These Are the 15 Superfoods Your Kitchen Needs in 2018

By Ariana Dickson, POPSUGAR

In today's age of feeling good and eating better, it has become a common occurrence to find superfoods like acai, chia, cacao, and spirulina in our local grocery stores. Wellness cafes are abundant, and menus have become increasingly aware of the next great smoothie, herbal tea, and clean alternative. Each year comes with its own health-food trends, and 2018 is no different. There are new superfoods that we should all be keeping on our radar. From greens and gut-healthy go-tos to sweet options and cooking oils for every chef, foodie, or healthy eater, these are some superfoods that deserve to be household names.

Moringa Powder

[post_ads]Classically known as moringa oleifera, this very nutritious plant is going to take over for supergreen must haves like kale, green tea, and matcha. It's antiaging and anti-inflammatory, and it's packed with all nine essential amino acids, powerful antioxidants, and an unbelievable amount of iron, calcium, protein, and vitamin C.

Avocado Oil

Kiss coconut oil goodbye! While it's no bowl of guacamole, this oil alternative has the ability to improve heart health and skin quality, and it neutralizes free radicals. With high levels of antioxidants, healthy fats, and a burn point that keeps from destroying nutrients, it's ideal for cooking and tastes really good.

Elderflower

Rose water, herbal teas, and garnishes made from edible flowers have been around for years, but the elderflower has an unrivaled antiviral effect. It is great for fighting off swollen sinuses, a sore throat, the common cold, and flu. Even the berry of the shrub can be cooked into jams or jellies.

Pink Pineapples

Pink pineapples are as rich in color as they are in health benefits. This upcoming year, shades of red and purple are going to be filling our plates. The modified sweet fruit contains the same antioxidant, lycopene, that gives tomatoes their red color — which may play a role in preventing cancer.

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Ashwagandha

Native to India, this ancient herb has been used in Ayurvedic healing for ages. Ashwagandha's intense healing effects can be used to regulate the immune system, prevent stress, and combat anxiety, insomnia, liver problems, and more. The leaf is most easily found as a powder or in a capsule form.

Baobab

Containing more antioxidants than any other fruit, baobab dries on the branch and produces a powder that can help to restore skin complexion, heal damage, improve elasticity, and fight aging. It's naturally rich in vitamin A, C, D, E, and F, plus fatty acids, minerals, and B complexes.

Cassava

This vegetable is a great source of carbohydrates and is likely going to become a go-to baking flour alternative for those who suffer from bloating, IBS, or gluten intolerance. Traditionally used in Bali and South Asia, this soft powder is Paleo, vegan-friendly, and nut-free! Other benefits include vitamin C, copper, and folate.

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Camu Camu

Hello, vitamin C! This small and sour superfruit contains more of it than any other plant in the world! It's native to the Amazon rainforest and a very rich source of powerful phytochemicals that enhance the immune system and mood and improve the aging process.

Peas

It's true that this vegetable has been around for some time, but peas are only just beginning to be recognized for their true potential. These green veggies can be eaten dry, crispy, steamed, or raw. Free of allergens and proteins that tend to cause reactions, they're a great nutrient-packed snack, side, or supplement.

Maqui Berries

Now that acai and goji berries have had their starlight, it's time for maqui berries to have theirs. Full of fiber, anti-inflammatory properties, minerals, and a colorful spectrum of vitamins, these berries can aid digestion, boost metabolism, and help to regulate blood sugar.

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Hemp

Derived from cannabis, hemp is used in an entirely different way. It is extremely high in just about every nutrient and can be used to balance hormones and improve digestion, metabolism, and joint pain. A single seed contains lots of GLA, vitamins, 21 amino acids, and an optimal 3:1 ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

Watermelon Seeds

It's time for chia seeds and flaxseed to step aside. Watermelon seeds are a great source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, protein, vitamin B, and magnesium. They're delicious sprinkled over a breakfast bowl for a nutritious charge, on their own, or roasted as a snack.


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Mushrooms

We're going to start finding mushrooms (especially chaga) in everything from cold brew coffees to nutritional powders. With impressive levels of antioxidants, they can actually increase the production of certain cells and support the immune system. Plus, they are anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and high in fiber, which will help soothe the digestive system!

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