Quinoa isn’t the only South American superfood that you should consider including in your diet. We list five antioxidant-and nutrient-rich foods from the Andes that you must try.
1. Camu Camu
These sour, little berries are said to be one of the richest sources of vitamin C, iron, phosphorus and antioxidants, beating the orange by miles.
Great for the eyes and skin, it’s mostly eaten in powder form. You can add it to smoothies and juices, tea, porridge, and yogurt.
2. Lucuma
The sunshine-yellow lucuma fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamin B, minerals, fiber, and carbohydrates, and has a low glycemic index.
With flavor notes that math caramel and maple syrup, it makes a delicious addition to juices, milkshakes, and ice-cream.
3. Sacha Inchi
Referred to as the Inca peanut, the sacha inchi seed is a rich source of omega fatty acids, protein, fiber and antioxidants.
You can add the powder to cake and brownie batters, oatmeal, smoothies and drizzle the oil over salads.
4. Maca
Touted as ‘the root of life’, the walnut-sized maca resembles a rough stone. It blossoms around 4000 meters above the sea level in the Andes.
Consumed in powder form through capsules, the maca root is aids in hormonal balance and bone development.
5. Purple Corn
The indigenous people of the Andes soak purple corn, which gets its color from the soil of the region, to extract the base for a refreshing drink called chicha and to make the popular Peruvian dessert, mazamorra.high in antioxidants, purple corn is known for its anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-stabilizing qualities.
Related Article: Superfood Salads.
