The New Wave of Superfoods

Just when we thought super-foods may have lost their luster, we came across some of the most nutritionally-stellar, totally under-the-radar powerhouses. These yummy foods and spices stem from a mix of ancient Japanese, Korean, Indian, and Middle-Eastern diets, and pack one heckuva better-body punch.

Camu Camu: The berries of the camu camu, a shrub of the Amazonian rain forests, are packed with vitamin C—a teaspoon of the powder alone contains 1180 percent of your RDA. The little berry also provides amino acids, like leucine, good for bones, and valine, good for muscles.

Pearl: Chinese empresses have tapped into the anti-aging and skin beautifying benefits of pearl for thousands of years. These organic gems contain signal proteins, which serve as messengers and stimulate skin and bone cell regeneration for youthful skin and strong bones. Pearl is pure magic when it comes to healing skin. It can minimize dark spots, reduce wrinkling, and treat pimples.

Reishi: This medicinal mushroom has been hailed by Asian cultures for thousands of years for its incredible wellness properties. The fungi’s polysaccharides are said to do everything from bolstering immune system function to promoting healthy cells and your longevity.

Mesquite: Desert-dwelling nations in South America and the Southwest have been using this super-food for centuries. When you grind up the pods of the mesquite (or algorroba) plant, you get a nutty, molasses-like flavor. Mesquite powder is said to be an excellent source of protein, soluble fiber (which doesn’t spike your sugar levels), magnesium, calcium, potassium, and B vitamins.

Maca: This powerful root has been a culinary staple in Peru for over two thousand years. Maca, a natural energizer and aphrodisiac, contains the nine essential amino acids that the body can’t produce on its own, making it a complete protein. A great source of fiber, magnesium, and B, C, and E vitamins, Maca power is also an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to and respond to stress in a healthy way.

Bee Pollen: For an energy boost from Mother Nature, try bee-gathered pollens (only if you're not allergic to bees). These pollen pellets pack in the protein, containing more amino acids than any animal source. The pellets, which each hold over two million pollen grains from flowers, contain a ton of vitamins, including B, C, D, and E, along with healthy metabolism-friendly fatty acids. To get glowing skin, an immune system boost, and support for your digestive system, add a teaspoon to your yogurt or sprinkle it on top of your smoothies and acai bowls.

Ho Shou Wu: In Chinese, the name for this gentle, tonic herb directly translates to “Mr. He’s Black Hair.” The rejuvenating plant has been historically used to restore hair color, strengthen nails, and increase blood health. In addition to helping reduce hypertension and blood cholesterol, ho shou wu is also said boost blood circulation and treat dizzy spells, blurred vision, and backaches.

Umeboshi plums: are thought to help reduce bloating and improve digestion. Considered by some as the king (or queen, for that matter) of "alkaline foods," these pickled plums are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and are actually more like an apricot than a plum.

Sea vegetables: can help ease blood flow. Think veggies only sprout above sea level.  While they aren’t the broccoli and asparagus you may be used to, veggies are exactly what seaweed (wakame, kombu, and nori Japanese varieties), kelp, sea palm, and agar (a Japanese red algae) are. “Some are used as natural thickeners and stabilizers in many processed foods, but when in their whole and natural form, they are full of iron, fiber, chlorophyll, and some varieties contain magnesium, potassium, and vitamin A.”

Kombu: is also known to be an anticoagulant, helping to aid in better blood circulation. The seaweed that's wrapped around your sushi  is the most "super-packed" of the bunch, nutrient-dense with protein, fiber, and packed with more omegas than avocados. It's also full of vitamins C and B12, as well as the compound taurine, which may aid in lowering cholesterol.

Black garlic: is loaded with twice the antioxidants as regular garlic. While it sounds foreboding, black garlic is simply garlic that has been left to ferment at high heat. There is a science behind it that takes a certain amount of heat and humidity that prevents it from getting to the point that it would rot and not ferment. So, what does it mean for your taste buds? Sweet yet savory, a perfect mix of molasses-like richness and tangy garlic undertones, describes Lynch. It has a tender, almost jelly-like texture with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency similar to a soft dried fruit.

Shelled Hemp Seeds: are packed with omegas. Raw hemp, what now? These tiny seeds contain heart-healthy omegas three, six, and nine, and are believed to have a slew of benefits including weight loss, increased and sustained energy, rapid recovery from disease or injury, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced inflammation, improvement in circulation and immune system, and better blood sugar control.

Freekeh: is a high-protein, low-glycemic grain. This ancient grain (pronounced free-kah) is gaining popularity in modern American kitchens. Compared to other grains, it is higher in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals,and lower in glycemic index. Freekeh is made from young wheat (typically durum, the wheat used to make, most notably, macaroni) that is harvested while still green and put through a roasting and rubbing process during production. “It has a smoky, nutty flavor, and a firm, chewy texture that’s versatile and easy to work with in the kitchen — it takes 45 minutes to cook and can easily be substituted for rice or couscous in a meal; mixed into cereal, oatmeal, and soups; or as a side dish just for its nutty texture.”

Sacha Inchi: contains more omega-3s than any other seed on the planet,   eating it whole or buying it pressed as oil. This sweet, tropical fruit has a low glycemic index and is a great source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It’s also packed with beta-carotene, a flavonoid that has strong antioxidant properties.