5 Food Trends You Shouldn't Ignore

Christie is a fan of eating berries for desserts, Padma says she is having a love affair with Kale, and Hilary really loves the added value of antioxidents and resveratrol in red wine!  But what about all of these other superfoods we are supposed to be eating?  Here’s a breakdown of 5 trends you shouldn’t ignore from one of our favorite New York City Nutritionists Keri Glassman, written for Wellandgoodnyc.com

Chia Seeds
Found in: In bags and snacks at the natural food store, Organic Avenue pudding, a delicious muffin at Le Pain Quotidien, even Dr. Perricone’s Super skin-care line.

Merits: Chia seeds fueled the ancient Aztecs and “are a great source of fiber and are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids,” says Glassman. Because they absorb fluid well, they can naturally thicken smoothies, and they help you feel full longer.

Recommended use: 1 tablespoon a day sprinkled into smoothies, salads or soups.
Maca Root
Found in: Cinnamon Snail’s vegan food-truck shake, health guru David Wolfe’s kitchen, and in supplements and Gnosis chocolate.

Merits: Maca may help spice up your sex life, but more research is needed on that front, says Glassman, who confirms its other benefits. It’s loaded with “amino acids important for skin and bone health, and sterols, which help control cholesterol levels.” Bonus: Like ginseng, maca raises the body’s ability to ward off disease via natural hormone regulation.

Recommended use: 1 tablespoon of the root in ground powder form. Sprinkle over food or add it to tea or smoothies (possibly for the Barry White effect).
Acai Berries
Found in: Breakfast bowls at Juice Generation <http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2011/04/19/juice-generation-and-cooler-cleanse-coming-to-an-equinox-near-you/> , Sambazon  <http://www.sambazon.com/> beverages, plus the frozen-food, skin-care, and supplements aisle, and your spam filter.

Merits: Antioxidants are trendy on their own, but the molecules really do protect against daily damage from free radicals, and acai packs a powerful dose. Contrary to some claims, the berries won’t result in miraculous weight loss, warns Glassman. And, she says, “Remember, blueberries are probably just as great.”

Recommended use: Add the fruit to smoothies or cereal, or stir acai powder or concentrate into a glass of water after a workout. Use on your skin help fight sun and free-radical damage. <http://www.pangeaorganics.com/product/mask-featured-home_page-japanese_matcha_tea-acai-goji_berry-all_skin_types-skincare-oily-acne-blemish-acne_prone-blemish_prone-dry-mature-combination-normal-sensitive-rosacea-anti_aging-antioxidant-anti_inflammatory-vegan-gluten_free-t_zone/japanese-matcha-tea-with-acai-and-goji-berry_1>
Kale
Found in: You can’t escape it! Salads at every healthy restaurant (and City Bakery), at Whole Foods in the form of overpriced chips, and every green juice <http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2011/10/13/meet-the-kale-uccino-5-ways-starbucks-will-ruin-juice/> .

Merits: Glassman calls kale the “green giant” because of its abundant vitamins and minerals. It’s packed with calcium and vitamin K for healthy bones and has a whopping 5 grams of fiber per cup, which is great for digestion. “It also has 45 different flavonoids, potent antioxidants that research has linked to lowering the risk of cancer,” says Glassman.

Recommended use: Get a cup of kale daily. Steam for 5 minutes, drink it up in a juice, or massage in a delish raw salad <http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2010/04/02/kales-gone-upmarket-from-deli-buffet-garnish-to-bespoke-green/> .
Hemp Seeds
Found in: The cabinets of celebs like Alicia Silverstone and Dr. Andrew Weil <http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2011/08/03/hemp-seeds-why-healthy-celebs-and-mds-want-you-to-love-them/> , and lots of dishes at Candle 79 <http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2011/08/02/candle-79-watercress-salad-with-hempseed-vinaigrette-recipe/> .

Merits: Hemp seeds contain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and are loaded with potassium, iron, and calcium. “They’re one of the only plant-based complete proteins containing all eight essential amino acids that your body can’t make and must obtain through food,” says Glassman. They may also lower bad LDL cholesterol—and help you get or stay regular.

Recommended use: 1 tablespoon per day as a snack, or add to salads and soups.