Plant-based superfoods are popular, and for good reason! Whether you're a full-blown plant lover or you just know you need more produce in your life, there are superfoods that can help you. They can give you more energy and vitality every day, reduce inflammation and protect against disease. Even Dr. Oz is talking about the wonders of a plant-based diet on national television lately. So let's look at the top vegan super foods that can rock your world even if you're an omnivore. 

 

Cacao

This Amazonian tree gave us chocolate, so it must be magical! But truly, cacao has many health benefits to offer you. The antioxidants in cacao have many powers. Research suggests that cacao can help:

• Reduce blood pressure
• Protect against oxidative stress and inflammation
• Boost your magnesium levels
• Protect against anemia and iron deficiency
• Balance cholesterol levels
• Reduce heart disease risk
• Protect skin from damage
• Boost blood flow to the brain

 

That really does make it a true superfood!

 

Add it to: Your smoothies, desserts, drinks – the options are endless with cacao. It even goes nicely with savory dishes, adding a rich flavor. If you want to stick to eating chocolate, make sure you look for at least 70% cacao content for the greatest health benefits.

 

Maca

This traditional Peruvian root has taken the world by storm with its health benefits. Maca is actually related to other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, and is packed to the brim with vitamin C. But that's not all it has to offer. Maca may help to:

• Boost libido
• Increase male fertility
• Alleviate symptoms associated with menopause
• Enhance mood
• Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Enhance endurance and athletic performance
• Boost memory
• Aid in optimal brain function

 

It's no wonder why the native Peruvians were so fond of this superfood.

 

Add it to: Smoothies, oats, desserts and even sauces. Maca adds a subtle nutty, earthy flavor to dishes.

 

Chia seeds

They started off as our friends when we grew chia pets. But now we've realized that chia seeds have much more to offer us than just a pet. Chia seeds may help to:

• Relieve constipation

• Boost digestive health and encourage good gut flora
• Reduce inflammation
• Balance cholesterol levels
• Reduce hunger and cravings
• Support healthy brain function

 

So if you want a super healthy tummy and body, add this super seed into your diet.

 

Add it to: Puddings, smoothies, yogurt, cereal – anything that contains liquid, really! Just remember that it will soak up a lot of liquid, so you might need to add extra.

 

Flaxseeds

Flaxseed is chia's seedy cousin, but it offers plenty of benefits too. Flax is a vegan's dream, offering even more anti-inflammatory omega-3s per serve than chia. But that's just one of the benefits of adding it into your diet. Flaxseed may help to:

• Relieve constipation
• Boost digestive health and encourage good gut flora
• Reduce inflammation
• Balance cholesterol levels
• Reduce heart disease risk
• Reduce hunger and cravings
• Support healthy brain function

 

This ancient seed just might be the plant world's answer to our anti-inflammatory needs!

 

Add it to: The same options as chia. Both chia and flax can also be used as replacements for eggs in recipes – just remember to gel them first, so they bind properly.

 

Turmeric

It wouldn't be a superfood list without turmeric. The darling of the health world, this anti-inflammatory superstar out-performs even medications in its benefits. The research supports that turmeric may:

• Reduce inflammation
• Reduce pain
• Aid in blood sugar regulation
• Soothe inflamed skin and acne
• Protect brain health
• Reduce cholesterol naturally
• Protect against cancer

 

It certainly earns its reputation as one of the most potent superfoods in the world!

 

Add it to: Curries, beverages, desserts, smoothies, snacks… there's not much that turmeric can't be added to. The earthy flavor lends itself to both savory and sweet dishes. Just remember to include a pinch of black pepper and a fat source for optimal absorption.

 

Seaweed

The sea has much to share with us. Seaweed is the super-vegetable of the ocean, so it's time to get acquainted. Each type of seaweed has slightly different nutrient levels, antioxidants and benefits – just like vegetables. But we do know that seaweed may help:

• Boost energy
• Optimize metabolism and thyroid function
• Support digestive health and healthy bacteria
• Prevent constipation
• Boost the body's mineral stores
• Protect the body from inflammation and oxidative stress
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce heart disease risk

 

All of these health perks add up to a superfood status in our eyes. It's also a super affordable option to add in if you're on a tight budget.

 

Add it to: Soups, salads, and of course sushi dishes. Seaweed gives a salty flavor that reminds you of the beach – how dreamy!

 

Baobab

This one is fairly new to the market, although it is ancient in origin. A powder made of an African fruit, it has plenty to offer. Although research is still in the early stages, it's believed baobab may:

• Boost immunity
• Add in digestive health by feeding healthy bacteria
• Protect the body from inflammation and oxidative stress
• Prevent constipation
• Boost energy levels

 

That sounds like a good starting point for a new superfood. Who knows what else this super fruit may offer us?

 

Add it to: Smoothies, yogurt, oats, desserts – best with sweet dishes, but that doesn't mean you can't add a sprinkle to savory options too.

 

Matcha

Imagine you took all of the benefits of green tea, and then concentrated it into a super-dose. That's exactly what matcha is. Matcha is green tea in a powder form, so you can consume a higher dose easily. That means that matcha can potentially help:

• Fight cancer
• Boost concentration and focus
• Aid in stress management
• Reduce heart disease risk
• Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
• Boost immunity

 

So why not get a super dose of green tea goodness by enjoying matcha on the regular?

 

Add it to: Your latte in the morning instead of coffee. Or include it in snacks, smoothies and desserts – there's plenty of recipes online for delicious matcha creations! Matcha has a slight bitter flavor, so use it in small doses when paired with a sweet treat.

 

So what superfood will you add in today? Are there any you'd like us to feature in our recipes section? Share with us below.