12 Superfoods You Should Know About

Acai Berries: Known for its anti-aging and weight loss properties, this Brazalian superfood has amazing health benefits. Most beauty products may use acai oil because its antioxidant levels remain high even after being processed and stored long-term.

Amaranth: This super grain is extremely high in protein and can be used as a substitute for making flour, breads, pastas and baked goods. It is known to provide three times more fibre and five times more iron than wheat and has more protein than milk.

Recipe: Amaranth Tikkis by Seema Chandra

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Chia Seeds: The word ?chia' means strength. These are known to have been grown in Mexico since Mayan and Aztec cultures. Chia seeds are endowed with a high percentage of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium and are an excellent source of fiber. This makes it perfect as an energy food that helps in keeping you full for longer and supports weight loss.

Flax Seeds: Flax seeds are known to have been cultivated since 3000 BC. Research shows that lignan present in flax seeds may help in fighting cancer. Besides this, flax seeds are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acid and fibre which make it a heart-healthy super food.

Recipe: Noodle Salad with Flax Seeds by Aditya Bal & Devanshi

Goji Berries: This berry comes from a shrub native to China. Goji berries contain all 18 amino acids and are a great source of anti-oxidants and beta-carotene. Celebrities like Madonna and Mirander Kerr are known to swear by this super food. These berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for long.

Recipe: Yogurt Parfait with Goji Berries by Vicky Ratnani

Moringa Powder: Moringa is a plant grown in India also called horseradish or drumstick. Moringa leaves have a lemony taste and are touted as the world's most nutritious green. It is commonly sold in powdered form as a dietary supplement. Fresh Moringa leaves contain 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 4 times more calcium than milk; 3 times more potassium than bananas; 2 times more protein than yogurt; 4 times more vitamin A than carrots; 75% of the Iron of spinach.

Noni Fruit: Noni is an evergreen tree found in Pacific Islands, South-East Asia and India. Noni fruit is good for diabetes, blood pressure and heart health. It is treated as a therapeutic fruit which is known to cleanse your body. It contains over 150 phyto-nutrients. Phyto-nutrients are anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and boost immunity.

Recipe: Noni Power Smoothie by Henry Dimbleby and Jane Baxter

Purslane: Purslane is an incredibly nutritious and exotic weed. According to a study conducted at University of Texas at San Antonio, purslane contains the highest amount of heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable. It is popularly eaten in United States, Mexico, Middle East and Greece.

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Quinoa: Quinoa is a grain crop commonly grown in South America for its edible seeds. It is a source of complete protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids that the body needs.

Quinoa recipes

Raw cacao: Historically, Mayans and Aztecs used it for its healing properties and to gain immortality. Raw cacao is one of the greatest sources of antioxidants that help you fight free radicals in your body. It is also packed with flavonoids and magnesium. Magnesium is a muscle relaxant associated with feelings of calmness and flavonoids promote heart health. Raw unprocessed cocoa is considered superior since it has not gone under chemical processes.

Spirulina: Often regarded as the world's most nutritionally complete superfoods, spirulina is the highest source of protein and iron. This miracle plant is a blue-green algae and contains about 50-70 percent protein. It is usually available as a dietary supplement. Wild spirulina grows in the alkaline lakes of Mexico and African countries.

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Wheat grass: Packed with chlorophyll and super enzymes, this green superfood is known to prevent cancer, strengthen your immune system, improve blood flow and maintain a healthy digestive system. It is believed that the chlorophyll increases the oxygen levels in the body. Wheat grass is the young grass of a wheat plant, the above-ground parts of which are used to make medicines. It is commonly grown through Europe and the United States. Since it is tough to digest, it is usually crushed to make juice.