Maca Powder
Maca is a plant that grows on the mountains of Peru and Bolivia. It was used by the Incans to increase strength and endurance of warriors. It is thought to increase energy, boost reproductive health, and increase fertility. It contains fiber, various vitamins and minerals (vitamins B,C,D,E, and iron). It can be used in smoothies, yogurt, and home-made granola or energy bars. Certain beauty products even use it. Body Shop has a whole line of men's products with maca root in it. The hubby is a huge fan of those products and they smell great!
Mulberries
Mulberries originally came from China and was brought to Turkey via trade routes. They contain reservertrol, which is though to help protect the heart and nervous system. They also contain protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin C. Add them to granola, oatmeals, and trail mix for a nice chewy texture.
Goldenberries
These berries are also another chewy superfood and tastes tarte. They are harvested from Colombia. They are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, beta-carotene, fiber, and protein. Try adding them to salads, muffins, and granola.
Lucuma Powder
Lucuma powder is often used as a sweetener and comes from the lucuma fruit from Peru. It's full of fiber, niacin, and antioxidants. Since it is a low-glycemic index sweetener, it may be a good alternative to sugar for some diabetics. Add it to anything you'd use sugar in!
Ghee
Many of my fellow Indians may not realize how beneficial ghee can be. Almost every Indian dish is made with ghee. It's a type of clarified butter but usually is well-tolerated by those sensitive to casein and lactose. Ghee contains antioxidants, vitamins A and E, and also omega 3- and 6-fatty acids. It's used in Ayurvedic medicine to help with inflammation and digestion. It is also thought to help boost the immune system. You'll want to try to get ghee from grass-fed cows for the most benefits. Try cooking with it and using it in place of oil.
Camu Powder
Camu berries are vitamin C powerhouses! They contain 60x more vitamin C than a single orange. It hails from the Amazonian rainforests and also contains potassium and antioxidants. Try it in any of your cold-buster smoothies for added vitamin C kick!
Matcha
Matcha is different from green tea in that instead of brewing tea leaves to make green tea, matcha tea is made by ground tea leaves into a powder and reconstituted with water. The result - an antioxidant-concentrated drink that has 10x the amount of antioxidants as 1 cup of green tea! Matcha hails from China and Japan and pretty much out performs any other superfood in antioxidant levels. It is brewed green-tea on steroids! It is thought to have anti-cancer properties, help with weight loss, and improve mood and concentration. It does contain more caffeine than brewed green tea but won't leave you jittery like a cup of coffee can. Swap out your daily cup of tea, or even coffee if you dare, with a nice hot cup of matcha!
Watercress
Watercress is the new, trendy leafy-green. It's been used in Asian and European dishes for years! It has more vitamin C than an orange and more iron than spinach! It is even packed with calcium and other vitamins and minerals. Be sure to wash them really well since they grow in water and can contain impurities. It has a peppery/spicy taste and really goes well with a number of dishes. For a simple idea, try adding it to sandwiches and salads to give it an extra something, or add it to your green smoothies/juices!
There are so many more weird and unsuspecting superfoods out there waiting to be discovered! Share your faves and finds!
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