There are new foods that can help us make great health changes this year. “Half the problem when trying to make a good choices, is that we get bored of same old thing,” says Alpert.
Kale, which for many of us in 2013, was a new food. But watch out Kale! You have some new competition in 2015. Brooke Alpert, MS, RD, CDN, shares her new grocery list that will change up our snacking habits while getting greater health benefits.
TIGER NUTS
While not actually a nut, it’s a small root vegetable that is strangely chewy, sweet and addictive. They are high in protein, fiber, magnesium (the new “it” mineral of 2015) and naturally gluten free. I foresee many variations of them coming out soon such as milks, flours and more.
MATCHA
Green juices are in for a green upset. Watch out for Matcha being the healthiest drink on the street. Matcha cafes are popping up in NYC, a sign of the new trend. Offered in teas, to pastas to desserts and for good reason…One glass of Matcha has as much nutritional value and antioxidants as the equivalent of 10 glasses of Green Tea.
KIMCHI
2015 is the year of the gut, but in a good way. Gut health is being linked to the center of one’s immune system and the control for healthy weight. Kimchi, a fermented cabbage dish is loaded with probiotics and antioxidants, making this spicy dish a major health helper!
DANDELION GREENS
This is Kale’s new contender. This new green on the block is a natural diuretic. Containing tons of Vitamin K, this green may play a role in fighting Alzheimer’s disease according to many significant studies. They also have over 100% of your daily needs for Vitamin A, high in fiber and loaded with everything from Vitamin C, to Magnesium (there it is again), Copper and Iron!
GRASS FED BUTTER
Butter used to be the villain and now it’s the hero! Grass-fed butter is not only for making your “bullet-proof” coffee but it’s filled with Vitamin-K2, a barely spoken about nutrient that has actually been shown to help de-calcify your arteries. And to think that we were told to avoid butter to prevent heart disease!
BERGAMONT
This Citrus fruit from Southern Italy, has been a staple in teas, essential oils used in perfumes and beauty products for hundreds of years. But new studies show that its high level of Flavonoids, antioxidants has made this a natural Heart Health alternative for Statins by maintaining and improving Cholesterol, Triglycerides and Lipid Levels without side effects.
MUSHROOMS
These funky fungi are one of the few foods that natural contain Vitamin D, which is now a common deficiency. Even more so, Mushrooms have been shown in numerous studies to have a beneficial effect of your immune system.
