Trend Dissection 0.4: Superfoods Superimpose Superheroes
Collage by Aylea Skye/ Original Images by Unknown Sources
The Supers
Let’s talk about food (partially because I love food and partially because that, food is requisite). Food is the nutritious substance of which we eat in order to maintain life and grow. We all eat food, every living creature on this planet eats food and I am assured that we are all acquainted with the notions of healthy and unhealthy foods; (i.e orange = healthy food, deep fried Mars bar = unhealthy food, very unhealthy food). However, of late, a new genus of food has seeped into the vocabulary of nutritionists and the health savvy; this new genus of food is said to have prodigious health benefits, in fact, they aren’t just foods, that’s mediocre, they’re superfoods. ‘Superfoods’ have been in conversation since the early stages of 2015, however, this year the category has recruited new candidates and as we are still in the premature stages of 2016, there can be no better time to introduce you to some of these sovereign eatables. But first let's recount some of that we are already familiar with:
Berries:
Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and the esteemed Acai and Goji berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins such as C and D. They can help boost the immune system and also support blood circulation.
Kale:
The food so super, Beyonce put it on a jumper. Once again rich in antioxidants (note; they are all rich in antioxidants), iron, vitamin C and beta-carotene, kale has been said to have anti-cancer effects and promotes urinary health.
Cacao:
Cacao is basically chocolate in one of it’s rawest forms. It contains flavonoids which promotes a lower blood pressure and improves blood flow to vital areas such as the brain and the heart.
Chia Seeds:
High in Omega 3 and 6, and packed with calcium and fibre, chia seeds promote good eyesight, digestion and healthy bones.
Matcha:
In 2015 people dropped their Pumpkin Spiced Lattes for the elusive wholesome matcha latte. The Japanese green finely ground powder is an antioxidant powerhouse, made from green tea leaves, plucked from the trees three weeks before harvest. One cup of matcha is said to have the equivalent amount of antioxidants as 10 cups of green tea.
The New Kids on the Block
These are just a sprinkle of some of the new superfoods taking the world (health food hipster world that is) by storm; there was something called Soylent, but I left that out as it triggered scenes of Charlton Heston’s odious discovery in the 1973 Soylent Green.
Maui:
Like Acai, Maui is a berry that hails from South America (Chile to be exact), and like Acai, it is full of antioxidants, however, these have been described as ‘age avenging’.
Kefir:
Originating from Russia, Kefir is made from fermented milk, similarly to yoghurt, however it is has a larger amount of probiotics, which helps support the digestive system, it also is rich in calcium and phosphorous, yet low in lactose.
Maple Water:
Move over coconut water, there is a new ‘wonder water’ in town. Maple water is the purest form of sap that runs through the maple tree, it contains antioxidants and minerals of which are said to control blood sugar levels and aid thyroid function.
Black Garlic:
This fermented garlic further enriches the health benefits of ordinary garlic, the sulphuric compounds are said to decrease one's chances of cancer, whilst the density of probiotics support the digestive system.
Moringa:
Moringa is a green ‘super leaf’ often found in powder form it boasts to promote healthy glowing skin due to the high levels of vitamin A, riboflavin and vitamin E within it. It is also a rich source of protein, iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus of which promote vivacity.