Last year we saw plenty of mouthwatering photographs of avocado, kale and porridge all over Instagram. So, we hear you ask, what will we be seeing more of in 2016? We take a look at the super healthy foods you can expect to see, hear and eat more of in the coming year.
1. MATCHAMatcha is extremely rich in catechins, the active compounds found in green tea that are known to have beneficial health properties, making it is an easy, appealing and different way to get healthy green tea into your life.Suddenly seeing green cakes, ice cream, smoothies and lattes? That's matcha, and we reckon you’ll be seeing more of the hue of the Japanese tea in the future.
2. VEGETABLES: SPIRALISED Because more of us are looking for gluten-free pasta alternatives, wanting to introduce more vegetables into our diet and generally trying to eat clean, the veggie "noodle" trend won’t be going anywhere for a while.What are the best vegetables to spiralize? Ones that are long or round and harder in texture so they hold up, such as courgette, beetroot, sweet potatoes, carrots, kohlrabi, cucumbers, broccoli stems, and butternut squash.
3. FARROBeloved in Italy, this "ancient", hearty, fluffy grain is calcium-rich and packed with protein, fibre, magnesium, and B vitamins. It's delicious hot or cold, can be added to soup and pasta and works well with roasted vegetables and stir-fries, meaning you can take a break from rice and quinoa.4. SOUP2015 was all about juicing, and it looks like 2016 will be all about souping. They’re easy to make, full of goodness and everyone that’s anyone is posting a snap of themselves with their blender creation on Instagram. Get ready to soup…
5. BLACK PUDDINGBlack pudding is no longer the star of the fried breakfast, according to reports it’s going to become a star ingredient in 2016, thanks to being packed with protein and practically carb-free. It’s also rich in iron and zinc, which are two minerals that are frequently missing from modern diets.
6. TEFFMove over quinoa, this Ethiopian gluten-free crop has tiny seeds that are high in calcium, iron, protein and amino acids. The grain can substitute any wheat flour based recipe to make anything from pizza bases to waffles.7. BRUSSEL SPROUTSWho said Brussel sprouts were just for Christmas? Well not anymore. Brussels belong to the same cruciferous family as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and bok choy — so just like their cousins, they deliver plenty of antioxidants and anticancer compounds.Don't fancy boiling them? Roast them make them into chips, shred them into salads, sauté them with some chestnuts and bacon, or "massage" them with a light dressing and let them marinate until softened.
Amelia Freer, who is responsible for Sam Smith's weight loss, says brussels are for all year round
8. SEEDSSeeds are nothing new, but the varieties on the market and the ways we are using them have exploded. In addition to the longtime favourites - sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds - flax came on the scene, and now there are chia and hemp, too.They’re now available in all shapes and forms – in energy bars, crackers, cereals and granola, as well as ground into flours and mixed into smoothies. Don’t throw them away – you can even roast the seeds from your butternut squash and add them to salads or use to garnish. Why all the fuss? They’re gluten-free and packed with healthy fat, fibre, essential minerals and protein.
9. CAULIFOWERIf you don’t already love cauliflower, get ready because you will after reading this. It's low-calorie, fat-free, and contains sulforaphane, which is good for the heart, blood pressure and kidney function. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, protein and fibre. And of course it’s incredibly versatile – you can make it into mash, toast, rice, pizza bases, fritters. See?
Alkaline diet creator Honestly Healthy's Natasha Corrett is a fan of cauliflower rice
10. AVOCADO OILLast year was all about coconut oil, but 2016 will see avocado oil take prime spot on the kitchen shelf. It has long been prized for its skin-boosting effects. In addition to its nourishing, moisturising and protective fats, it also contains significant levels of antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, which help keep skin supple and smooth.
