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20 'superfoods' that everyone went bonkers over

From fruits and nuts to grains and seaweed, what benefits do these so called superfoods have to offer?
1.00pm, 14 Jul 2012
22.3k
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IT SEEMS LIKE there’s a new designated ‘superfood’ popping up each season which supposedly has some incredible properties.

So what exactly is a superfood?

Naked Health defines it as, “any edible natural item (plant or animal) that contains exceptionally high levels of a certain nutrient that supposedly carries specific health benefits for preventing or fighting disease.”

These foods are certain to have some benefits, but it’s how they’re marketed that makes them rise to the top of the heap. A nice, healthy apple doesn’t have the same ring to it as an anti-oxidant rich acai berry.

Here is a few of these superfoods that have taken the world by storm, let’s see what they have to offer.

20 'superfoods' that everyone went bonkers over
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  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Seaweed: For centuries, people from Japan and Korea have munched away on the nutrient packed, cancer-preventing vegetable of the sea, seaweed. It is said to be an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and people who eat a seaweed rich diet are said to have lower risk of obesity, diabetes, depression, and cardiovascular disease. (Loozrboy/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Wheatgrass is a beauty queen's favourite superfood with its high levels of vitamin E, phosphorous and chlorophyll that are said to freshen breath, postpone greying of hair, prevent tooth decay, brighten skin and generally detox the body. (Kristen Taylor/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Yuzu: the Japonese grapefruit is said to replenish skin cells and give skin a fresher, younger look. Like other citrus fruits, its high dosage of Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and provides an excellent source of anti-oxidants. (Jpatokal/Wikimedia Commons)

  • 20 Superfoods That People Went Bonkers Over

    Goji berries: Stars like Oprah and Madonna swear by the Chinese Goji Berry. It's been said to reduce signs of ageing, prevent cancer and increase sex drive. However experts say there are alternative berries that offer similar nutrients at a fraction of the extravagant cost of the Goji. (GiryaGirl/Wikimedia Commons)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Acai berries:These dietary supplements supposedly help speed up weight loss, decrease the risk of heart disease and cure a host of other ailments. Little research exists on the berry's long term effects and it's not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration but marketing giants like Starbucks and Coca Cola play up its magical qualities in their cure all drink lines. (Bianca Moraes/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Agave nectar: From the same plant used in the making of tequila, Agave nectar can be used as a natural sweetener. (gaeti/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Almonds: The most nutritionally dense nut around, they have recently come back in vogue as a superfood and are said to prevent heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol. (Nany Mata/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Asparagus: Studies say this nutritional powerhouse strengthens bones, reduces the risk of heart disease and eases the effects of hangovers. One US fast food chain, The Burger Joint has even decided to replace french fries with healthy grilled Parmesan asparagus spears. Yum. (Liz West/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Avocado: With its heart healthy qualities, this fruit has made a comeback in recent years, not just in food but also hair and skin products. (Jaanus Silla/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Barley: Stuffed full of fibre, manganese, tryptophan and more, barley is nutrient dense. It feeds friendly bacteria into the digestive tract, decreasing the risk of colon cancer and it is said to reduce cholesterol. (Liz West/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That EveryOne Went Bonkers Over

    Blueberries: This little blue fruit is said to boost memory capability, prevent heart disease and provide an excellent source of anti-oxidants. Food and beverage providers are embracing the healthy qualities of the berry with products like Ben and Jerry's blueberry Greek frozen yoghurt and Pringles blueberry flavoured crisps. (jordanmit09/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Chia Seeds: These natural performance enhancers were traditionally used by the "Running People" of Mexico and are said to provide active bodies with the needed supply of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, calcium, anti-oxidents and fiber to sustain them throughout the day. (little blue hen/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Coconut: It has been hyped as the newest source of energy on the market and is said to boost metabolism, prevent diabetes, aid digestion and ward off viruses. Coconut water has also taken off in America as an alternative sports drink. (Srinayan Puppala/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Fish Oil: Consuming a moderate dosage of the oil is said to decrease the risk of heart disease, increase immunity, help prevent Alzheimer's disease and reduce inflammation or swelling. It can also be a weight loss aid and some say it even brightens the skin. (YuMaNuMA/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Ginger: Said to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, ginger is an antioxidant that is supposed to be good for the stomach and can reduce nausea. In the US, ginger ale has long been used as a home remedy to sooth stomach problems. (DoWhile/Wikimedia Commons)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Green tea: For people looking to burn belly fat and lose weight quickly, drinking green tea is the supposed solution. It also is said to reduce the risk of heart disease, improve mental focus, and prevent signs of aging. (Kanko*/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Cranberries: Best known for preventing urinary track infections, these delicious red treats are also said to protect against heart ad gum disease, stomach ulcers and cancer. (Andrew Yee/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Kale: In the same family as broccoli and brussels sprouts, kale is packed with nutrients and got its big marketing break when people started making crisps out of it. (SweetOnVeg/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That People Went Bonkers Over

