Why Peruvian superfoods are now going to become essential in your kitchen

Until a few years ago it was not common to find a Peruvian restaurant, even in the big cities. But thanks to the interest that your dishes have aroused, especially ceviche, the star of his kitchen; The cuisine of the country has gradually become hollow to gain adherents. And this is something that not only has to do with the contrast of flavors that it presents, it is also thanks to the Peruvian superfoods. From fruits and vegetables, through roots, herbs or even fish. Peru has a pantry of products with beneficial health properties that we wanted to know.

But first, what exactly is a superfood and why is it considered "super"?

"Superfood is a sexy name, but there really isn't a scientific consensus around it," explains the Peruvian nutritionist Manuel Villacorta, author of books on Andean recipes that succeed in the United States, such as Whole Body Reboot. Taking advantage of Peru's presence in the Reale Seguros Madrid Fusión, we have asked you about it.

"These are functional foods that not only provide vitamins and minerals, but have some of them in great excess and, therefore, help health and provide benefits." Therefore, not everyone can fall into this category. In order to do so, it must contain specific properties: "Many antioxidants and phytonutrients," says the expert.

Peruvian superfoods and their anti-inflammatory power

When we ask the nutritionist about the best known and used Peruvian superfoods, he is clear about it: "The most consumed worldwide is quinoa, without any doubt." But this whole grain pseudocereal is not the only one. It is true that it provides proteins, unsaturated fatty acids and minerals almost like none. But it faces a root that we know as bruise. “The latter is the most studied superfood, along with quinoa. It is a root that cannot be eaten raw and that grows in a very specific area in Peru, ”says Villacorta. A product whose nutritional profile is similar to that of cereals in terms of carbohydrates. But maca is also an excellent source of amino acids, since it has seven of the eight essentials that are used to transport and optimize the nutrients needed by the body: water, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins.

The nutritionist ensures that many of these superfoods have anti-inflammatory properties. "For example, him aguaymanto (a Peruvian fruit) has a phytonutrient It has been shown to help fight cancer cells. In addition, it has a lot of vitamin D and C ”.

Other Peruvian superfoods that we should not lose sight of

“Many of them also act as prebiotics. While probiotics help the digestive system, the prebiotics they make them grow and multiply, promoting a better digestive system, ”concludes the expert.

Now, what are these superfoods? Here you have a list with some with very interesting properties, so you can include them in your diet.

– Camu camu: a fruit that contains a high index of vitamin C, even more than that which fruits like orange or lemon can give us.

– Kichiwa: a grain with a high content of amino acids, especially lysine, which favors brain development.

– Mackerel: a fish rich in fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

– Muña: a plant with digestive properties, capable of relieving flatulence. It is also rich in calcium and phosphorus.

– Yacon: a sweet-tasting root with very few calories. It has been shown to have antidiabetic properties and helps reduce the level of triglycerides in the blood.