Top superfoods, whats new for 2015?

Kick start 2015 with these wonder ingredients.
When it comes to healthy eating, we all know the brilliance of blueberries and broccoli.  But have you heard of hemp milk and kefir?  You will soon.  There’s a new wave of top superfoods bursting onto our shelves.  Here we reveal the best.

 
For Weight Loss
Amaranth
Farewell Quinoa, there’s a new supergrain in town. ‘Native to Central America, amaranth contains more protein than other grains, ‘says Bridget Benelam, senior nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation.  ‘It’s likely to keep you fuller for longer and keep calorie intake down.  It’s also high in fibre, which is great for beating bloating.’  Have it instead of rice or cous cous.

 
For Anti-Ageing
Chaga mushrooms
You might not find these at your local supermarket, but the powdered form or tonic is just as good, and is available online or from health food shops.  ‘If you’re buying the tonic, look for a brand with low alcohol content – the higher the preservative, the lower the quality of chaga,’ says Stephanie Jeffs, founder of Exploreraw.com.  ‘Chaga is packed with superoxide dismutase, a potent antioxidant and “DNA-protector”.

Top superfoods should  make an appearance on your shopping list

For Dairy Intolerance
Hemp milk
A creamy milk with a nutty flavour derived from the cannabis sativa plant.  Don’t worry, you’re not getting the tetrohydrocannabinol (THC) ‘drug’ part.  Hemp products use less than 0.3 per cent THC.  They blend seeds with water, then the mixture is filtered. ‘Hemp seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which can keep blood pressure in check,’ says nutritionist Marisa Peer.  ‘If you have milk allergies or are lactose intolerant, hemp is a great alternative.’ Buy it from health food shops such as Holland & Barrett.

 
For Immune Boosting Power
Maqui Berry
From Chile, the Maqui berry is one of the most antioxidant rich top superfoods.  Buy in powder form from Whole Foods or fresh from specialist health stores add to juices, smoothies and desserts.  ‘This superfood contains anti-ageing compounds, and an abundance of vitamin C, calcium, iron and potassium, which are all fantastic for helping ward off diseases,’ says nutritionist Marisa Peer.

 
For De-Bloating
Raw spirulina
Unlike regular spirulina, the freshwater algae famous for its immune boosting qualities, the raw version tastes better and is more powerful.  ‘It contains chlorophyll to help detoxify the body, keeping the bloating at bay, ‘says nutritionist Julie Silver.  ‘It’s also got all eight essential amino acids as well as digestible protein, which helps build muscle mass – great for fitness – and enables the body to burn more calories.’  Gourmet Spirulina Nibs, Petals and Crunchies can be sprinkled onto and dish, or eaten in a dried fruit mix.

 
For Digestion
Kefir
This is Kim Kardashians Favourite, apparently.  The fermented milk drink from Eastern Europe is thought to derive from the Turkish word ‘Reit’, meaning good feeling’, and is emerging as a top superfood.  ‘It’s packed with protein, calcium and B vitamins, is low in fat, and contains live “friendly” bacteria,’ which can contribute to a healthy gut, as well as boost your immune system,’ says Bridget Benelam.

These top superfoods make for a healthy lifestyle

Do you have any more to add to our list?