Superfoods are most effective as part of a balanced diet

So-called superfoods have been at the forefront of our attempts to get healthier. It's said they can ward off heart disease, cancer, hypertension, cholesterol and more. But are they really this miraculous?

There is no scientific, legal or medical definition of what a superfood is, but it generally refers to whole, unprocessed food that is naturally high in nutrients. A superfood contains high concentrations of a variety of micronutrients, such as minerals, vitamins, protein, antioxidants and good fats.

The nutrients in a superfood are more efficiently absorbed by the body compared to man-made mineral and vitamin supplements,

Although superfoods such as maca root, spirulina and acai berry have recently taken their place in the limelight, many have been consumed for thousands of years.

You'll be surprised at how many superfoods your kitchen already has: ginseng, garlic, beans, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes and walnuts are all superfoods. They dispel the myth that superfoods are expensive, and only found in high-end supermarkets.

Superfoods add a healthy boost because they are rich in vitamins, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and other minerals that are easily absorbed by the body. They have properties that work to keep your body healthy in the long run. For example:

• Beets have a naturally occurring nitrate content that can help reduce blood pressure.