A leading nutritionist has shared her predictions for the next nine superfood crazes of 2023, from a drink she said will be the “health drink of the year” to an ancient African grain.
The nutritionist Dr. Joanna McMillan said in a post on Instagram that the foods she thinks health-conscious Australians will love this year “deserve some special attention”.
The nutritionist has pinned a little-known grain called fonio as the next big thing in health food along with exotic mushrooms, seaweed, coffee kombucha, extra virgin olive oil, hemp seed, black elderberry, cocoa and black rice.
The nutritionist Dr. Joanna McMillan (pictured) has revealed her predictions for the superfoods that will be big on the health and wellness scene in 2023
The nutritionist said fonio, an ancient grain, will be big with vegans and non-dairy eaters, while exotic mushrooms are becoming an important part of our diets
Fonio is a West African grain that Dr. Joanna “catches attention for its rich nutrient profile.”
“It has the highest calcium content of any grain, making it fantastic for vegan diets and anyone who doesn’t eat dairy,” she wrote.
Fonio, which can be used like quinoa or millet, is high in B-group vitamins, provides moderate amounts of protein and fiber, and is gluten-free.
dr Joanna’s nine superfood predictions for 2023
dr Joanna said exotic mushrooms are “without a doubt foods of the future” that are becoming an increasingly important part of the Australian diet.
“They contain unique compounds with potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and various forms of dementia,” she said.
“Eat them whole or in powder or liquid form.”
While most home cooks keep a bottle of olive oil as a pantry staple, Dr. Joanna that the spice wins for nutrition, taste and environment.
It is the only common cooking oil that is a “carbon sequester” as olive trees capture carbon dioxide from the earth’s atmosphere and store it in the soil, helping to reduce emissions.
dr Joanna said shoppers are unlikely to find black elderberries in the fresh produce section of the supermarket, but they can look out for them on frozen or dried shelves.
“All berries are superfoods, but these top the charts for polyphenols,” she added.
The food “futurist” said black rice is far more nutritious than white varieties, with the “fabulous” color coming from polyphenols, a micronutrient found naturally in plants.
dr Joanna predicts a surge in popularity of frozen or dried black elderberries due to their high levels of polyphenols, a naturally occurring micronutrient in plants that has many health benefits
According to Healthline, polyphenols have a number of health benefits and may benefit digestion and brain health and protect against heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even some cancers.
dr Joanna said cacao will be a popular superfood this year, adding that it’s “another polyphenol winner.”
“And what’s not to love about high cacao dark chocolate?! Or just add cocoa powder to hot milk,” she wrote.
Fermented foods and drinks like kombucha have been trending on the health food scene for a number of years, but Dr. Joanna predicts we’ll see more varieties, including fermented coffees.
“With potential gut health benefits and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of coffee polyphenols, this will be the health drink of the year,” she explained.
The food “futurist” said black rice is far more nutritious than white varieties, with the “fabulous” color coming from polyphenols
The doctor also predicted a surge in popularity of hemp seeds and seaweed.
“With heart-healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, a plethora of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, hemp seeds are finally getting the recognition they deserve,” she said.
dr Joanna said one of the answers to feeding the world is using more food from the sea.
“Rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly iodine, often poor in our diet, seaweed is critical to brain function,” she wrote.
“Algae, which are high in fiber, not only nourish you, but also your gut microbiome.”