4 New Superhero Superfoods

They’re calling it “Wealthness”: a boom in spending on fitness and health related activities, products and foods. If kale, spirulina and blueberries are already well stocked in your kitchen cabinets, read on: Here are four popular superfoods that pack some serious nutritional punch!

1. BAOBAB
What is it?
This ultra-nutritious fruit comes from a tree that grows wild across Africa and Australia. This “super fruit” can be eaten fresh, as pulp or in powder format.

Here’s why you should try it:
The Baobab fruit has 10 times the antioxidants of blueberries, cranberries and pomegranates, and at least double the antioxidant levels of açai and goji berries. It has twice as much calcium as milk, six times more potassium than a banana and five times more Vitamin C than an orange.

2. MATE
The lowdown on Mate
Nourishing mate is made by grinding and brewing the leaves from the rainforest holly; a tree indigenous to South America.

Why is it “Super”?
Mate boasts 90% more antioxidants than green tea. It has immune-boosting properties and is said to reduce stress. It’s also a popular detoxifer and is believed to have anti-ageing properties too.

3. MORINGA
What you need to know
The Moringa plant is native to the Himalayas, but also grows across Asia and Africa. Leaves are crushed to form a nutrient-dense powder that can be sprinkled over smoothies or salads.

What’s all the fuss about?
Moringa contains more than 46 different antioxidants and has six times more antioxidants than goji berries. It’s also got 25 times more iron in it than spinach and is a natural anti-inflammatory.

4. CACTUS WATER
Cactus what?
The prickly pear cactus of Mexico and southwest USA produces a fruit that’s juiced, turned into a puree and watered down (normally with some added lemon juice).

Is it as good as coconut water?
Maybe even better. Like coconut water, cactus water is jam-packed with hydrating, natural electrolytes, but it has less sugar and calories. It also contains taurine, an amino acid that quenches free radicals and reverses muscle tissue damage.

Words by: Photographs by: Fotolia