Teff

Teff is among the smallest grains in the world, the seed behind Ethiopia's spongy injera bread, and what it lacks in size it makes up for in nourishment. It is naturally high in iron, a quiet help for the tiredness of iron-poor blood, unusually rich in calcium for a grain, and full of fiberThe part of plant foods your body can't fully break down — it keeps digestion moving. More → and resistant starch that steady digestionHow your body breaks food down into pieces small enough to use for energy. More → and energy. Being naturally gluten-free, it suits many sensitive stomachs.

Cooked whole it makes a creamy, mildly nutty porridge; ground to flour it becomes flatbreads and pancakes. Because plant iron is shy, pairing teff with a little vitaminA natural substance your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, like vitamin C or D. More → C, fruit, peppers, tomatoes, helps the body take up more of it.