26 Scrumptious Super Foods: From A to Z!

Not all foods are created equal; some will provide a lot more bang for the proverbial buck. While you should definitely do your own research to see what benefits different foods will have for you, here is a quick journey from A to Z through just some "Super Foods" out there that you might not realize will greatly benefit your body.

Avocado

Avocados are interesting in that they have more potassium than bananas, and are rich in fatty acids. The latter may sound bad, but they are rich in an acid that is actually good for you called oleic acid which is also the main component of olive oil, making it “heart healthy.”

Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium which together can help to lower your risk of some cancers. And they are just plain tasty!

Chia Seeds

This whole-grain provides the body healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium. This unprocessed food can be sprinkled on just about anything including yogurt, vegetables, cereal, and spread on a plant (if you are into that sort of thing).

Dark Chocolate

Flavonols in dark chocolate are a rich source of antioxidants. Many believe that the flavonol ingredients are heart healthy and promote healthy blood pressure.

Eggs

Eggs have gotten a bad rap, but they are actually really good for you! While they are relatively high in cholesterol, they provide good cholesterol and help regulate bad cholesterol. In addition, they are rich in eye healthy antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthine which reduce the chances of age-related eye disorders like cataracts.

Flaxseed

A grain that is high in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, many believe that a diet that includes flaxseed will help reduce heart related disease.

Grapes

Loaded with antioxidants and have been down to help lower bad cholesterol in your body. That and they are naturally sweet and make a great snack.

Honey

Honey has been used medicinally for thousands of years and has been used to treat everything from respiratory illness to dandruff! In addition, honey is rich in antioxidants and inhibits the growth of certain bacteria.

Inca Berries

Full of vitamins A and C as well as phosphorous, this South American berry is high in protein, which is unusual for a berry. It is also a good source of fiber.

Jalapeño

Along with other spicy foods it includes capsaicin which helps to suppress appetite. They also help to convert fat into useable fuel for the body.

Kiwi

Kiwi is packed with vitamin C–almost 250% of the required daily amount–but is also rich in folate which is needed for cellular health. Kiwi is also super sweet and a great dessert option.

Lemon

Like other citrus fruits, it is rich in vitamin C, which will help the body to better absorb iron, so it pairs well with foods rich in iron!

Milk (Chocolate)

Chocolate milk has been found to be a good recovery drink when exercising, with all of the benefits of chocolate mentioned previously, as well as calcium intake from the milk itself.

Nuts

Most nuts are high in unsaturated fats that, when combined with a low-calorie diet, are heart healthy. Almonds specifically have been found to potentially lower blood pressure.

Oatmeal

Whole-grain oats are a great source of fiber and magnesium. These work to lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar. A bowl of oatmeal for breakfast can be a great start to the day!

Pumpkin

Both the meaty flesh and the seeds have benefits that you won’t want to pass up. The seeds have been found to lower risk of an inflamed prostate and bladder stones, while the flesh is rich in carotene and vitamin K.

Quinoa

Quinoa provides a great protein rich substitute for vegetarian diets, or as a great addition to any meal. Quinoa tends to take on the flavor of what it is cooked with and is quite tasty.

Radish

The radish is currently being studied for links to preventing cancer and aiding in cancer treatments, specifically breast cancer.

Salmon

Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids that your body means but doesn’t produce on its own. Eating more salmon can really help in regulating your good to bad cholesterol levels.

Tea (Green or Black)

Tea can go a long way with aiding your cardiovascular system, and is believed by many to boost the immune system against certain cancers. Green tea has been linked to skin health, and black tea has proved to be helpful with sunburn.

Ugli Fruit

This citrus fruit is like a cross between a grapefruit, orange, and tangerine. Rich in vitamin C, this fruit will only set you back 90 calories!

Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is rich in acetic acid which can help inhibit certain bacteria growth.

Wheat Grass

This “young” wheat is packed with high levels of nutrient rich enzymes. It may even work to prevent plaque build up in arteries.

Xigua (Watermelon)

Finding a food that starts with ‘X’ is hard! Xigua is a specific kind of watermelon, so it officially fits the bill. As their name suggests, water is a primary ingredient, which makes this a refreshing treat. Low in sugar, xigua provides citrulline which assists the body in producing arginine which can help lower blood pressure.

Yams

You will get plenty of fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese which will assist in the production of serotonin, assisting with the nervous system.

Zucchini

Another food high in vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese, zucchini also provides folate!