Weight loss, skincare, cognitive health, immune boosting, and gut health are just a few of the advantages of superfoods. People who are health-conscious and concerned about their personal well-being make up the target market. However, according to industry experts, superfoods are simply a marketing phrase for foods that have health benefits.

The most commonly included superfoods are dark-green leafy vegetables, various types of berries, avocados, dark chocolate, green tea, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Salmon, sardines, mackerel, and certain other fatty fish, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, are included in this category. They're packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Discussed here are some of the superfoods that are expected to trend in 2022:

Microgreens

Microgreens, often known as "vegetable confetti," are commonly scattered on restaurant menus to enhance color.

These little vegetables are misleading in size because they carry a big nutritional punch — some are up to nine times more nutritious than their full-sized vegetable counterparts.

Microgreens are immature plants with high levels of folate, potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin E, vitamin C, and B group vitamins. Microgreen broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, radicchio, celery, garlic, onion, leek, spinach, cucumber, and squash are among the vegetables available.

The tiny plants are collected when the leaves are roughly a month old. They can be found in supermarkets and greengrocers, or they can be grown in pots.

Kelp

Seaweed, such as kelp, is found in around a fifth of Japanese diets. While the Japanese have long recognized the nutritious potential of seaweed, the rest of the world is catching up. Seaweed is high in fibre and has the same amount of protein as beef. Kelp is a common form of seaweed that may be found at health food stores. Kelp is also high in iodine, which is vital for thyroid health.

According to the Australian Thyroid Foundation, more than half of children, pregnant and lactating women are iodine deficient. Iodine shortage can cause fatigue, weakness, concentration problems, and weight gain.

Skyr

In Iceland, skyr yoghurt has long been a staple. It's similar to Greek yoghurt, except it's higher in protein and lower in sugar. It's also high in calcium, potassium, and zinc, according to research. A cup of milk has roughly 8g of protein per serve, but a serving of skyr has about 19g.

Skyr also has a different culture than Greek yoghurt, which makes it creamier and less sour, according to fans of the dairy product.

Black Garlic

This is garlic that has been fermented and has a sweeter flavor. For ages, it has been a staple in South Korean, Japanese, and Thai cuisines.

Fermented foods have a prebiotic impact, which promotes healthy gut bacteria. Black garlic is a fantastic addition to diet since fermented foods have a prebiotic effect, which promotes healthy gut flora. Garlic is abundant in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory qualities, and studies suggest that black garlic is more potent than regular garlic.

Hemp

Hemp seeds are derived from the cannabis plant, although they are not psychoactive. They do, however, contain a lot of fiber, protein, and healthy fats such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. Vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and B vitamins are also present. The lipids in hemp seeds are healthy for skin and can assist with eczema and acne. The seeds are also beneficial to heart health and inflammation reduction.

More Restaurants Are Including Superfoods In Their Menu

It is critical for any business to adapt to consumer demand in order to succeed. Superfoods are in great demand as more people make the switch to a healthier lifestyle. Restaurants have been forced to be inventive and innovative in order to incorporate superfood-based dishes on their menus as a result of the growing popularity. The market for superfoods is growing by the day, and it's having an impact on customers' dining choices. Restaurant operators must accept this trend and move promptly to capitalize on it.

Consumers are well aware of the health benefits as they make an informed switch to superfoods. According to research, including superfoods into a diet plan is a great idea. Aside from the health advantages listed above, there are also the following:

• Phytonutrients and antioxidant molecules are abundant in vitamins A and E, as well as beta carotene.

• They aid in the prevention of heart disease and the strengthening of the immune system.

• Some superfoods, like as CBD, can also help with pain, anxiety, and insomnia.

• When included in a well-balanced diet, superfoods can help lose weight, increase energy, and slow down ageing.

Many restaurants have expanded their menus beyond superfruits like açai and goji berries. Even fast-casual eateries have begun to offer ancient grain salads and other plant-based options. The use of the phrase "superfood" has increased by more than 300 percent in the last four years. Chefs are experimenting with new ways to use lesser-known ingredients that are nutritious, add flavor, and boost the bottom line of their restaurants. Breakfasts, brunches, sharing dishes, and beverages are all prepared with fresh ingredients. The global market for superfoods has become a fiercely competitive arena. Restaurants that add delectable superfood meals to their menus are expected to see consistent growth and increasing profitability, according to analysts. An increasing number of all-organic restaurants around the world are teaching customers on how to make a healthy change without sacrificing flavor and taste. They give all of the necessary nutrition by using nutrient-dense foods. Restaurant menus are being redesigned to incorporate the increased desire for delectable superfoods, from spicy pumpkin-oatmeal cookies to fish with lemon and capers.