Superfoods: The superhero in the frozen aisle?

Superfoods. It conjures up images of a strawberry with a cape, but it's actually the marketing term for foods that are really great for you. Whether they're rich in protein, rich in antioxidants, or just good for your tummy, these foods are the foods you should be consuming a lot more often.

Like, on a daily to weekly basis.

What are the different kinds of superfoods, and what are their health benefits? 
The age old question, I suppose. What's good for you, and why?

Goji Berries - Everyone always tells you to eat oranges because they contain so much Vitamin C. Well, if you eat a handful of Goji berries, you'll be ingesting quite a bit more. These berries have 500 times more Vitamin C in one ounce, than an orange does. Than pretty much any other fruit, actually. If that wasn't enough, they also contain a significant amount of vitamins B1, B2, B6, A, and E. Pretty cool, huh? Plus they contain 18 amino acids and 21 trace minerals. Perhaps we should all add goji berries to our grocery lists. 


Acai - Now, this one seems to be more common than goji berries, but it's only been a recent fad. This particular fruit, often eaten by those in the Amazonian region, contains a very significant source of antioxidants, the kind found in red wine. However, it's important to note that when you're buying Acai berries - freeze-dried or regular - you need to make sure they've done it in a way that maintains all of the nutrients. You wouldn't want to eat a whole bunch of berries, and realize you've melted away all of the good parts. 

Cocao or Cocoa Powder - Yes! We finally see chocolate (or chocolate-like things) on the nice list, even if it is in powder form. Similar to the garden variety of chocolate, these powders contain flavonoids, which help to lower blood pressure, as well as improve blood flow to the brain and heart. Sounds pretty spectacular, huh? It gives you the chocolate flavor in whatever you're making, just without all of the guilt. Especially considering these powders have little to no fat! 


Seaweed - Suddenly we're all going to start acting like mermaids! Or fish. While you the most common place you'll find seaweed is with sushi, there are actually several other types of seaweed, and they are all pretty fantastic for you. They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, similar to fish, which help to prevent strokes and heart failure. They are also rich in calcium, iron, potassium, iodine, and zinc. If sushi isn't really calling you, you can simply add this to a stir-fry-like dish. It will be very similar to cabbage, but with a lot more nutrients. 

Kefir - Originating in Russia, it's like you're drinking vodka. Except with no alcohol, and more yogurt-like tastes. This superfood is very similar to yogurt, though perhaps a bit more sour. It's popularity has soared in recent years because of the growing interest in probiotics, and their benefits for the body. This contains serious probiotics, and it's suggested to begin with small doses so as not to overwhelm your body with too much good bacteria. This boosts your immune system, and helps with a healthy digestive system. Let's all add this one to our to-do list as well!