New SuperFoods to try in 2014

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Superfoods are nutritionally dense foods. You will get health benefits from even small servings of these foods, and that is why superfoods are so beneficial. Superfoods contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other important nutrients, which promote health, vitality, and even longevity.

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What Makes a Food a Superfood?

A food is a considered to be a superfood when it is reputed to provide increased health benefits as it is included in the diet. Try eating these superfoods to make sure you are getting the extra nutritional boost you need every day.

List of Superfoods to Try in 2014

Keep this superfood list on hand to remind you to try the ultimate superfoods listed below:

Seaweed

Seaweed is a superfood because it provides an abundance of vitamins and minerals. Seaweed is high in iodine, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and some B-vitamins. Seaweed also contains beta-carotene—an important cancer fighting antioxidant. The high calcium content of seaweed may help to maintain strong bones and teeth, and vitamin C helps to boost your immune system. The minerals in seaweed will maintain your body’s electrolyte balance, so athletes and the elderly should consider eating this superfood.

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Some well-known edible seaweed includes kelp, kombu, nori, and wakame. These seaweeds are harvested from the oceans of Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, and China. By choosing to add this superfood to your diet, you will benefit from seaweed’s tradition as a longevity food.

Bee Pollen

Bee pollen harvesters collect this superfood from the honeycombs of beehives. Several countries produce bee pollen as a supplement, so there are many geographic areas to choose from when selecting your bee pollen. Bee pollen is noteworthy as a superfood because it contains antioxidants, a wide range of vitamins and minerals (especially B-vitamins), and it is high in protein.

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A 2011 study published in the Chemistry Central Journal (link to bee pollen study) found that extracts of Greek bee pollen had antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the authors of the study noted that the Greek bee pollen behaved as a free radical scavenger. Thus, bee pollen may be a potent superfood against aging and infection.

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Note that if you have known allergies to pollen, or if you suffer from asthma, you should be very cautious about taking bee pollen as a supplement.

Nutritional Yeast

Loaded with B-vitamins, protein, Magnesium, Copper and Manganese, nutritional yeast is definitely a superfood. Nutritional yeast is an inactive form of yeast, and comes in the form of dry flakes. In addition it is an excellent source of Folate, Dietary Fiber, Niacin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Thiamin, and Zinc - essential minerals for a good health.

This food comes from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain, which is high in selenium. Some scientific studies (link to selenium study) suggest that the mineral selenium may play a large role in cancer prevention. Another recent study done by Cancer Research Center has found that high dose of selenium and Vitamin E may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Therefore caution must be exercised if you are already taking selenium supplement.

Hemp Hearts

Hemp is cultivated all over the world, and hemp hearts are hulled hemp seeds. Hemp hearts are very nutritious and provide an excellent source of protein, fiber, Zinc, Manganese and Magnesium. They are low in cholesterol and sodium. Hemp hearts also contain essential fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6, similar to flax and chia seeds. Omega 3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation in your body.

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Hemp hearts are known to provide energy, improve digestion, and stabilize appetite. You can eat nutritious hemp hearts by sprinkling them on yogurt, salads, cereals or using them in baking.

You can eat nutritious hemp hearts by sprinkling them on yogurt, salads, cereals or using them in baking.

Buffaloberries

Buffaloberries—also known as Shepherdia argentea—are highly nutritious berries. Research has shown them to be full of antioxidant and nutrition to benefit health. These berries grow in the northern and western parts of North America. Native Americans and First Nation people have been using Buffaloberries for centuries in their food and for medicine. Usually made into jam or used as toppings, these slightly sour, red berries contain large amounts of lycopene—a powerful antioxidant.

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Lycopene is a carotenoid also found in carrots, tomatoes, and other red fruits and vegetables. Foods high in lycopene help prevent the development of many cancers.

Baobab

Baobab, Adansonia digitata L., is a superfruit from the African Baobab tree. This fruit is high in vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. Baobab seeds are high in calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, protein, and fiber. The antioxidant level of this fruit is exceptionally high. This is one of the best superfoods to add to your daily diet.

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Baobab contains polyphenols, which help regulate blood sugar by digesting starch. Look for baobab powder for mixing into smoothies, and fruit cubes for super-healthy snacks.

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