If you're no newbie to the vegan or healthy lifestyle, chances are you've heard the word “superfoods” being thrown around a lot. The term might make you wonder - is this a new genetically developed food that's meant to be superior to our average, everyday staples? Well, not quite.

While the term is new and trendy, superfoods have actually been around since the beginning of time. In fact, you’ve probably been eating them without knowing!

But what exactly are superfoods? Simply put, superfoods are foods that are packed with an unusually high concentration of nutrition, vitamins, and minerals. The "good stuff." They generally have a high nutrition-to-calorie ratio (in other words, nutritionally dense with low calories). As expected, the vast majority of superfoods are comprised of fruits and vegetables.

The term “superfood" is still mostly something that marketers came up with and actively promoted. It's not officially recognized by any health organization, nor is it used by dietitians and nutritionists. So don't buy into the hype! It's important to be educated and read labels before purchasing anything simply labeled a "superfood".

With that said, the health benefits of real superfoods are undeniable. Study after study still proves this point. A lot of them, for instance, are rich in antioxidants, naturally found in a lot of fruits like berries, this is a compound that’s scientifically proven to help fight cancer.

So, what are some of the best superfoods?Glad you asked! Being mostly plants and vegetables, there are tons of choices for any discerning vegan. But the best ones include:

1. Berries

For their small size, berries are amazingly packed with a lot of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. They're a powerful counter to cancer and heart disease. They also help prevent digestive problems, inflammation, and immune system-related disorders.The problem with berries is that they’re not always in season and can get pricey. The best way to get around both of those issues is to buy them frozen. Or, just grab a berry-packed drink like our Superfood Beauty Mix, a delicious drink that gives all the health benefits of berries. Bonus - it also has adaptogens to promote your natural beauty!

2. Leafy Vegetables

No mention of superfoods will be complete without dark leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale. They’re a fantastic source of Vitamin A and C, as well as phyto-chemicals and fiber.A convenient way of incorporating leafy greens into your diet is with our Supergreens Powder. This is a powerhouse mix of 19 green superfoods, such as herbs, algae, and of course, leafy veggies. Great addition to a smoothie!

3. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a nutritionally packed source of healthy fats that promote optimal heart health. They also provide a significant dose of antioxidants, fiber, calcium, and iron.This super seed is versatile and can be added to anything, from smoothies and salads.

4. Mushrooms

These earthy umami bombs are actually a nutritionally dense food source. They contain Vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants unique to mushrooms. What’s more, vegans love them for being very sustainable to grow.

It's best to consume multiple varieties of mushrooms to maximize all of their health benefits. And the best way to do this is with our 10 Mushroom Superfood Blend and Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane. With a simple drink, you’ll have easily fulfilled your daily dose of this nutritious fungus!

What's your go to superfood? Tell us in the comments!