Forget Spirulina: Enter The Newest Superfoods

Getting bored of your wheatgrass shots, acai pills and spirulina smoothies? Well you're in luck. We've discovered a whole new crop of superfoods that promise a whole host of health benefits.

From shiny hair to a boosted sex drive, here are the health food crazes to get you glowing for summer.

Moringa

From the Himalayas and now grown around Asia and Africa, Moringa comes from a plant and boasts high levels of protein, antioxidants, vitamins and phytonutrients. You can take it in capsule form or as powder. It's being heralded as a wonderfood, containing more vitamin C than an orange and high levels of vitamins B3 and B2, iron and vitamin A.

It also helps reduce hunger pangs, has been found to lower inflammation and anecdotal evidence suggest it could help skin conditions too.

Try Bio Synergy Moringa Capsules

Lingonberry

These Scandanavian berries are called 'fat fighters' because they reduce blood sugar levels and contain polyphenols for fat burning. They're also packed with vitamins and similar to cranberries, help to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, particularly in women.

Try Bio Synergy Lingonberry Capsules

Matcha

Matcha is on the up at the moment, with various products hitting the shelves from matcha lattes to read-to-drink cartons. We're big fans of match tea in the office, for giving a shot of energy without any of the jitters that come with its coffee alternative.

It's the highest grade of green tea you can buy, and is packed with powerful antioxidants called catechins.

Monks used to drink it to help with meditation and concentration, and the science behind it is a compound called L-Theanine, which helps promote endurance.

Once you try it, you'll be hooked.

Try Teapigs Matcha Powder

Maca

But it's not to be confused with another superfood on the block, Maca. This is a beige powder made from a Peruvian plant in the radish family and is used for energy, hormone balancing and boosting the sex drive.

It's a hormone supporter so can help if you suffer from PMS, mood swings, hot flashes and even problem skin. It's also great for boosting energy in general and is used to improve sex drive and fertility in both men and women.

Try Loving Earth Maca Powder

Teff

This is a gluten-free grain from Ethiopia. It has a mild nutty flavour but packs a serious health punch. It's a great non-dairy source of calcium, iron and protein. Like quinoa and spelt, it's a good alternative grain for anyone with digestive issues and because of its high level of fibre and protein it helps with weight management. Also Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham are reportedly fans.

Try Bob's Red Mill Tell from Healthy Supplies

Black Salsify

This root crop is a great vegan source of iron as well as copper and vitamin C. It's been found to help strengthen hair follicles and prevent premature greying.

It's a good source of water -  and 'eating' your water is often recommended over drinking it - and packed with other nutrients such as magnesium and potassium for strong muscles and bones.

Black salsify is also a great prebiotic food that helps promote good bacteria in the gut.

Shichimi Togarashi

This is a Japanese blend of blend of seven different spices. It varies but usually includes chilli powder, orange peel, black and white sesame seeds and seaweed. It tastes delicious on meat, veg or fish and is salt-free  and packed with antioxidants, so a far healthier condiment to choose.

Try the spice mix from Sous Chef

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