When something gets "super" as a prefix, people stop and take notice—think superheroes, the Supermoon, or Super Bono. You can put "superfoods" into that category. What are superfoods? The curious term means exactly what it sounds like: a Justice League of foods with nutritional values that go beyond the norm.

Some of these are fruits or vegetables you can pick up in the produce section of your grocery store, while others are best juiced, or sold as superfood powder to be mixed into smoothies (some are available as all three!). To help you sort through the confusion and find the ideal super food for your needs, we've created this guide, plus a few interesting facts along the way:

Common Superfoods

Wheatgrass

Made from Triticum aestivum, a wheat plant, wheatgrass packs about every nutritious vitamin and mineral you can name: vitamin b6, vitamin E, riboflavin, zinc, niacin, and much more. While its health benefits are myriad, it's important to only take wheatgrass on an empty stomach, otherwise you could up a little nauseous.

Beets

Few foods are healthier for you than beets, which are rich in nutrients and provide a load of benefits, from increased blood flow to enchanced cognitive functions. Some even claim that the beetroot's purple-hued antioxidants help reduce your risk of cancer.

Cacao

Yes, the bean that's used to make chocolate is considered a superfood. But that doesn't mean you should make a smoothie out of two dozen Hershey's bars; instead, you'll need to consume it in its raw form, or as part of a powder. This has been known to lower cholesterol and even reduce the nasty symptoms of PMS.

Chia Seeds

Believe it or not, the same plant that you might know from the Chia Pets craze (now the "Ch-ch-ch-chia" jingle is stuck in your head, right?) is a superfood. Chia seeds are especially popular for assisting weight loss, since they help regulate appetite and they're loaded with fiber.

Coconut Oil

We've shown how coconut oil can replace 16 other household items, but don't forget that it's first and foremost a food. Some studies suggest that coconut oil's fat content increases your so-called "good" HDL cholesterol, making it a nice substitute for butter.

Turmeric

Made on the Indian subcontinent, turmeric provides a bitter complexity to most curry sauces and pastes. But for many years, turmeric has also been used in alternative and Ayurveda medicine treatments. Some studies have shown it to be an effective ingredient in reducing cholesterol. Other people use it to alleviate joint pain. And in Germany, it can be prescribed for bloating and gas problems. You can read more here about the benefits of turmeric in your kitchen, with your kids, and in your beauty routine.

How to Take Them

Some superfoods you can eat raw. But people often enjoy consuming superfoods as part of a dietary supplement or as a juice. In these cases, you might be receiving a higher concentration of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Here are a few options:

Powders

Powders are one of the most-popular ways to receive a superfood's raw nutrients. With a superfood powder, you have several options: stir it into water, add it to a juice, or mix into your favorite smoothie.

Drops

Drops work similarly to powders, but come in a concentrated liquid form. Typically, a few drops of "liquid superfood" in a glass of water should get you a daily dose of nutritional benefits.

Juices

Oftentimes, you can purchase a superfood that's been juiced (usually blended with other fruits or vegetables). These are effective tools for a "juice cleanse," a multi-day diet designed to purge your body of toxins and help you feel refreshed and recharged.

Capsules

Don't like the taste of a certain superfood, but want the nutritional advantages? Many are available as a capsule, meaning you can down them like a pill and still reap the benefits.

What about Superfoods for Weight Loss? Or Superfoods for Pregnancies?

Some of you may have a specific issue you'd like to address. If so, consult this handy chart:

Note: Read the literature on any dietary supplement or powder before taking. Some powders should be avoided during pregnancies and for other health complications. Consult your doctor before use.