Superfoods!

It can be argued what superfoods actually are, but this list covers a lot of them and explains why. I've pulled it together from bits and pieces of other articles. I hope to include some of them in dishes at the shop.
(*The image mentions some not included in this list like kiwi, one of my favorites)

#1: Chocolate (Dark and Raw)
Your mouth will water and your heart will melt from the antioxidant flavonoids, which fight heart disease and cancer. A small serving daily can improve your cholesterol ratio and prevent cancer - particularly colon cancer.
Raw chocolate is one of the most powerful sources of magnesium on the planet. Not only does magnesium help with alertness and activity, it also helps with the blues. Raw chocolate also contains tryptophan--an essential amino acid--which helps naturally produce serotonin in your body. This is great news for those who need an emotional boost.

#2: Berries (blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries)
The antioxidants are just falling off the vine here, and each morsel contains off-the-charts amounts of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. No other food contains such an ample supply of phytochemicals, substances that plants create to protect against bacteria, viruses and other environmental threats.

#3: Maca
Maca is a Peruvian root powder that is used to increase strength and vitality. It contains lots of healthy minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iodine. 

The Peruvians and many others claim Maca can help fight depression, help with anemia and improve overall memory and vitality. And it's also reportedly a libido stimulant.

#4: Raw Honey
Unprocessed, raw honey which contains enzymes, phytonutrients, resins and propolis--bee glue. This unique combination of properties makes it versatile not only as a food, but as an anti-bacterial agent.

#5: Spirulina
Spirulina which is an algae that has high vegetable protein content and contains lots of B-12 vitamins and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). 

GLA and Vitamin B-12 are connected to mood, memory and general energy vitality. Many people believe that low B-12 levels for long periods of time is actually the cause of "old age" symptoms--fatigue, memory loss, confusion, etc. 

You can sprinkle it on your salads, add it to a smoothie, sauces or soups.

#6: Sea Vegetables (Seaweed)
Sea vegetables are grown in an environment replete with minerals that our body needs for optimal health.
This makes sea vegetables are one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. In fact, compared to "land" vegetables -- seaweed is one of the best vegetable sources of calcium, which helps muscle and bone development, strength and growth.



#7: Seeds ...
Seeds including pumpkin, hemp, flax, walnut and sunflower seeds top our seed list. The raw pumpkin seed is a great source of magnesium and tryptophan -- as well as protein, fat and other essential minerals. Other great seeds are walnut, hemp seed, flax seed and raw sunflower seeds. These all contain good fats and protein for optimal health.

#8: Tea ...
Tea is a superfood for its antioxidants and cholesterol lowering benefits. Both black and green tea are rich in antixoxidants, but green tea has ECGC, a powerful antioxidant that may have special health benefits. Researchers in Spain and the United Kingdom have also shown that ECGC can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. A recent Japanese study on green tea found that men who drank green tea regularly had lower cholesterol than those who didn’t.

#9: Garlic
This bulb bursts with phytochemicals that fight cancer, inflammation, and infection. Numerous clinical trials have shown garlic to be good for your heart by lowering cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.
A natural infection-fighter, crushed fresh garlic kills dangerous bacteria, fungal organisms, and even the amoebas that cause dysentery.

#10: Leafy Greens (like spinach, kale, bok choy, Swiss chard, arugula, romaine lettuce)
These jolly green giants of nutrition offer a lot: cancer-fighting phytochemicals, fiber, vitamin C, folic acid (the B vitamin that helps lower risk for heart disease, memory loss and birth defects), vitamin K (which helps build strong bones), and the minerals calcium, iron and potassium.

#11: Olive Oil.
Healthy monounsaturated fat abounds, as do antioxidant polyphenols. Olive oil also significantly reduces heart attacks. reduces high blood pressure, protects against cancer, and may slow the development of breast tumors.

#12: Wild Salmon
High in the omega-3 oils, wild salmon and its offshore relatives fight inflammation, regulate depression and other mood disorders, and reduce arthritis pain.
Other studies show that frequent consumption of wild salmon may even protect against Alzheimer's. Note that Sockeye salmon has the most vitamin B12 of all the salmon species, important for healthy nerves and blood cells.