by Nancy Boland

Created on: September 03, 2009   Last Updated: September 04, 2009

"Super foods" are foods which have a significantly higher nutritional value than most others. They aim to significantly strengthen your immune system and help fight disease, not to mention considerably improving your overall health.

Chances are you're already filling your plate will healthy, immune boosting foods like blueberries and broccoli (both full of disease-fighting antioxidants). But as good as these foods are for you; new research reveals some disregarded nutritional champions that deserve a leading role at your next meal.

Although there is no true agreement on an accurate definition of the term, at least not in the US, a super food is one label used to describe food produce, powders and drinks containing distinctive health-endorsing ingredients.

Some more commonly found super foods are Soy, Marigold, blueberries and Blackstrap Molasses.

1.) Blackstrap Molasses.

Blackstrap Molasses is a natural sweetener found in the remaining white sugar from extracted sugar cane. A tablespoon of blackstrap molasses contains as much calcium as a glass of milk, as much iron as ten eggs, more potassium than virtually any other food and a whole host of B vitamins and vitamin E. It is also high in magnesium and copper.

The recommended serving size of Blackstrap Molasses is one tablespoon. This iron packed substitute can be difficult to supply in a functional food without creating an unsavoury taste pallet, but can be achieved by adding blackstrap molasses to hot water and the juice of half a lemon.

2.) Marigold.

Marigold is widely used on the skin to protect from sunburn and minor wounds such as burns and even cancer. However, marigold has been proven as a beneficial functional food supplement because it is a rich source of carotenoids; two natural antioxidants; lutein and zeaxanthin that help maintain healthy eyes and skin.

Antioxidants are thought to defend cells from harm and soak up free radical molecules, which may trigger illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Although the useful role of antioxidants has, in the past, been questioned by other medical research teams, the latest account will offer reassurance for health-conscious Americans.

Experts suggest 6-10 milligrams per day, derived from leafy green vegetables and egg yolk is essential to realize the true health benefits.

As beneficial amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin cannot be achieved in milligram amounts, it is most valuable to consume marigold concentrates to supplement helpful levels of antioxidants

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