Superfoods are the hottest talk of the town – nutritionally dense and good for health. Last year saw Kale ruling the diet charts, but the New Year has brought in more options to be healthy. Pooja Bansal brings out the list of best vegetarian superfoods that are expected to make it big in 2017 for the vegetarian clan.

We would not be surprised if Kale is announced the ‘Superfood of 2016’, but in 2017, it is time to look at the latest trends in town under the healthy food column for them vegetarians.

Here’s A Short List Of Best Best Vegetarian Superfoods You Should Seek In 2017

Best Vegetarian Superfoods #1: Watermelon Seeds

After pumpkin, chia and flax seeds, watermelon seeds are the new thing. According to food market research company Mintel’s 2017 global food and drink trends, these seeds can burst onto the food scene in a big way. It will surely do away with the myth that swallowing a seed could cause the fruit to grow inside your stomach. Apart from being rich in magnesium, vitamin B and good fats, a small amount of the seeds contains 10 grams of protein. The seeds need to be sprouted, shelled and dried to get the optimum benefits. Considering their potential, brands such as Mello are already drying them and flavouring them naturally.

Best Vegetarian Superfoods #2: Avocado Oil

Gone are the days when the only options for healthy oils were sunflower, coconut and olive oils. Avocado oil is predicted to set the kitchens on fire, metaphorically, as it has multiple benefits for the skin. Apart from adding to the creamy deliciousness of salads, dips and smoothies, it leaves the skin glowing courtesy its main ingredients like carotenoids, lutein and vitamin E. “The wonder oil also boasts high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, which reduces damaging levels of inflammation in the body and helps to protect against heart disease, dementia and stroke,” says Fiona Tuck, nutritional medicine practitioner and an accredited member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. It can also be used for cooking due to its high smoke point and applied as a daily moisturiser for soft skin.

Best Vegetarian Superfoods #3: Turmeric

Tureric’s medicinal healing and tan-removing properties are a common knowledge to everyone, especially t he Indians where it forms an essential ingredient for various food. This year, we can expect turmeric to do wonders for the overall health as a superfood component. It will be added to foods like flavoured almonds, chocolate milk and sports drinks. It will also be used as an aid following physical activity. Other benefits include help with joint pain and arthritis, delayed onset of Type 2 diabetes, help to fight against Alzheimers and lowering the inflammation in body. You can check out the website greenblender.com for a variety of fun recipes including turmeric.

Best Vegetarian Superfoods #4: Maca

The benefits of the Maca root are followed by an interesting history. Native to Peru, this root is said to have been used by Incan warriors before going into battle. The components of maca include vitamins B, C and E along with calcium, zinc and iron. It is popularly known for increasing energy, increasing sex drive as well as balancing hormones. The journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine published a paper that concludes “Two RCTs [randomized clinical trials] suggested a significant positive effect of maca on sexual dysfunction or sexual desire in healthy menopausal women or healthy adult men, respectively… The further RCT assessed the effects of maca in patients with erectile dysfunction using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction-5 and showed significant effects.” If you prefer caffeine free energy drink, maca is your go-to ingredient.

Best Vegetarian Superfoods #5: Blackcurrant

Blackcurrant is set to take the spotlight away from beetroot which was popular for burning muscle and fat because of its nitric oxide content. Blackcurrant has antioxidants known as anthocyanins and are being hailed for their effects on muscle recovery, performance and fat-burning. Some studies show that it could slow down the ageing process as well as prevent diabetes. It may also dilate the body’s blood vessels, resulting in up to 20 per cent increased blood flow and nutrient and oxygen delivery to cells.

Keep an eye out for all these best vegetarian superfoods at your nearest grocery stores and supermarkets to achieve the health mantra this year.

Box: “The wonder oil also boasts high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, which reduces damaging levels of inflammation in the body and helps to protect against heart disease, dementia and stroke,” says Fiona Tuck, nutritional medicine practitioner and an accredited member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society about the avocado oil.

Source: Watermelon Seeds

Source: Avocado Oil

Source: Turmeric

Source: Maca

Source:Black Current