The hottest superfoods for 2017

Ok you guys, let’s talk superfoods. More specifically the superfoods trending for 2017. A couple of weeks ago I got to sit down with a Naturopath and Holistic Nutritionist for Fusion Health and she gave me the lowdown on the foods that are set to be big this year. Or at least gain more awareness than last year because they’ve always existed/been good for us but they just weren’t as sexy last year as they are now. Maybe we can just think of them as the Bella Hadid’s of the food world.

Like sure Bella Hadid was always right alongside her hot as hell sister Gigi (aka the turmeric of last year), but it’s taken her a few years to really come out and shine.

Anyway, that’s what the foods below are totally like. Bella Hadid.

Also; even though we all know that superfoods pack a nutritional punch and do more for us than any other food, I still enjoy all foods that aren’t termed ‘superfoods’ too. I am a fan of all foods. Plus, I totally think there are so many amazing foods in our world that don’t come loaded with the term ‘superfood’ but are just as good. Maybe we could think of these as every other runway model that isn’t a reality star or Gigi/Bella Hadid.

Like they’re still there doing their thing! Let’s not ignore them.

Ok, so now that I have somehow made the connection between food and runway models seem legit (LOL), I wanted to quickly give you a rundown of my top three ‘non-superfood superfoods’ I’m obsessed with too. Basically, these foods are so freakin’ good for you, but aren’t termed ‘superfoods’. (So they’re the runway models I’m obsessed with that you should pay attention to…while nomming on your Bella and Gigi Hadid’s.)

So confusing, but let’s begin!

• Rosemary

So my mum got me onto rosemary. She eats it raw and told me she does it for her skin.  She has amazing skin BTW but I ignored her and thought it was just another weird natural beauty thing she was into. Until I decided to research it and VOILA my mum was right (mums always are) so now I’m eating rosemary more too. Turns out rosemary not only has a heap of antioxidants, but is anti-ageing as well. Seriously, check this out!

“Whether you add it to your food, steep it as a tea or take it as a supplement, the antioxidants in rosemary help prevent skin damage and maximize skin tone by neutralizing free radicals. Free-radical damage compromises the support structure in your skin, leading to wrinkles, sagging and uneven skin tone. This flavorful herb is a good source of iron, calcium and vitamin B6, which supports healthy collagen levels. Rosemary is also a rich source of manganese, a mineral that helps minimize wrinkles and protects the skin from damage.”

Read the rest of the article HERE. Ps. I put it in my smoothies.

• Tahini

Now I think some people might classify tahini as a superfood, not sure. However, I actually buy it in 2kg tubs…FOR MYSELF. LOL (and maybe my baby too). I ate it like it was the end of the earth when I was pregnant. And I still eat it every day. When there’s no tahini in the house I feel lost and out of control. Tahini is rich in minerals such as phosphorus, lecithin, magnesium, potassium and iron. It’s a good source of Methionine, which aids in liver detoxification and it’s one of the best sources of calcium as well. Which is amazing for me as I don’t eat much dairy. Also; high in vitamin E and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B15. Long live tahini!

• Gelatin

Ok, so I’m going to write a whole post on this so I’ll keep this short. Gelatin rocks.

The end.

Jokes.

Gelatin is largely composed of the amino acids glycine and proline, which many of us don’t consume because they’re found in the bones, fibrous tissues and organs of animals – which really we don’t eat that often huh. Anyway, they’re amino acids that are needed not only for proper skin, hair and nail growth, but for optimal immune function too. Gelatin is good for joints, can help tighten loose skin, good for your digestion and is a source of protein. Also, I’m just going to leave it here now. Gelatin is a true love of mine and needs a whole post.

Anyway I have waffled enough so let’s get onto Erika’s top five superfoods for 2017. Have you heard of these before?

• Royal Jelly

Royal Jelly is known to be one of nature’s most nutrient-rich substances. Produced by honeybees to feed their Queen Bee, royal jelly is the reason she lives 40 times longer than worker bees. Royal Jelly contains all three macronutrients; antioxidants; vitamins B1, B2, and B6; minerals; and essential amino acids. Similar to honey, royal jelly is used for a number of health reasons including; healthy bone development, immunity support and when applied topically it can help to transform dull skin into a radiant, healthy-looking complexion.

• Watermelon Water

On the subject of Queen Bee, Beyoncé has invested in a new watermelon water start up. Produced from the fruit’s flesh and rind, watermelon water is set to be as popular as coconut water and a major beverage of choice this summer. High in lycopene (one of the most powerful and protective antioxidants found in plants), potassium and electrolyte minerals, watermelon water has numerous health benefits which include regulating digestive health, reducing inflammation and improving circulation and heart health.

• Ubiquinol

Ubiquinol is the active (more readily absorbed) form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a powerful antioxidant that is found naturally in the body. Its role is to assist in powering the body’s overall energy levels as well as supporting the health of major organs, including the heart. If you’re feeling drained, Ubiquinol supplements can actually help to support your natural energy levels to function at your prime. Speak with your healthcare practitioner first to discuss your supplement needs.

• Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle is one herb to keep an eye on this 2017. The super-herb contains silybin and other antioxidant compounds that support the health of the liver and may help to protect it from free radical damage. 

• Hemp Seeds

Predicted to be the superfood of 2017 – hemp is a plant-based, rich source of Omegas, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, and is also free from soy and diary. Hemp seeds contain more polyunsaturated fatty acids than any other food and are the only food to contain Omega 3 and 6 in just the right amounts to meet our nutritional needs. You might have seen your favourite foodie blogger sprinkling hemp onto smoothie bowls or salads on Instagram, however strictly hemp is still not permitted for human consumption in Australia. If legalised in April this year, Australia will join a legion of other countries already chomping down on hemp, including the UK, the United States, Canada and parts of Europe. For now, you can make good use of hemp in body scrubs and facials as a powerful antioxidant for your skin.