How many superfoods do you include in your weekly diet? Superfoods refer to a variety of foods that contain a high concentration of beneficial nutrients and vitamins, providing a variety of health benefits when added into the diet. While there are a number of superfoods, the top 10 are listed below.

1. Blueberries. Blueberries are one of the superfoods native to North America. Blueberries are most well known for their high concentration of antioxidants, powerful in aiding the body in the reduction of free radicals. In addition to antioxidants, blueberries are also packed with a variety of vitamins and a high fiber content.
2. Pumpkin Seeds. While pumpkin seeds are not a common household staple, they are high on the list of superfoods for their powerful health benefits to those who consume them. Pumpkin seeds are high in fiber, protein, magnesium, iron and zinc. Each of these nutrients offer health benefits to the body, but pumpkin seeds have shown particular promise in the reduction of cholesterol in the body. Another powerful benefit of pumpkin seeds is that they work to boost the immune system of the body, aiding its ability to ward off a variety of illnesses.
3. Avocado. The avocado is considered to be one of the world’s healthiest foods, packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber. The avocado is also high in oleic acid, a proven substance to reduce cholesterol in the body as well a breast cancer preventative. Most people find that this superfood is one of the easiest to add into the diet.
4. Sweet Potatoes. Often remembered only at Thanksgiving, the sweet potato is in fact a top superfood. In addition to the extensive list of vitamins and minerals, sweet potatoes have shown the ability to reduce inflammation in the body, helpful for a variety of joint and bone issues in the body. Also, sweet potatoes have shown promise in the reduction of free radicals in the body as the vegetable contains a high concentration of antioxidants.
5. Goji Berries. There has been increasing attention placed on the goji berry fruit in recent years as it has been made more readily available in the consumer market place. The goji berry is native to the Himalayans and has been used for centuries in ancient medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. Goji berries contain over 500 times as much Vitamin C than an orange, well known for its health benefits as well. Goji berries also contain high concentrations of beta carotene, amino acids, B vitamins and Vitamin E. Among the many health benefits referenced, the goji berries have been shown to reduce cholesterol, to improve vision, to reduce the signs of aging and to have cancer prevention properties.
6. Aloe Vera. Most people are familiar with the skin benefits of aloe vera, but were not familiar with the plant’s designation as a superfood. The leaves of aloe vera contain over 200 active nutrients or compounds, including amino acids, vitamins, and over 20 minerals. One of the most unique nutrients found in the plant is vitamin B-12, one of the only non-animal sources of this important vitamin. In addition to these important nutrients, the plant has also shown to reduce inflammation in the body, to aid digestion, to boost the immune system and to increase collagen production in the body.
7. Bee Pollen. Bee pollen has been referred to by many as the ‘perfect food’. Bee pollen contains 16 vitamins, 28 minerals and a variety of healthy enzymes. It also contains fatty acids, lecithin, phytonutrients, and hormone precursors. It has shown signs of anti aging properties, cholesterol lowering abilities and immune system enhancement.
8. Kale. Kale is not commonly consumed in North America, but it has a variety of disease prevention properties. It is also packed with beta carotene, a known substance for the promotion of eye health. Kale is rich with iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and Vitamin C as well.
9. Broccoli. This is one of the more common superfoods on the list, eaten regularly by individuals throughout the Western world. It is considered to be superfood as it contains nutrients such as folate, fiber, calcium, vitamin C and beta-carotene. It is considered to be a superfood both for its cancer fighting properties and its ability to prevent birth defects in newborns.
10. Cranberries. Cranberries are one of the most densely packed foods with antioxidants, working to reduce the risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease in those who add the fruit to their regular diets.