Healthy Superfood Ingredients
Superfoods, a common term for foods packed to the brim with nutrients your body needs, have gained a lot of attention in the past couple of years. As diet becomes more acceptable as a key, critical factor in a person’s health and wellbeing, millions of Americans are taking a closer look at what they put in their bodies on a day-to-day basis— and many are aware of the big, trendy healthy superfoods, namely: kale, quinoa, acai, coconut oil, and blueberries. In order to deliver your body the nutrients it needs, our nutritionists have identified four relatively newer superfood ingredients to consider adding to your repertory. So now, let’s dive into Nava’s favorite Healthy Superfood Ingredients!
Kombucha: bubbly fermented tea and its Healthy Superfood Ingredients!
Hailed for its probiotic benefits, Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that’s rapidly becoming more popular – you’ll certainly find it in your local specialty food stores. We’re starting to see kombucha in national chain grocery stores, as well. Kombucha is lightly carbonated and quite tart – the perfect alternative to sodas or artificially flavored waters. As a living food, kombucha is replete with good bacteria: microbes that maintain the health and ecosystem of the gut. Look for kombucha with fewer sugars added – some of the brands have added flavorings that take away from its nutrient density. This is one of our favorite Healthy Superfood Ingredients!
Tahini: toasted ground sesame seed butter
Tahini, one of the ingredients in hummus, is a lot of like a nut butter (almond butter, cashew butter), but more savory. Tahini is a favorite ingredient for nutritious, calorie-conscious dressings and dips. Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, tahini also contains fiber and calcium. It adds a creamy, nutty crunch to anything! Need a nutritious dressing for your next salad or vegetable and grain bowl? One of our favorite healthy recipes is made of just tahini, apple cider vinegar, and garlic!
Turmeric: anti-inflammatory powerhouse
Turmeric, a spice that’s a relative of ginger, has recently garnered a lot of attention from the medical and integrative wellness communities for its myriad health and anti-inflammatory benefits. The chief chemical in turmeric, curcumin, is often cited as the source for the health benefit. Plus, with a bright yellow-orange hue, it’s a vibrant, zesty ingredient – add it in marinades, dressings, and hummus!
Sardines + anchovies: Nutrient-dense fatty fish – the smelly Healthy Superfood Ingredients
Often the secret ingredient on salty, savory dressings, these small fatty fish are brimming with healthy fats and protein — plus, they’re low in mercury. Sardines and anchovies also deliver essential minerals, like selenium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, choline, folate, and more. Not a fan of fish? When mixed in dressings, the taste of fish gives way to a delicious, meaty saltiness — otherwise known as umami. Buy them at the grocery store (canned, usually in oil) and mince them for a delectably briny bite in your dressings. We hope you loved learning about our favorite Healthy Superfood Ingredients! Contact us today if you have questions.