Eating the same foods over and over can get old and uninspiring. Not even the most healthy of us can eat the same salad everyday! If you’ve grown tired of kale and the like, you may want to add these new “superfoods” to your grocery list.
Black Rice
Forget about brown rice, black rice
is the superfood to look for next time you’re out to dinner. The part of the grain (bran hull) used for black rice contains significantly more vitamin E and dietary fibers, leading to a stronger immune system and more protection for your cells. In China, black rice is considered to be some of the best food for your stomach, kidney, and liver. As an added bonus, black rice is usually cheaper than other super grains you’re used to buying at the grocery store. Your body and your wallet will thank you for switching rice!
Banana Flour
Made specifically from green bananas, banana flour
is a resistant starch that also happens to be gluten free. Not only does this make banana flour a must have for the gluten intolerant, but it’s put the food on the map as a must-try super food. Despite the name, banana flour doesn’t actually taste like bananas. It helps your body absorb minerals better and, as it’s not digested by the small intestine, leads to lower blood sugar levels. Plus, even though it doesn’t taste like bananas, you still get the same potassium health benefits that you would from eating a banana on its own.
Maca Root
Maca
is a plant native to Peru, and the root of the plant has only recently been recognized by non-Latin countries has a super health supplement. Dried maca can be used as maca flour and can also be turned into a powder used in various dietary supplements. Maca root is especially beneficial for women – it can reduce menopause symptoms, be used as an aphrodisiac, and supports mood and brain health thanks to the natural fatty acids in maca. Also, while it’s not yet proven to work for us, research that has examined the maca root’s impact on fertility in animal has shown promising results.
Cupuaçu
Say hello to your new super fruit. Pronounced koo-poo-ah-soo, cupuaçu
is a melon-sized fruit that originates from the Amazon. Related to the cacao fruit, the flavor of cupuaçu is a mixture of chocolate, passion fruit, pineapple, and other tropical flavors that make the cupuaçu a must-try. Eating cupuaçu can lead to healthier skin and hair, lower cholesterol levels, and lower blood pressure. The fruit also has an energy boosting effect, thanks to its many vitamins and antioxidants, but doesn’t actually have any caffeine within it. Looks like we won’t be needing that afternoon coffee after all!
