Every year has a new super food.  A magical, edible (mostly) substance that will help you lose weight / increase metabolism / develop superpowers.  Some of it is sound science, but most of it is a bunch of bologna (not a superfood).  Last year it was Kale, for 2015 it was Quinoa - and neither one of those granted me eye-lasers.

Before us are three contenders, vying for the title of SUPERFOOD:2017!

Contestant number one: Homemade Sauerkraut, Kimchi, and Kombucha

If you thought fermenting was only for making beer and wine, you're way off!  Recipes for pickling vegetables are everywhere, and people are starting to experiment even further with this, making their own mead, yogurt, paneer, and tofu at home.

The benefit is improved digestion, immune system, and brain function as well as healthy weight loss!  The downside is terrible breath and fewer friends (because of the smell).

Contestant number two: Yogurt

An army of new yogurts is marching towards your body with lots of health benefits!  And now, there are more kinds to choose from than ever.  That way, you can a hipster about it no matter who you are talking to.  Try greek yogurt, labneh (thickened strained yogurt traditionally used in Middle Eastern cooking), Icelandic skyr (the fastest growing segment of the yogurt market in recent months), or kefir. Plus there are even more non-dairy alternatives, like coconut, almond, and rice milk yogurts.  The common thread is they are all high protien, low-fat, and hard to pronounce.

Contestant number three:  Alternative proteins

Proteins are the materials that your body uses to build muscles.  But why are you getting your proteins the mainstream way?  Don't you know about the ecological impact of meat?  The belief behind this is based on the premise that you can get just as good if not better proteins from plants.  Normal plant proteins like beans, tofu, nuts are included here - plus more obscure ones like seitan, tempeh, and protein powders (made of pea and hemp proteins).  Don't forget roasted chickpeas, mmmmmm!

Enjoy your new food adventure, just remember - super foods don't  give you superpowers.  I'm keeping the cape, just in case.

 

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