The most popular superfoods of 2016

In the US, nearly 250,000 monthly Google searches are for superfoods, according to a new marketing survey. The overall superfood list is constantly evolving, so the survey helps to show current and future market trends.

According to this research, the top 10 superfoods searched in 2016 are:

1. Avocado
2. Kale
3. Turmeric
4. Blueberry
5. Kefir
6. Almond
7. Cauliflower
8. Coconut
9. Flax
10. Bulgur

The Oxford Dictionary defines a superfood as “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.”

Lillian Bodane, a dietetic intern at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Ill., agrees these foods have great benefits, but people should also be wise about making sure they are eating a complete diet.

“Superfoods are great to include in your diet because you can get a lot of nutrition in each bite, but keep this in mind – just because a little is good doesn’t mean a lot is better. Make sure that you are including a variety of colors from fruits and vegetables on your plate, and you’ll be sure to get plenty of Superfoods without even thinking about it,” she says.

Bodane shares some information and advice for those interested in some of the most searched for superfoods:

Turmeric
Curcumin is a polyphenolic antioxidant in turmeric that is getting a lot of attention lately. It’s been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as an antimicrobial as well as to treat headaches and inflammation.

My favorite thing to do with turmeric is make tea!

• I buy fresh turmeric (usually comes in a one pound box, take out a root or two and freeze the rest).
• You can peel turmeric by using a spoon to gently scrape the skin off.
• Turmeric is also widely used as a coloring agent, so wear gloves or your hands will turn bright orange!
• Then cut it into one inch pieces and throw into a large pot.
• Do the same with an equal amount of ginger.
• Then add about two gallons of water and simmer until the tea is a light amber color.
• Stir in some honey.
• Pour a hot cup for yourself, add some lemon and enjoy. Add the lemon after it’s cooled to reduce the bitter taste.
• Add a pinch of black pepper or cayenne pepper and the turmeric increases bio-availability in your system.
• The rest of the tea can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Avocado, Kale and Almond

I also enjoy making shakes with superfoods.

The kale and avocado make a smoothie a beautiful light green. This is a palate pleaser because the healthy fat in the avocado makes this shake creamier, and the banana keeps it mildly sweet. The best part of this shake is it includes three superfoods: almond, kale, and avocado and is a great way to start the morning!

• 6 oz unsweetened plain almond milk
• 1 handful of kale
• 1/4 of an avocado
• 1/2 banana
• 1 scoop of vanilla protein
• ~1 cup of ice
• Combine and blend all ingredients together