New “Superfoods”

These popular superfoods may be old news in some parts of the world, but they’re making quite an entrance in the United States.

 

Here are some of the most popular superfoods right now in a nutshell:

 

Cassava

 

Cassava is a nutty-flavored, starchy root vegetable. In the United States, cassava is often called yuca and may also be referred to as manioc or Brazilian arrowroot. This root can be cooked and eaten whole, grated, or ground into flour to make bread and crackers. You can try it as a wheat flour swap in recipes!

 

People with food allergies can benefit from using cassava root in cooking and baking because it is gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free. This root veggie is packed with many nutrients and vitamins such as folate, thiamin, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), and riboflavin (vitamin B2). It also includes a number of minerals that perform important functions throughout your body, and can ease inflammation.

 

Jackfruit

 

Try jackfruit as a meat swap, as its texture can be compared to shredded meat! This is a great vegetarian and/or vegan option! Jackfruit is one of the least known superfoods. Raw jackfruit is the thick flesh around the seed. Similar to raw mango, it is creamy white in color, neutral in taste and doesn’t have any aroma of the ripe fruit.

 

Jackfruit is packed with nutrients and antioxidants. It can help you reduce weight, fight diabetes and high cholesterol, and can help prevent colon cancer.  

 

Monk Fruit

 

With sugar intake at an all-time high, finding healthier, sweet alternatives is a must. Monk fruit is one of the sweetest fruits around and you can try it as a sugar swap. Monk fruit is not sweet due to natural sugars like most fruits. Instead, it contains powerful antioxidants called mogrosides, which are metabolized differently by the body than natural sugars.

 

So, even with their sweet taste, these fruits contain no calories and have no effect on blood sugar. A great diabetic choice!

 

Maca

 

Maca is a small and round Peruvian plant which looks similar to a turnip. It is rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, and a number of vitamins and minerals.

 

The benefits? This plant can help reduce stress and increase energy levels. It also has immune-boosting benefits, with more than 20 amino acids, including eight essential amino acids. Can’t get your hands on the actual root? The powdered version is perfect for smoothies and an easy add to boost your recipe’s amino acid profile!