Superfoods seems like a recent term. It’s a buzzword that keeps popping up, turning uncommon foods into the latest health craze. So, you may be surprised to learn that the first recorded superfood was the humble banana. And it was labeled a superfood over 100 years ago.
Around World War I, The United Fruit Company began marketing bananas as a superfood. They promoted bananas as low cost, healthy, and easy to digest. The American Medical Association (AMA) backed this claim. Research at the time found that bananas could help treat celiac disease and diabetes. (This was before the role of gluten in celiac disease was understood.) With the support of the AMA, the superfood label stuck, and bananas became a staple food.
These days, new superfoods are introduced all the time. Avocados, chia seeds, green tea, salmon, and seaweed—all of these foods gained popularity thanks to being marketed as superfoods.
The term superfood is used to describe foods that are packed with compounds that are good for your health. It is not a scientific label—it’s a marketing term. It’s used by companies to sell more products. But these foods do tend to be quite nutritious. They are often high in nutrients like antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. In other words, superfoods are nutrient-dense foods.
Keep in mind that no single food will make you healthy, super or not. Health comes from your overall diet and lifestyle. The key is to eat a wide variety of foods to get a balanced mix of all the nutrients you need. And yet, it can be fun to try new foods. And it surely doesn’t hurt to eat whole foods that are rich in nutrients.
Do you wonder if you’re eating the right foods? Here are 5 signs that your food plan may need a tune-up.
Ready to dive into the world of nutrient-dense foods? The superfoods below come from all over the world. And they are rich in nutrients that many people could use more of, such as fiber, protein, and calcium. Most of them are also antioxidant-rich foods, which may help prevent disease . You may not be able to find these foods at your local grocery store, but you can find them at health food stores, international or cultural supermarkets, or online.
Check out these 5 superfoods from around the world:
What it is: Leaves and seeds from the moringa tree, often called the “miracle tree.” In the US, you’re most likely to find moringa as a powder made from the leaves. It has a grassy taste, like matcha. Fresh leaves have a bitter, peppery taste.
Why it’s healthy: Rich in protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. These nutrients help support healthy bones and eyesight. They help fight inflammation.
What it is: A tiny, gluten-free whole grain. It comes in white, brown, and red varieties. White or ivory teff has the mildest flavor. Darker varieties have an earthier flavor.
Why it’s healthy: High in calcium and resistant starch , which can help with blood sugar management and weight control.
What it is: A small red berry with a tart flavor. It’s also known as a wolfberry and typically sold dried.
Why it’s healthy: High in protein and fiber, as well as many vitamins and minerals, and packed with antioxidants. Vitamins and minerals include vitamins A and C, riboflavin, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Goji berries are also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.
What it is: A star-shaped seed with a nutty flavor. It’s also known as an Inca peanut.
Why it’s healthy: A good source of antioxidants and vitamin E. It’s also high in protein and rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—polyunsaturated fats that support heart health.
What it is: Fruit from the “tree of life.” The fruit dries naturally on the tree’s branches, and the fruit pulp is removed and ground into a powder.
Why it’s healthy: High in vitamin C and a good source of B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, fiber, and antioxidants.
Remember, your health isn’t built on one—or even a few—superfoods. It comes from the consistent healthy choices that you make each day. Aim for a balanced mix of fruits and veggies, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats (plus plenty of water). And if you’re feeling adventurous, explore the world of superfoods. Let them add an exciting nutritional boost to your already healthy diet.
The information in this and other Active&Fit® blog articles is not intended to take the place of regular medical care or advice. Please check with your doctor before using this information or beginning any fitness or self-care program. Images used for this article do not depict any members of the Active&Fit Direct program.
References
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Cleveland Clinic. (2026, January 13). A quick introduction to moringa. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/moringa-benefits
Damiani, R. (2023, September 26). New evidence of health benefits from African grain teff. UNC Greensboro. https://research.uncg.edu/news/new-evidence-of-health-benefits-from-african-grain-teff/
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Oldways Whole Grains Council. (n.d.). Teff and millet – November grains of the month. https://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/grain-month-calendar/teff-and-millet-%E2%80%93-november-grains-month
Quinton, A. (2018, October 18). Moringa: The next superfood? UC Davis. https://www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/moringa-next-superfood
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UC Davis Health. (2022, January 13). Dried goji berries may provide protection against age-related macular degeneration. https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/dried-goji-berries-may-provide-protection-against-age-related-macular-degeneration/2022/01
University of California, Davis. (2025, January 6). What makes superfood so super? https://www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/what-makes-superfood-so-super
World Food Programme. (2024, October 16). Super resilient, super nutritious superfoods! https://www.wfp.org/stories/super-resilient-super-nutritious-superfoods
This article was written by Keleigh Somes, edited by Gail Olson, and clinically reviewed by Elizabeth Thompson, MPH, RDN, on April 24, 2026.