From spirulina to matcha green tea and maca powder, a whole host of superfoods shot onto our radar in 2015.
If you didn’t get around to trying them all, here are the ones you should make time for this year.
1.Spirulina Powder
Spirulina is a single-celled, blue-green micro algae that has lived on Earth for roughly 3.5 billion years, yet we don’t use enough of it in our cooking.
It’s a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, selium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E and B-Complex.
On top of that it’s high in protein and amino acids, which help the body to fight infection while encouraging the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
Advocates say it can also be beneficial for the skin, aiding repair and rejuvenation.
Buy it in powder form and add it to smoothies, soups, pestos and stir-fry recipes.
2.Maca Powder
Dubbed “nature’s viagra”, the native Peruvian plant maca has been used as a fertility aid in both humans and animals for thousands of years.
But more recently, foodies have been adding maca powder into smoothies in the hope of gaining energy.
Nutritionists believe the plant helps to stabilise the endocrine system - the collection of glands that produce hormones to regulate metabolism, growth, sexual function, reproduction, sleep and mood.
Try it in smoothies, cakes, porridge, milk drinks or cacao treats.
3. Matcha Powder
Matcha, the finely ground powder made of whole, high-grade green tea leaves, is thought to contain as many antioxidants as 10 glasses of regular green tea.
It’s been consumed in the Far East for over a millennium, but the tea has gained in popularity closer to home in recent years as a way to boost energy.
Nutritionists have said that matcha’s unique combination of nutrients and amino acids, including L-Theanine, provide increased endurance for up to six hours with none of the usual side-effects of stimulants such as nervousness and hypertension.
In short, it’s good, clean energy.
Add ½ teaspoon of matcha powder to your chosen drink - fruit juice, hot/cold water or milk - or add to baking if you’re feeling adventurous.