Superfoods may seem misleading at first, but those earning this title typically contain high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other beneficial substances – which makes adding them to your diet for a more nutritious, balanced and healthful lifestyle.

Berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber – perfect for adding into smoothies or creating an acai bowl!

1. Quinoa

Quinoa is a nutritious whole grain food, packed with proteins, fiber and antioxidants for an easy way to boost health. Plus it’s versatile and convenient – ideal for any busy kitchen!

Quinoa has become an increasingly popular food item due to its nutritional profile and health benefits, making it one of the fastest-growing pseudograins. While technically belonging to the Goosefoot family along with spinach and Swiss chard, quinoa serves nutritionally like an actual grain.

This superfood boasts complete proteins, providing all nine essential amino acids our bodies cannot make on its own. Furthermore, it boasts minerals like manganese, magnesium and calcium and makes an excellent gluten-free substitute for rice.

2. Matcha

Matcha is a fine powder that can be added to tea or used in recipes, boasting rich levels of chlorophyll, caffeine, antioxidants and theanine; some have claimed it can even boost immune systems.

Cruciferous vegetables are another category of superfoods, which includes foods like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. Cruciferous veggies contain glucosinolates – substances known to prevent cancer and heart disease as well as fiber, vitamins and minerals – along with many other nutritional benefits.

Nuts and seeds are power foods, packed with protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals – including vitamin E, magnesium, iron, zinc and selenium. Examples include walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds – three great examples of powerfood nuts and seeds.

3. Cauliflower

When it comes to fruits and veggies, generally speaking the darker their hue is, the higher their nutritional density is. But that rule doesn’t hold true for cauliflower: an under-appreciated food packed with essential vitamins and minerals despite its pale hue.

Cauliflower, as part of the cruciferous vegetable family, contains anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation. Plus, potassium keeps all your bodily functions running smoothly from heartbeats to bodily fluids functioning optimally – perfect for keto and Whole30 diet plans alike! Plus it’s versatile and fits into all kinds of dietary plans easily.

4. Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is fermented shredded cabbage that’s been fermented using lactobacillus bacteria, providing it with probiotics and vitamin C. According to one 2014 study, probiotics found in foods like sauerkraut can help alleviate symptoms associated with IBS like abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea.

Sauerkraut is low in histamine content and an excellent source of dietary fiber, making it an excellent addition for people suffering from histamine intolerance or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). You can add sauerkraut to salads, grain bowls or smoothies; plus it tastes amazing on hot dogs!

5. Kale

Kale has become an essential ingredient in modern health diets, appearing everywhere from Beyonce’s jumpers to healthy eateries from Manchester to Malibu. This cruciferous vegetable, commonly referred to as leafy cabbage, boasts high concentrations of vitamins C and K as well as antioxidants, minerals, and fiber content.

Kale is particularly rich in isothiocyanates, which research shows can provide an effective two-prong detoxifying approach by stimulating production of phase II enzymes that eliminate toxins from your system. Add it to smoothies, create hearty salads from it or simmer it down into soothing soup.

6. Broccoli

This cruciferous vegetable boasts an abundance of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and plant compounds with profound health benefits that may make it a staple food in many popular diets. Plus, its calories-to-benefits ratio makes it a staple in many popular eating plans!

Broccoli contains glucosinolates, precursors to isothiocyanates – powerful anti-cancer phytochemicals – as well as other plant compounds with healthful benefits for our bodies such as kaempferol and quercetin.

Even with its bitter taste, broccoli is packed with essential nutrients that help promote heart health and reduce blood pressure levels. It contains high concentrations of vitamin C, potassium and phosphorous; fiber as well as dietary fat are present; however if taking blood-thinning medication it must be consumed carefully.

7. Avocado

Avocado has long been associated with guacamole and toast topping for millennials; now, however, avocado has earned superfood status due to its wealth of nutrition – particularly folic acid, fiber potassium and omega-3 fatty acids.

Though certain foods have garnered the designation “superfoods”, experts note that healthy diets should include an array of whole grains, berries, legumes, nuts, cruciferous vegetables, dark leafy greens, seafood and avocados, among others. Although high in fat content, avocados help absorb other nutrient-rich foods like vitamins A and E despite being high in calories; try making a creamy avocado dip or adding it to soup as a tasty topping or substituting butter with avocado when baking!

8. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) have evolved from being mere novelty toys into nutritional powerhouses. Packed full of fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids in one tiny seed are fiber, protein and omega-3s – along with phenolic acids, flavonoids and mucilage!

These foods provide essential omega-3 essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid and omega-6 essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Although eating only a single food won’t necessarily improve your health, incorporating several superfoods into your diet could make a positive difference. Just remember not to overdo it – balance is key! And try mixing up proteins as much as possible.

9. Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa L) have become an increasingly popular superfood due to their superior nutrition profile. Though often associated with marijuana or other mind-altering plants, hemp seeds should not be seen as anything other than superfoods in their own right.

Oatmeal is an easily digestible plant-based protein source and provides all nine essential amino acids. Furthermore, oatmeal boasts the ideal ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 fats.

They’re packed with arginine, which produces nitric oxide to improve blood vessel function and blood pressure, as well as alpha-linolenic acid – an omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid that’s an ideal addition to smoothies, cereal, overnight oats or salads as a garnish or topping! Try adding one or more tablespoons to smoothies, cereal and overnight oats or use as garnish on salads soups and stir fry dishes!