    Pommegranate, the miracle fruit for fighting cancer, arthritis, ageing, heart disease and even developmental problems has become a trendy juice choice in recent years. (waferboard/Flickr)

  • 20 Superfoods That Everyone Went Bonkers Over

    Quinoa: This grain has been dubbed a superfood by some food gurus out there because it contains a ton of protein. It has been so successful that is is near unaffordable for locals in Bolivia, where it has been a staple for years. (SweetOnVeg/Flickr)
  • Seaweed: For centuries, people from Japan and Korea have munched away on the nutrient packed, cancer-preventing vegetable of the sea, seaweed. It is said to be an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and people who eat a seaweed rich diet are said to have lower risk of obesity, diabetes, depression, and cardiovascular disease. (Loozrboy/Flickr)
  • Wheatgrass is a beauty queen's favourite superfood with its high levels of vitamin E, phosphorous and chlorophyll that are said to freshen breath, postpone greying of hair, prevent tooth decay, brighten skin and generally detox the body. (Kristen Taylor/Flickr)
  • Yuzu: the Japonese grapefruit is said to replenish skin cells and give skin a fresher, younger look. Like other citrus fruits, its high dosage of Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and provides an excellent source of anti-oxidants. (Jpatokal/Wikimedia Commons)
  • Goji berries: Stars like Oprah and Madonna swear by the Chinese Goji Berry. It's been said to reduce signs of ageing, prevent cancer and increase sex drive. However experts say there are alternative berries that offer similar nutrients at a fraction of the extravagant cost of the Goji. (GiryaGirl/Wikimedia Commons)
  • Acai berries:These dietary supplements supposedly help speed up weight loss, decrease the risk of heart disease and cure a host of other ailments. Little research exists on the berry's long term effects and it's not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration but marketing giants like Starbucks and Coca Cola play up its magical qualities in their cure all drink lines. (Bianca Moraes/Flickr)
  • Agave nectar: From the same plant used in the making of tequila, Agave nectar can be used as a natural sweetener. (gaeti/Flickr)
  • Almonds: The most nutritionally dense nut around, they have recently come back in vogue as a superfood and are said to prevent heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol. (Nany Mata/Flickr)
  • Asparagus: Studies say this nutritional powerhouse strengthens bones, reduces the risk of heart disease and eases the effects of hangovers. One US fast food chain, The Burger Joint has even decided to replace french fries with healthy grilled Parmesan asparagus spears. Yum. (Liz West/Flickr)
  • Avocado: With its heart healthy qualities, this fruit has made a comeback in recent years, not just in food but also hair and skin products. (Jaanus Silla/Flickr)
  • Barley: Stuffed full of fibre, manganese, tryptophan and more, barley is nutrient dense. It feeds friendly bacteria into the digestive tract, decreasing the risk of colon cancer and it is said to reduce cholesterol. (Liz West/Flickr)
  • Blueberries: This little blue fruit is said to boost memory capability, prevent heart disease and provide an excellent source of anti-oxidants. Food and beverage providers are embracing the healthy qualities of the berry with products like Ben and Jerry's blueberry Greek frozen yoghurt and Pringles blueberry flavoured crisps. (jordanmit09/Flickr)
  • Chia Seeds: These natural performance enhancers were traditionally used by the
  • Coconut: It has been hyped as the newest source of energy on the market and is said to boost metabolism, prevent diabetes, aid digestion and ward off viruses. Coconut water has also taken off in America as an alternative sports drink. (Srinayan Puppala/Flickr)
  • Fish Oil: Consuming a moderate dosage of the oil is said to decrease the risk of heart disease, increase immunity, help prevent Alzheimer's disease and reduce inflammation or swelling. It can also be a weight loss aid and some say it even brightens the skin. (YuMaNuMA/Flickr)
  • Ginger: Said to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, ginger is an antioxidant that is supposed to be good for the stomach and can reduce nausea. In the US, ginger ale has long been used as a home remedy to sooth stomach problems. (DoWhile/Wikimedia Commons)
  • Green tea: For people looking to burn belly fat and lose weight quickly, drinking green tea is the supposed solution. It also is said to reduce the risk of heart disease, improve mental focus, and prevent signs of aging. (Kanko*/Flickr)
  • Cranberries: Best known for preventing urinary track infections, these delicious red treats are also said to protect against heart ad gum disease, stomach ulcers and cancer. (Andrew Yee/Flickr)
  • Kale: In the same family as broccoli and brussels sprouts, kale is packed with nutrients and got its big marketing break when people started making crisps out of it. (SweetOnVeg/Flickr)
  • Pommegranate, the miracle fruit for fighting cancer, arthritis, ageing, heart disease and even developmental problems has become a trendy juice choice in recent years. (waferboard/Flickr)
  • Quinoa: This grain has been dubbed a superfood by some food gurus out there because it contains a ton of protein. It has been so successful that is is near unaffordable for locals in Bolivia, where it has been a staple for years. (SweetOnVeg/Flickr)

- Alaina McConnell and Kim Bhasin/BusinessInsider.com

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