Peruvian superfoods help with health and weight loss

GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- After gaining 25 pounds when he moved to the U.S., Peruvian health expert Manuel Villacorta found creative ways to whip up superfoods from his country to shed the weight.

"I define superfoods as foods that not only give you nutritional value, they have something extraordinary. They all have anti-inflammatory effects, they all have phytochemicals, rich in antioxidants," said Villacorta, author of "Whole Body Reboot."

Villacorta chose his superfoods from his native Peru.

In his "Whole Body Reboot" program, he uses 21 Incan superfoods ingredients in a month of recipes, merging both taste and health.

Seeds like chia, flax and sacha inchi are high in omega-3's, which fight inflammatory effects.

Purple corn and purple potatoes are packed with antioxidants that help fight disease, such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis and metabolic syndrome.

His colorful purple potato salad features chili paste and scallions.

His green reboot smoothie blends up spinach, kale, cilantro, avocado, pineapple and coconut water.

His brownies contain cacao, quinoa, gluten-free flour, coconut oil and walnuts.

"I used it as an energy bar, because it's so nutritious," Villacorta said.

Even kids will like the tiny, nutty-tasting grain amaranth, which Villacorta mixes with cocoa for a cocoa puff kind of effect.

Villacorta likens his Peruvian superfood program to the Mediterranean diet, as both are packed with colorful fruits, vegetables and grains, along with good proteins that are nutritious and delicious.