Super foods, some newcomers to the scene.

Yes, you know I have some reservations about using the term superfood.  However if I can use the term to catch your interest to talk to you about some new great tasting and nutrient packed foods, you will see me use the term superfood. :-))

So, here for your enjoyment are some new superfood kids on the bloack.

The three superfoods in spotlight are:

  1. Kalettes
  2. Sachi Inchi
  3. Gubinge known as the Kakadu Plum

If you think they sound exotic you are right, the aim is spark your interest and your tastebuds to try these great tasting nutrient packed foods.

Kalettes

  • The health benefits?
    • Kalettes like a small cabbage with greenish purple leaves.
    • They are a fusion of Kale and Brussel Sprouts.
    • 1 ½ cups provides approximately 40% of daily Vitamin C intake and contribute to daily intake of Vitamin A, iron, calcium and protein.
  • What I like?
    • Produced through traditional pollination and so are a non GMO hybrid.
    • Leverage nutritional profile Kale and Brussel Sprouts.
    • Are milder and less bitter than Kale and Brussel Sprouts, offering a sweeter and nuttier flavour.
  • Be aware of?
    • Member of the Brassica family that contains goitrogens that interfere with the body’s production of thyroid hormones.
    • If you have a thyroid health challenge, please cook the Kalettes to deactivate goitrogens and play it safe by eating them in moderation.
  • How to eat?
    • The word versatility and Kalettes go hand in hand. They can be roasted, grilled, steamed, stir-fried and eaten raw.

Sacha Inchi

  • Health benefits?
    • Known as the Inca Nut but is actually a seed grown on a vine found indigenous to the Peruvian Amazon.
    • A serving size (28g) contains 6g fibre, 9g protein, is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids and will help contribute to daily intake of calcium and iron.
  • What I like?
    • I encourage everyone to source all healthy fats from whole foods. They are rich in essential fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory, promote heart health and may help protect against health issues including asthma, depression, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s.
  • Be aware of?
    • Like any nut or seed they are dense in energy, a serving size of 28g providing 170 calories / 711kJ. Hence moderation is the key.
    • Not recommended for those with nut allergens or sensitivities.
    • There are other foods including cold water oily fish (e.g. salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout, and sardines), nuts and seeds (e.g. chia, walnuts) and leafy greens that provide good sources of essential fatty acids
  • How to eat?
    • Use them like you would any other seed or nut. E.g. mix and/or eat them with other nuts with a piece of fruit for a snack, add them to stir-fries or salads, use them to make a nut paste or add to muesli and other recipes for variety in your nut and seed intake.

Gubinge (kakadu plum)

  • Health benefits?
    • Fruit grows natively across the Top End of Northern Australia and is described as a traditional food source, an antiseptic and a healing remedy for the Indigenous people.
    • It contains the highest vitamin C content of all plants on the planet.
    • Estimates vary on Vitamin C content. Claims estimate it may contain between 20-50 times more Vitamin C than in oranges. A study in 2012 indicates per gram of fruit it contains up to 900 times higher levels of Vitamin C than in blueberries.
    • Most research has focused on the fruit’s Vitamin C content however it is also an excellent source of antioxidants, with fruit extracts estimated to contain up to 5 fold higher levels of antioxidants than in blueberries.
    • Its antioxidants are said to possess antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. They are also believed to show anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, anti-mutagenic and anti-bronchodilatory activities.
  • What I like?
    • It is an Australian Plant which a strong ties to indigenous culture.
    • It is a natural whole food source of Vitamin C.
    • There has been limited research to date however initial investigations indicate its potential health properties may have a wide range of applications.
  • Be aware of?
    • Review products to understand how the fruit has been extracted and what level of Vitamin C is available in the product you are buying.
    • Excessive intake of Vitamin C can promote the risk of loose stools.
  • How to eat?
    • Available in powder which can be added to muesli or smoothies.
    • Used in chutneys, jams and pickles as well as honeys.
    • Also available as a juice.

Enjoy your food.

ciao Jan