Sorghum
Whole grain sorghum is a fiber-rich ancient grain that’s a protein powerhouse! Sorghum provides magnesium and phosphorous, the key minerals for bone health, as well as B vitamins and iron to help convert food into energy and maintain a healthy immune system. Sorghum may also have a beneficial effect on the gut microbiota. Emerging research suggests prebiotic-rich foods, such as sorghum may protect against the development of inflammation and chronic disease. Whole grain sorghum is so versatile, cook and use sorghum just as you would enjoy rice.
Maca Root (not matcha!)
Maca root is a herb and an ancient superfood grown for thousands of years high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. A member of the cruciferous family, maca is typically ground down into a powder and made into a drink or added to foods for it’s nutritional benefits. Maca may help enhance energy, stamina, athletic performance, memory, and improve hormonal balance. Maca is rich in fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, iron, B vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, amino acids, plant sterols, and more. My favorite way to enjoy this superfood is as a Macaccino! This brand of blended roasted maca is a cross between hot chocolate and coffee, but without the jitters from caffeine.
Bone Broth
Bone Broth is gaining attention for its superfood qualities. Bone Broth is stocked with immune boosting minerals your body can easily absorb, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, silicon, chondroitin, and glucosamine, as well as many other trace minerals. Bone broth also contains the healing compounds of protein and amino acids including collagen, glutamine, glycine and proline. Bone broth gets its superfood qualities from a stock made primarily from bones and connective tissues of animals. The nutritional qualities may help support digestive health, skin health, and possibly help mitigate the side effects of colds, flus and upper respiratory infections. How do I enjoy bone stock, I sip it as a warm drink in the morning, use it in cooking, or carry and sip Bonafide’s newest drink that combines farm fresh vegetables and bone broth.
Hemp Hearts (shelled hemp seeds)
Shelled hemp seeds, often referred to as Hemp Hearts, are an exceptionally nutritious superfood. Hemp Hearts are a complete plant-based protein with 10 essential amino acids – providing both omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids which may help with skin and hair health, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and better balance hormones. Hemp Hearts also provide magnesium, fiber, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. How do you enjoy shelled hemp seeds? I toss Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts on soup and salad, add them to smoothies, and top my overnight oats, anything goes.
Green Chickpeas
Green chickpeas are the latest legume superfood. Green chickpeas are young garbanzo beans harvested at the peak of their nutritional state. They’re packed with protein, fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B Vitamins and minerals including iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. This young green chickpea ranks higher nutritionally, with a more flavorful taste, than the more common blonde chickpea. Enjoy this nutrition packed superfood in soups, salads or as hummus. Check out grab-and-go meals from Vana Life Foods.
Skyr
Skyr is the newest addition to the dairy aisle. Skyr is Iceland’s signature food, a staple in most households. Similar to Greek yogurt, skyr is packed with protein and low in sugar – but thanks to the heirloom skyr cultures used to make this Icelandic dairy, skyr is not tart! The heirloom skyr cultures create a thick, creamy, smooth texture that’s delicious alone or in recipes. It takes 4 cups of milk to make a single cup of skyr, leaving up to 17 grams of protein per serving. Icelandic Provisions Skyr is the only authentic skyr sold in the U.S.