In Pictures: 10 Surprising Superfoods

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Raw Chocolate

We're not talking about Hershey's here. Raw chocolate--or the cacao nut--is the real superfood. (Any chocolate that's below 70% cacao has very little nutritional value.) Along with omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, the bitter nut contains magnesium, plant-source iron and phenylethylamine, said to enhance one's mood.




Buckwheat Honey

In general, honey is categorized as a high-glycemic food, which means it causes a spike in the body's sugar levels. But dark honey, like buckwheat, neutralizes sugar levels, according to Pratt. The sweetener is also an anti-inflammatory packed with anti-oxidants, which help improve brain and heart functions. It also has anti-bacterial properties and is used to help heal wounds in certain cultures.







Avocados

Sure, this buttery fruit is high in fat, but it's primarily monounsaturated fat, which means it doesn't clog arteries. Avocados are also high in potassium (which can reduce the risk of high blood pressure), B vitamins (which promote healthy skin and muscle tone), vitamin E (which protects against cardiovascular disease) and vitamin K (which improves bone health), as well as insoluble and soluble fiber, which help aid in digestion.





Pumpkin

Used most in a super-sweet pie filling, pumpkin, on its own, is highly-nutritious. The fruit contains antioxidants like carotenoids, a defense against cell damage, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, an eye disease that can result in blindness. When baked with spices--sweet or savory--pumpkin is a delicious, healthy side dish or snack.





Black Tea

Although green tea is often lauded for its health benefits, black tea--more popular in the West--comprises theaflavins and thearubigens, which have been found to be effective in preventing dementia and lowering cholesterol.





Eggs

This popular, cheap food was once associated with high cholesterol and heart disease. However, more recent studies have found that notion to be false. An egg, on average, only contains 1.5 grams of saturated fat. They also contain vitamin D (which keeps bones strong), choline--a nutrient that aids in heart and brain health--and sulfur and other minerals, great for keeping hair and nails strong.





Cinnamon

This slightly sweet spice helps to slow down the rush of sugar to the blood, known to affect insulin levels and sometimes cause weight gain. It's also an anti-inflammatory, which means it can help delay the onset of aging.





Tomato Paste

No-salt or low-salt tomato paste has the highest concentration of lycopene of all tomatoes or tomato products, according to Pratt. The phytochemical is a natural blood thinner and a strong defense against certain diseases like prostate cancer.





Frozen Blueberries

Don't worry about losing nutrients by freezing your fruit--that's a fallacy, according to Pratt. Any kind of blueberry--frozen or unfrozen--is good for you. The fruit is filled with immune-boosting Vitamin C and antioxidants said to improve brain function. Research at the Boston-based USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging showed that blueberries can help to increase the number of cells in the area of the brain responsible for memory.






Wasabi

Japanese horseradish--a potent condiment often eaten with sushi--has several potential health benefits. It's said to help prevent everything from ulcers and tooth decay to blood clots and asthma. It also has antibacterial properties.




http://www.forbes.com/2008/08/07/sup...hisSpeed=30000