The global health and wellness market was worth $774 billion in 2014, according to industry analysts Euromonitor, and continues to outperform the wider food and drink industries.
Within this market, 'superfoods' have never been more on trend with celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow extolling the virtues of matcha tea, and Victoria Beckham tweeting about the benefits of bee pollen. Such high-profile endorsements of superfoods, popular in powder or seed form, claim that they are a quick and easy way of adding much-needed nutrients.
The rise in popularity of smoothies and juices as foods on the go, and the increase in vegan and special dietary regimes, shows how consumers are keen on ensuring their bodies are getting enough of the right minerals, vitamins and proteins, according to artisan spices, seeds and tea brand Steenbergs, partnering with like-minded artisan producers of powders, seeds and teas to boost the body.
Axel and Sophie Steenberg set up Steenbergs in 2003. They recommend taking a cup of matcha tea to start the day and turmeric tea to ward off colds. Maca and baobab can also boost morning smoothies. The baobab has an unusual tart tropical flavour, suitable for blending with other fruits.
One of the producers Steenbergs partners with is Greens Organic - its owners, Morris and Nicky, takes superfoods to boost the vitamins and minerals in their diet. “All the superfoods we stock we take ourselves - our favourite has always been the organic bee pollen.”
Steenbergs have set out its Top 10 Superfoods - ones to watch in 2016 - as follows:
1. Chlorella - a blue-green algae that has the highest content of chlorophyll of any food on the planet - an easy way to get your 'Super Green' boost each day, says Steenbergs.
2. Bee Pollen - Organic bee pollen comes from unspoilt regions, using natural, organic bee-keeping methods to ensure the health of the bees and the purity of their pollen. Organic bee pollen contains high amounts of Vitamin B1, which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
3. Spirulina - a blue-green algae that is over three billion years old, and one of the most nutritious superfoods on the planet.
4. Moringa – made from the naturally dried leaf of the moringa tree - or Miracle Tree. Moringa is a rich source of plant protein and is high in 10 essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus - all of which allow for normal energy release.
5. Chia - Chia seeds are an ancient South American superfood. The very subtle nutty taste allows them to be added to any food or drink - helping to boost nutritional, antioxidants and Omega 3 intake. Chia seeds are popular sprinkled on salads, cereals, yogurt and soup, or added to baking - bread, cakes and biscuits.
6. Baobab – Organic Baobab fruit pulp and seed powder is harvested from the inside of the coconut-like fruit of the mythical African Baobab tree. This fine powder is full of essential nutrients and packed with vitamins and minerals. With an exceptionally high level of fibre, recent research has shown that baobab has a very high antioxidant level. It is popular as a flavouring in smoothies, yoghurts, cereals and even jam.
7. Maca - a source of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, calcium, zinc and iron, which all contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism. It can be added to baking for a smooth malty flavour or to smoothies for a tangy taste.
8. Turmeric – Used in Chinese and Indian medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to reduce infection, turmeric is high in antioxidants. Grown as an annual, it looks similar to ginger and galangal, with the powdered organic turmeric being a bright yellow with a distinct earthy aroma and a pleasing, sharp, bitter, spicy and lingering depth of flavour.
9. Matcha Tea – Highly regarded for its health properties due to its relatively high levels of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and nutrients, the leaves are grown in a way that produces extra amounts of chlorphyll and natural amino acids and are then ground down to a bright green fine powder.
10. Organic White Tea – although harvested from the same plant, white tea has higher antioxidant levels and less caffeine than green tea, due to minimal processing, helping to promote overall health and wellbeing.
For more information on the above superfoods proving popular with customers of Steenbergs, visit www.steenbergs.co.uk.
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