5 Superfoods you should take a look at

A special category of foods found in nature known today as Super foods, are a superior source of essential nutrients and anti-oxidants - nutrients our bodies need but cannot make by themselves. These foods are nutrient dense and calorie sparse meaning that they pack a lot of punch for their size and weight. Let’s take a look at five of these amazing foods.

• Raw cacao contains an array of minerals and unique properties including high levels of magnesium and sulphur. Cacao may increase your focus and alertness; it also has nutrients (phenylethylamine) that keep you happy and smiling for longer. Cacao beans contain 14 times more flavanoids (antioxidants) than red wine and a whopping 21 times more than green tea. So if you plan on buying yourself some raw cacao beans be sure to attain organic raw cacao in a powder, whole bean or nib form. Most processed cacao beans have lost almost all their nutrients due to excessive temperatures during the refining process.

• Green leafy vegetables come in many forms you could try any of the following - dandelion greens, spinach, mustard sprouts, broccoli sprouts, chicory, rocket, watercress, parsley, kale, endive or lettuce. Studies continually confirm that populations who consume a diet high in green leafy vegetables run a far lower risk of cancer and heart disease. Leafy vegetables also contain high doses of enzymes, chlorophyll, proteins and large varieties of vitamins and minerals which are all very beneficial to your well being.

• Coconuts are by far one of the highest sources of electrolytes in nature - electrolytes are ionized salts contained in our cells that transport energy throughout our bodies. The water in coconuts are identical to the molecular structure of human blood plasma, this means that your body will recognize it immediately and then put it to good use. So instead of drinking a refined sports drink for energy you could rather drink some coconut water for that extra boost.

• Pomegranate fruits contain tannins, anthocyanins and polyphenols all of which are beneficial antioxidants. Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice a day may reduce high blood pressure. Evidence also suggests that it lowers or slows down low density lipoprotein "LDL" cholesterol (bad cholesterol) oxidation.

• Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of protein, rich in B-vitamins, antioxidants, magnesium and fibre. Nuts on the whole contain plant sterols and omega 3 fatty acids which improve blood vessel elasticity and plaque accumulation. Walnuts have also been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and the C- Reactive Protein (CRP)

So if you want to feel a bit healthier treat yourself to a superfood or two, what do you have to lose ?