Teff

Shutterstock, Provided by Business InsiderSometimes written as tef or tef, this pseudograin (its technically a seed) has a high nutritional profile and a taste similar to that of
amaranth or quinoa. This ancient grain has survived for centuries without much hybridization
or processing. Like most other ancient grains, its high in fiber, calcium and iron.
Traditionally cultivated in Ethiopia and Eritrea, teff can be grown in a variety of conditions.
Teff thrives in both waterlogged soils and during droughts, making it a dependable staple
wherever its grown. No matter what the weather, teff crops will likely survive, as they are
also relatively free of plant diseases compared to other cereal crops, Whole Grains Council
said.
Teff can grow where many other crops wont thrive, and in fact can be produced from sea
level to as high as 3,000 meters of altitude, with maximum yield at about 1,800-2,100 meters
high, the council said. This versatility could explain why teff is now being cultivated in
areas as diverse as dry and mountainous Idaho and the low and wet Netherlands.
6. Moringa

 Shutterstock, Provided by Mental FlossIts often called the the miracle tree or the tree
of life, according to TIME. Its commonly found in Asian and African countries, and almost
every part of itpods, leaves, seeds and rootsis edible. Its a good source of Vitamin B6,
Vitamin C and iron. Not only does it pack a nutritional punch, its also a fast-growing,
drought-tolerant plant that is a promising biofuel and medicinal source.

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Kelp

 Shutterstock, Provided by Business InsiderKelp grows super fast (up to two feet per day),
and requires neither freshwater nor fertilizer. And rather than contributing to our carbon
footprint, as many fertilizers and food sources do, seaweed cleanses the ocean of excess
nitrogen and carbon dioxide, Mother Jones reported. One kelp farmer on the Long Island
Sound even claims hes restoring the ocean while producing a sustainable food and fuel
source.
8. Waste-based food
Amaranth

 Shutterstock, Provided by Business InsiderAmaranth is the new quinoa, trend expert

Daniel Levine told The Huffington Post. Its a grain-like seed that cooks quickly and can be
added to salads, soups and stews.
Its a complete source of protein just like quinoa, and it is loaded with fiber, B vitamins and
several important minerals. Additionally, its been shown to reduce inflammation, and lower
cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
4. Kefir

 Shutterstock, Provided by Business InsiderKefir is the trendiest fermented food right now
(sorry, kombucha and kimchi). Its high in nutrients and probiotics, and is incredibly
beneficial for digestion and gut health. Many people consider it to be a healthier and more
powerful version of yogurt.
To make it, grains (yeast and lactic acid bacteria cultures) are added to cow or goat milk.
The concoction ferments over a 24-hour period and then the grains are removed from the
liquid.
Getty Images/Sean Gallup, Provided by Business Insider The UN has declared that 2016 is
the international year of the pulses. Superfoods are gaining popularityand for good reason.
They directly support the immune system, reduce inflammation, support mental health, pack
a nutritional punch, and boost energy, stamina and longevity.
Here are eight superfoods to watch in 2016 that are not only good for you, but also good for
the planet:

1. Crickets

Reuters/Damir Sagolj, Provided by Business InsiderCrickets are loaded with protein. They
also thrive in hotter climates and survive off decaying waste and very little water and
space, Mother Jones reported. For this reason, crickets and other insects have been hailed as
the next climate-friendly superfood. They can be ground into baking flour or protein
powder, and added to cookies, brownies or milkshakes.
While eating cricketsor any type of insect for that matterhasnt completely caught on in
the U.S., its making progress. Last year, fast food chain Wayback Burgers put out a fake
press release as an April Fools joke about insect-filled milkshakes, but the idea was so
popular that they rolled out their Oreo Mud Pie Cricket Protein Milkshake.
2. Pulses
Theyre the dried seeds of lentils, beans and chickpeasand the UN has declared 2016 to be
their year. They already make up 75 percent of the average diet in developing countries, but
only 25 percent in developed ones, according to the UN.

That could all change, though. Pulses contain 20 to 25 percent protein by weight,
approaching the protein levels of meat, which average 30 to 40 percent. They also require far
less water than meat to produce.