Seaweed
Rich in iodine, seaweed boots iron levels, battles obesity, improves thyroid functions and reduces chances of breast cancer. Dig into a plate of seaweed dumplings or a crunchy seaweed salad, and while you’re embracing slimy greens, invest in a seaweed beauty kit too – users swear by the algae glow.
Matcha
Ditch the tea bags and use this fine powder for a more concentrated and flavourful cuppa green tea. Matcha contains high amounts of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, and has meditative properties (it keeps stress hormones away) – which also explains why it’s a big hit with Japanese monks. Plus, they also make healthy variants of your favourite cheat foods: matcha smoothies, matcha brownies, even matcha KitKat.
Fermented food
Unfortunately, this is not a cue to rush to your favourite bakery/brewery; we mean fermented fruits and veggies which are rich in natural probiotics, keeping all the good immunity-boosting bacteria in your gut well-fed. Ways to add fermented food to your diet? Sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar and kombucha (fermented tea). Or just fill up on spiced kimchi.
Turmeric
Scientists are paying close attention to the Indian spice – it is the subject of around 5,000 studies as listed on US National Library of Science database. Apart from its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is also believed to fight cancer, dementia and depression, and regular consumption shows no damaging side effects. Send grandma a thank you note.
Freekeh
This super grain has two times the amount of fiber and three times the amount of protein found in brown rice. Freekeh (free-kuh, you’re welcome), which is essentially roasted unripe green wheat, is also rich in potassium and magnesium, making it a more nutritious replacement for rice. Freekeh pilaf, anyone?
