Grab Best Fitness Blog Feed... By Karli Taylor
It seems as though as soon as I stock my kitchen with the new “it” foods, a new batch of superfoods is in the news. Does anyone else feel that way? Move over acai berries and greek yogurt, here comes a whole new crop of superfoods bound to become the next big thing.
Have you heard of Skry? Iceland’s answer to Greek yogurt is technically a soft cheese, but its texture and nutrients are similar and it includes the same basic ingredients as yogurt. Skyr is made using a centuries-old straining process that removes the whey (liquid), which makes it creamy and thick without providing any fat. A single serve 6 oz container of plain, nonfat sykr packs 17 g of protein compared to about 15 g in Greek and 8 g in traditional yogurt.
How about Teff? Ancient grains like quinoa and spelt have been trendy over the past few years, and now the ancient African grain called teff has joined the clique. It’s known for its sweet, molasses-like flavor and its versatility. It can be cooked as an oatmeal alternative, added to baked goods or made into "teff polenta." It packs twice the iron of other grains and three times the calcium with comparable amounts of fiber.
Finding the next obscure fruit with a high nutrient value has become big business. Some such as dragonfruit, goji berry and açai are still power players, but the list is growing quickly. Experts predict that cupuaçu will be the next to compete for the championship. This creamy-fleshed, distinctly flavored fruit related to cacao grows in the Amazon and is known for its high levels of antioxidants. Its juice tastes like pear with a hint of banana.
Last but certainly not least is the chia seed. When most people hear the word chia, the first thing that comes to mind are the tabletop potted plants in the likeness of a dog, a sheep and even President Barack Obama. These small oval seeds pack more heart- and brain-saving omega-3 fatty acids than flax seeds, don’t go bad as quickly, and have been shown in research to lower blood pressure and inflammation, a known trigger of premature aging and disease. Just one tbsp provides 5 g of fiber, about twice as much as golden flaxseed. Whip some into a smoothie — just be prepared for gel-ish result since these gems soak up about 12 times their weight in fluid.
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