The concept of superfoods in diet

Due to increasing consumer awareness of healthier lifestyles and well-being, superfoods have raised a new alternative to combine the extreme benefits of functional properties with their individual exotic and natural properties. However, in contrast to their health or even medicine related superior properties that are based on their histories of traditional use, the concept of superfoods is still not fully understood. This chapter aims to enable a better understanding of superfoods, with different perspectives and their relation with superdiets, in addition to summarizing the health benefits of some commonly studied superfoods such as goji (Lycium barbarum), camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds, flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum), maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz), açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart. Palmae, Arecaceae), pomegranate (Punica granatum), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.), and Spirulina on the basis of recent scientific evidence. Therefore, it will help consumers to use superfoods as part of their diets more often and effectively.