Gulfood 2021: Dubai life coach champions the powers of superfoods

Superfoods are often found in the depths of the Amazon rainforest or the deep blue sea, and nutritionists have been raving about them for years.

While the name was coined for marketing purposes, there is no doubt some foods are worthy of the title.

There is a host of weird and wonderful nutrient-rich products that pack a punch.

Gabriela Zuniga, a health coach in Dubai, said the coronavirus pandemic brought the virtues of everyday superfoods back into focus.

“People forget that we come face to face with foods termed ‘super’ almost every day,” Ms Zuniga said on the sidelines of the Gulfood expo in Dubai.

“Not everything is unusual or exotic – for example mushrooms and sea salt have a host of benefits.

“Pink salt contains so many health-promoting trace minerals including phosphorus, bromine, and iron.

“When you talk about superfoods of the future, there isn’t just one. There are many out there already in use.”

The National has picked out some unusual superfoods to look out for on a trip to the health food store.

Maca powder

The maca root comes from Peru and is most often found growing in the Andes region.

It grows beneath the soil and looks like a bulb of garlic.

Often sold in powder form, it is ideal to dilute in drinks as a nutritional supplement and can also be added to pastries for baking.

It has a high content of amino acids and minerals, helps to boost energy and drive down high blood pressure.

Camu camu powder

Another Peruvian delight, camu camu grows on trees, similar to berries, in tropical rain forests.

This unique fruit has one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C in the world.

“If I recommend you take anything during this pandemic it would be camu camu powder,” Ms Zuniga said.

“It is very bitter, so I would add just a teaspoon a day to something like water or almond milk.”

So why is it considered a superfood? The berry helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, and is a key component in the production of collagen.

Wakame seaweed

We can’t mention superfoods without mentioning seaweed.

In Japan, Wakame seaweed has been cultivated for centuries by sea farmers. Nowadays, because chefs in places such as Europe like to use it in soups and salads, it is grown in sea fields around the world, including in New Zealand and France, and dried in the sun.

It has a subtly sweet, but distinctive and strong flavour and texture.

It is a great source of iodine and Omega 3, which are good for bones and also help heart, muscle and nerve function.

Lucuma

This fruit also grows in South America and takes on a very peculiar taste; nor sweet, savoury or bitter.

Described as starchy by those who try it, lucuma is harvested at high elevations and can be used as an alternative of natural sweetener.

The round fruit, bought in powder form, can be added to ice creams, yoghurts and pastries as a daily supplement.

When we talk about benefits, it is a great source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such a potassium.