This list of superfoods includes foods that are frequently used in nutritional medicine and in special healing diets. These foods contain nutrients that are highly concentrated or even unique.
Cultured (fermented) vegan foods that have not been cooked or heated after the fermenting process contain probiotics (beneficial bacteria or beneficial yeast), enzymes, and often vitamin K2.
Kimchi (raw)
Kombucha (raw)
Kvass (raw)
Miso
Natto
Sauerkraut (raw)
Tempeh
Umeboshi plums
Super fruits are high in flavonoids, such as anthocyanins, and other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, carotenes, or vitamin E. When raw, they may be high in enzymes.
Acai
Acerola cherry
Amalaki
Bilberries
Blackberries
Blueberries
Camu-camu
Cherries (tart)
Cranberries
Goji berries
Grapes (Concord)
Green papaya
Mangosteen
Noni
Pomegranate
Rasberries
Saw palmetto
Fresh grasses contain chlorophyll, B vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Germ offers B vitamins, vitamin E, and other vitamins. Bran is a superior fiber.
Alfalfa
Barley grass
Corn germ
Oat bran
Rice bran
Wheat germ
Wheatgrass
Varied nutrients and phytochemicals, and a variety of medicinal uses: antioxidants, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, anti-cancer, other healing properties.
Aloe vera
Bitters
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cacao
Garlic
Ginger
Gingko
Ginseng
Green tea
Kale
Olive leaf
Olive oil
Onion
Pau d'arco
Sprouts
Turmeric
Vegetable juice (fresh)
Fresh (non-rancid) nuts and nut butters are "good fats," including omega-3 fats. They are often high in specific minerals.
Almonds
Brazil nuts
Pecans
Walnuts
Seeds contain a variety of nutrients and healthy fats. Coconut oil has many special properties.
Black current oil
Borage oil
Chia
Coconut
Coconut oil
Evening primrose oil
Flax
Varied high-vitamin, enzyme-rich substances collected and made by bees, that contain B vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Unadulterated raw honey (not the kind found in supermarkets) is a powerful antimicrobial.
Bee pollen
Bee propolis
Honey (Manuka, raw)
Royal jelly
Connective tissue and bone provide tissue-buildling and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Bone broth
Bovine cartilage
Shark cartilage
Raw and cultured dairy products have been used for thousands of years for sustenance and healing. They contain vitamins (including vitamin K2), minerals, probiotics, enzymes, and special immune factors.
Colostrum
High-vitamin butter oil
Kefir
Raw milk
Whey (raw)
Whey protein (undenatured or nondenatured)
Yogurt
Fish and seafood are traditional healthy foods providing special nutrition, including omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Some unusual sea animals have medicinal uses.
Caviar / roe
Cod liver oil (fermented)
Fish oil
Salmon (wild)
Sardines
Sea cucumber
Sea mussel
An edible animal organ contains concentrated nutrients used by the same organ in the human body. It is essential to be organic (to avoid toxins absorbed by the animal) and either fresh or freeze-dried. Raw organs and those from young animals are superior.
Adrenals
Brain
Glandulars
Heart
Kidney
Liver
Algae contain vitamins, minerals, iron, protein, beta-carotene, and chlorophyll.
Blue-green algae
Chlorella
Dunaliella
Spirulina
Mushrooms have multiple medicinal uses, especially in Chinese medicine. Many uses are immune related: anti-cancer, and to boost or modulate the immune response.
Cordyceps
Maitake
Reishi
Shiitake
Seaweeds or "sea vegetables" have highly concentrated minerals, including iodine, calcium, and iron.
Agar-agar
Arame
Dulse
Hijiki
Irish moss
Kelp
Nori / laver
Wakame / alaria
Yeast contains B vitamins, protein, and minerals and modulates the immune system.
Brewer's yeast
Nutritional yeast