Superfoods are a special category of foods found in nature. By definition they are typically low in calories and rich in nutrients which means you get a lot of nutritional bang for your buck.

They are superior sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and many other phytonutrients that our body cannot make on its own.

But what makes a food an ultimate superfood?

To be quite honest with you, I believe almost ALL plant foods are ultimate superfoods. If we maybe spent a little more time enjoying the powerful benefits of simple everyday foods like lettuce, kale, and blueberries we wouldn’t need to fuss about the latest “miracle” superfood to hit the shelves.

In December 2014, the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study that developed and validated a classification for defining “powerhouse fruits and vegetables” as foods providing, on average, 10% or more daily value per 100 kcal of 17 qualifying nutrients. Of the 47 foods studied, 41 satisfied the “powerhouse” criterion.

I’ve listed the top 10 for you here, in descending order:

1. Watercress
2. Chinese cabbage
3. Swiss chard
4. Beet greens
5. Spinach
6. Chicory
7. Leaf lettuce
8. Parsley
9. Romaine lettuce
10. Collard greens

Notice any exotic superfoods on this list? Nope, me neither.

What this means is that you can get amazing nutrition from everyday foods you can buy at your local grocery store. That’s not to say certain “exotic” superfoods don’t have their place, but at least you can start with more accessible superfoods that are probably already in your kitchen.

 Want to discover more of my ultimate superfoods? Check out the links below to go deeper.

My Best Ultimate Superfood Resources: 

Cheat-Sheet: 45 Incredible Uses for Coconut Oil (And Benefits)

11 Eye-Opening Ways Cinnamon Benefits Your Health

8 Powerful Reasons to Start Eating More Alfalfa

8 Odd Reasons Maca Does a Body Good

12 Awesome Greens Powder Recipe Ideas You’ve Probably Never Tried

This is How Apple Cider Vinegar Works for Weight Loss

Top 12 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar You Need to Know (Backed by Science)

10 Powerful Adaptogenic Herbs That Will Lower Your Stress

Selenium for Thyroid: The Missing Ingredient You Need to Know

Resistant Starch: Everything You Need to Know About This Healthy Carb

---