What Are Superfoods? Why Should You Care? 

More than a decade ago, we were introduced to “Superfoods.”  The term was first used by the food, beverage and diet industry in 2003 to describe fruits, vegetables and foods that offered more than average nutrition and many surprising health benefits.

Superfoods are considered to be a cut above ordinary foods because of their highly concentrated nutritional value and low-fat content. These are the foods that have numerous phytonutrients and special compounds that can help in the prevention of many illnesses, relieve inflammation and fight conditions associated with aging.

Superfoods have superior levels of nutrition, healing properties and are concentrated nutrition in small packages. Many of these foods only require small amounts be consumed at a time in order to begin deriving the benefit from them.

One of the major components of Superfoods is that they contain high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that can help protect your cells from free radicals.  Free radicals can cause continuous damage to cells within your body.

Many of the foods that we are familiar with in everyday life are Superfoods, especially the berries such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. However, it is the fruits that are from exotic places in the world that tend to pack the most phytonutrients and anti-oxidants and tend to have the most ability to fight cancer, arthritis, colds, flu, aging and other common conditions.  These fruits, as strange looking and as exotic as they seem, are becoming more of a regular sight in our supermarkets. Try adding these superfoods to smoothies, fresh juices and salads to supercharge your diet.

Below is a list of the most beneficial exotic Superfoods.

1.  Spirulina – Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in both salt and fresh water. It may be one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth.
2.  Chlorella – Chlorella contains many nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 fats.
3.  Wheatgrass – Wheatgrass has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
4.  Alfalfa Grass – Alfalfa Grass is high in Vitamin K and also contain many other nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, manganese and folate.
5.  Barley Grass – Barley Grass is used as a supplement to boost weight loss, enhance immune function, and support overall health.
6.  Moringa – Moringa leaves are rich in many important nutrients, including protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, riboflavin and iron.
7.  Kale – Many powerful antioxidants are found in kale, including quercetin and kaempferol, which have numerous beneficial effects on health
8.  Noni Fruit –  Noni juice provides a great source of vitamin C, biotin, and folate.
9.  Astragalus – Astragalus is known to enhance the immune system and reduce inflammation. It is also used to help treat heart conditions, kidney disease and more.
10.  Gotu Kola – Gotu Kola has the power to boost brainpower, heal skin issues, and promote liver and kidney health.