In a year where our lives were turned upside down, our drinking and eating habits changed. And with health at the forefront of the conversation for the foreseeable future, foods that enhance immunity and keep us healthy rule the day. Here is the list of my powerful five superfoods:
- Maqui berries
Chilean berries rich in vitamin C and antioxidant anthocyanins, the purple pigment in certain foods that are associated with anti-aging, they taste a little bitter but come with a nutritional punch.
- Watermelon seeds
Move over, pumpkin and chia, watermelon seeds will be everywhere in 2017.
- Chaga Mushrooms
Bitter and pungent, Chaga is said to be the king of medicinal mushrooms, boosting the immune system with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
- Nut Oils
They’re pungent and strong tasting, so you only need a little and experts to recommend using them sparingly, raw, as cooking could damage the fat. Look out, too, for avocado oil, which is best used the same way.
- Algae fats
Until recently, vegetarians and vegans who wanted to supplement with essential omega-3 fats had few options more than flaxseeds. But these didn’t provide omega-3 fats known as EPA and DHA, found only in oily fish and not made by the body, hence their name: essential fatty acids. Algae, on the other hand, are rich in these substances, making it a great omega‑3 source for those who avoid animal products.