With 2018 just around the corner, are you ready to stock your cupboards to keep you going? Are you excited to find out about the latest superfoods for a fresh start this new year? Recent studies have shown that 57% of people surveyed worldwide are looking to expand their diets, incorporating more natural, organic, and fresh fruit into their daily meals. Luckily, many of the superfoods tipped for 2018 fall into this category. So, whether you are looking to be more health conscious, or you simply wish to lose a few extra pounds, this year’s superfoods will get you looking and feeling great.   

Peas

Very underrated and often found in a bag at the back of the freezer, peas are filled with vitamins and minerals. Environmentally friendly, they are extremely low in fat and have a number of health benefits. From preventing wrinkles, arthritis, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s, it is even suggested by some researchers that peas could help prevent stomach cancer. Do not underestimate this small but powerful vegetable. 

Hemp

Coming from the same species as the cannabis plant, but without the same affects, hemp has amazing health and beauty benefits. Filled with omegas 3 and 6, the fatty acids in hemp seeds and oils can be used to help those with skin conditions such as eczema. When ingested it can reduced the symptoms of PMS and the menopause, and most impressively has been known to reduce inflammation and could reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Mushrooms

A great source of iron and vitamin D, mushrooms help boost your immune system and are a great source of antioxidants. For those looking to lose weight in 2018, mushrooms help speed up your metabolism, helping you burn fat. High in selenium, the chemical which has been recommended to women to help prevent the risk of bladder cancer, the wide variety of mushrooms available mean you are sure to find one type that suits you. Already a firm favourite in the Paleo diet, mushrooms can be used in a variety of recipes and plans.    

Cacao

The natural raw form of cocoa, this Amazonian superfood is incredibly high in antioxidants, boasting 20 times more than blueberries and nearly more than 120 times more than bananas. For everyday benefits this amazing food can cheer you up as it contains anandamide (a natural mood enhancer), it’s an aphrodisiac, known to balance mood swings and prevents premature aging. As if this food couldn’t get any better, along with protecting your heart and preventing blood clots it could also help you shed fat! This healthy and tasty food is sure to be a hit in 2018. 

So there you are: delicious, accessible and exciting. The new superfoods of 2018 will help you achieve your goals and feel great in the new year. Many are well-priced too, so it could be time to make a positive change to your dietary habits. Just a few simple tweaks to your daily routine and diet will have huge benefits as you move into the new year.

This blog was written by guest blogger Jane Sandwood. Jane’s a freelance writer and editor who’s been on an enduring quest to be as healthy as possible, having overhauled her diet and fitness program along the way. She really felt passionately about sharing some tips with our community.