Nutritionists have created a buzz around 20 or so bug-busting superfoods rich in antioxidants and packed with vitamins.

The most commonly reported superfood is the blueberry which has a thick skin storing large amounts of fibre, folic acid and vitamins C and E. Skin thickness and colour is a known indicator of high mineral content as this is where nature hides the good stuff. When thinking of superfoods think vibrant colour, anything deep or bright such as red, orange, purple or blue are excellent.
 
Dark chocolate is also included as a superfood, as these are high in flavonoids or antioxidants. The antioxidant fad has only just begun as people start to understand that foods can help you look great and feel even better. Antioxidants work by cleaning up 'free radicals' (a by-product of digestion) which destroy cells and hamper our immune response. Tests also show that a good daily intake of antioxidents can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, liver failure and can also reduce cholesterol hugely.

The most commonly quoted SuperFoods;

* Beans
* Blueberries – antioxidants, fiber, folic acid and vitamins C and E
* Broccoli
* Oats
* Oranges
* Pumpkin
* Salmon & other Oily Fish
* Soy
* Spinach- lutein (for eyes), antioxidants, B,C&E; iron, betaine (good for the heart)
* Tea (green or black)
* Tomatoes (cooked!)
* Turkey
* Walnuts
* Yogurt- probiotics fight bad bacteria, aid digestion, help metabolize food, calcium&protein.
* Avocadoes– monounsaturates & helps the body absorb nutrients from other foods
* Dark Chocolate (a little)
* Kiwis– vitamin c (loaded with!) & rival bananas for potassium weight for weight
* Garlic
* Potatoes

Dr. Perricone M.D. known for his guest appearances on 'Oprah, gives his favourite list of superfood below;

* Wild Alaskan Salmon
* Açai Berry -- A high energy berry from the Amazon
* The Allium Family -- Garlic, onions, shallots, leeks and chives
* Barley
* Green foods including blue green algae, barley grass and wheat grass
* Buckwheat seed -- More protein than rice or wheat
* Beans and lentils -- High in fiber
* Hot peppers -- Anti-inflammatory analgesic
* Nuts and seeds
* Sprouts
* Yogurt or kefir

This fad looks to be one that is set to stay. The basic principal of health first, makes the super food phenomenon highly topical and attractive, but it may take many years for these ingredients to be incorporated into daily diets for the majority weaned on fast food.