A superfood is a food rich in phytochemicals, which are special chemicals that have been noted to have disease-fighting properties. Phytochemicals can reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer, reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, or in some other way contribute to a person being healthier. When foods are high in these phytochemicals, they may be eaten not only because they taste good, but because they are good for you too.

There are a number of superfoods, many of them derived from vegetables or fruit. Surprisingly, there are a few superfoods that wouldn’t be things you’d normally just sit down and eat alone. For instance, cocoa is considered a superfood because it contains flavinoids, which have antioxidant properties. You wouldn’t probably eat raw cocoa powder, but it may be nice to know that your chocolate bar may make be both anti-aging and delicious.

Examples of superfoods that are fruits include blueberries, cranberries, red grapes, pink grapefruit, mangos, mangosteen, papaya, watermelons and tomatoes. What makes these fruits so super is that they are packed with special nutrients, the phytochemicals mentioned above. For example, tomatoes are high in lycopene, which may reduce risk for prostate cancer, and high in beta carotene, which may promote greater mental alertness and slow conditions like Alzheimer’s. Vitamin C is another nutrient indicated in anti-aging and possible reduction in risk of developing cancer.

Some special, but not always easily obtainable, fruits are called superfruits because of their high phytochemical content, and also because they may be rare. Superfruit is also a frequently bandied about term used as a marketing ploy, since consumers may feel more inclined to choose a fruit that is super instead of your average ordinary fruit. This superfood subcategory includes blueberries, cranberries, acai, goji (wolfberry), guarana, noni, mangosteen, and pomegranate.

There are plenty of vegetables that are definitely worthy of the title superfood. You’ll find high amounts of different phytochemicals in many leafy green vegetables. Grains and other food additives are also considered super — soybeans, flax seed and quinoa are good examples. Garlic, aloe vera, honey, and any foods thought to have probiotic qualities may also be classed as a superfood.

With the exception of a few of the rarer foods on the superfood list, you’ll tend to provide yourself with a wealth of phytonutrients by eating a diet rich in dietary fiber that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. In fact, it would be a mistake to limit your consumption to only the foods on any superfood list, since other valuable nutrients could be missed if you do. A well-rounded diet, with perhaps a few superfoods added is probably one of the most nutritious ways to eat. Don’t forget to allow yourself the occasional piece of chocolate cake and even a cup of coffee, since both of these are derived from superfoods as well.