Earthy in colour and taste, red rice is grown in the rich soil of the Himalayas. It still has its bran and germ, making it super-high in fibre. Key antioxidants, B vitamins and fatty acids mean that this rice is seriously awesome at keeping your digestive system and heart healthy.

Eat it: In a salad of stir-fry.

This humble grain is packed with muscle-easing magnesium. Magnesium may benefit those with asthma, high-blood pressure and migraines. Plus, millet’s fibre content is great for steady blood sugar levels and a happy, healthy tummy. It contains insoluble fibre, which helps clear toxins from the gut, preventing them from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream.

Eat it: Cook with hot water and cinnamon for a healthy wake-up call.

The golden child of the Incas, this juicy South American fruit is known for its fat-burning properties and high levels of vitamins A, B and C. These sweet berries almost taste like dried apricots and are great for healthy skin and eyes, memory and metabolism.

Eat it: Dried, in trail mix combinations that can be found in health stores.

(Read more: 10 Superfoods That Can Improve Your Eyes)

It may not sound appealing but algae, like seaweed, is nutrient-rich and may protect against a range of diseases. Ignore ideas of pond scum and try these algae supplements for your fix: Spirulina contains protein and antioxidants while chlorella has detoxification properties.

Eat it: Sprinkle powders into smoothies, vegetable-based juices or salads or try it in tablet form.

Like chocolate but way better for you, cacao is a rich source of antioxidants. It boasts iron, calcium, potassium and vitamins A to E, and unlike most chocolate treats, it’s also good for the skin (score!). Research in the Journal of Nutrition found women eating cacao nibs daily reported smoother, more hydrated complexions.

Eat it: With muesli or natural yoghurt.

It’s the super-legume! Black beans help you to normalise your bowel movements, lower cholesterol, control blood sugar levels and keep you at a healthy weight. They’re packed full of fibre, and they’re high in protein and antioxidants. That’s a lot of nutritional bang for your buck.

Eat it: In any kind of hearty casserole, soup or stew.

(Read more: 10 Foods That Could Prevent Wrinkles)

Yep, sounds weird to us too! But this stuff could keep you young. The antioxidants it contains help protect you against disease and wrinkles. Bee pollen contains vitamins, healthy fats and proteins. Plus, its protein is a type that’s easy for our bodies to use effectively. Sold!

Eat it: As a crunchy topping on porridge.

The dried flesh of the fruit from baobab trees, this tangy powerhouse is packed with goodness including crazy-high levels of vitamins C and B6, calcium, fibre, iron, magnesium and potassium. Wowzers!

Eat it: In a smoothie or on your cereal.

(Text by Ellie Moss, Women’s Fitness (Bauer) / Additional Reporting by Natalya Molok)