The rise of fungi and greens as superfoods
In part three of Superfood Trends, we look at how a selection of vegetables and fungi have risen in ranks to join the superfood bandwagon.
Eat your veggies is a mantra all of us have grown up with. It is therefore no surprise that certain nutrient-rich vegetables are now leading the list of superfoods. Some have enjoyed their time in the spotlight since a long time while some others are gaining recognition recently, coming out of their regional oblivion.
Take moringa, a plant of Asian origin or even mushrooms rising above its tumultuous heritage to be declared the “must-have” ingredient of 2022 by The New York Times.
A is for adaptogen
Adaptogen is the new buzzword in the health and wellness industry. They are foods that adapt to every individual’s needs and help cope with all types of stress, physical and mental. Used for centuries in Eastern medicine and Ayurveda, adaptogenic properties encompass anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, hormone-balancing and nervous-system-tonifying properties, extending to even enhancing energy and cognition and reducing anxiety.
It is obvious that not all foods classified as adaptogens can provide every single benefit. However, it is not uncommon to find foods that help your body in multiple ways.
Functional fungi
In general, mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, fibre, protein, several vitamins and minerals, including selenium, potassium, and vitamin D. But certain varieties go the extra mile with adaptogenic benefits, which classifies them as superfoods. Among them are Chaga, Shiitake, Himematsutake, Lion’s Mane, and Reishi, offering a wide range of health benefits.
You can find a variety of functional foods and beverages containing these adaptogenic fungi – from medicinal powders and mushroom coffee or tea blends to ready-to-drink beverages like cold brew and mushroom-oat milk.
The reign of green
We all know greens are a rich source of nutrients. Popeye convinced kids of that even though the science behind his spinach-induced strength was controversial. Today, greens such as kale and moringa, are ruling with their superfood credentials. Kale continues to be considered one of the most nutrient-dense foods while Moringa has emerged on a global scale only recently but is rapidly gaining recognition as a superfood.
Packed with vitamins and antioxidants along with extra fibre, kale offers varied health benefits. Especially popular among health-conscious consumers, kale-blend smoothies and juice have a cult following. Indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, Moringa is known as the miracle tree with every part being nutritious. Containing 90 bioactive compounds, moringa leaves are loaded with vitamin C, E, calcium, iron, folic acid, and much more – making it an increasingly popular adaptogenic ingredient.
Packaging the goodness
We have delved into the different benefits that consumers are looking for in an earlier series, Functionality Rules. Superfood ingredients enable manufacturers to address multiple functional areas in one go. However, the superfood market is still dominated by powders and additives. This gap offers immense potential for superfood-based ready-to-drink beverages. At SIG, we can help differentiate your product with our market expertise. Reach out to discuss the possibilities.
Moving on to a different food group, we’ll explore the realm of supergrains in part four of Superfood Trends. To get the story in your inbox, subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter SIGnals Update.
- February 09, 2023