is not harmful. So if you like to include a teaspoon or two in your daily routine there is no reason to stop doing so.
Adaptogens
The name given to a group of plant foods that are hypothesised to have an anti-stress role in the body, we most commonly consume them in rosemary, turmeric and licorice root.
This range of plants are believed to have anti-inflammatory benefits.
But while we all sip on our turmeric lattes, the reality is that it is the natural cuisines these foods appear in that seem to offer the health benefits as opposed to the concentrated supplementary forms.