Pei Chieng, Contributing writer

These days, increasing numbers of exotically-named superfoods are making their way onto our grocery store shelves.

Touted as having miraculous, age-defying and antioxidant-gobbling properties, these superfoods are the latest global craze, with health gurus urging us to include them in our diets.

What are some of the newest superfoods on the market, and what are their purported health benefits?

Quinoa

Pronounced keen-wah, this South American pseudo-cereal belongs to the chenopod family, and is closely related to such diverse plants as spinach, beets and even tumbleweed.

With fewer carbohydrates and twice as much protein as other grains, this superfood would be a favorite with avid Atkins dieters.

Brigham Young University's Professor Daniel Fairbanks calls quinoa a wonder food, boasting that it is also a complete protein, with all the essential amino acids necessary for building muscle. With the added properties of being delicious, easy to prepare and versatile, this slightly nutty grain can be found in most health food stores.

White Button Mushrooms

With the H1N1 flu making its rounds, people looking for foods that will keep them healthy should consider adding these innocent-looking mushrooms to their grocery list.

Tufts University professors have shown that white button mushrooms have antitumor, antiviral and antibacterial properties. They also affect immune cell functions by increasing natural killer cell activity, which is a major component of our body's defenses.

The mushrooms are also high in dietary fibers, including chitin and beta-glutan, which help to lower cholesterol and promote healthy heart functions.

Packed with proteins, vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids, these readily-available mushrooms are an essential addition to any diet.

Beetroot

This blood-red vegetable isn't new in grocery stores, but we are just beginning to discover its health benefits.

Once known as the blood turnip, beetroot is recommended for those who have undergone surgery or experienced blood loss. It promotes the production of blood and acts as a cleanser and tonic as well.

The pigmet betaline, which gives the vegetable a deep red color, also has anti-carcinogenic properties that help to fight cancer.

In addition, beetroot is also believed to lower blood pressure, promote digestive function and boost the immune system.

With a recent study showing that professional athletes can exercise up to 16 percent longer by drinking beetroot juice, it is no wonder that this classic vegetable is now rebranded as a superfood.

Honey

Honey has been a star in our culinary history for thousands of years, and has traditionally been used to treat patients with high blood pressure, gastric ulcers, burns, sore throats, indigestion and even chapped lips.

Research has also shown that buckwheat honey is more effective than regular cough suppressants. The FDA has even approved the manufacture of wound dressings lined with honey, as this superfood is also a known antibacterial agent.

Honey is also known to reduce swelling and inflammation, and a teaspoon of raw honey a day can be used to treat allergies.

Kale

A member of the cabbage family and close cousins with broccoli, cauliflower and collard greens, kale is one of the hardiest and most nutritious members of the brassica family.

Kale is rich in beta carotene, vitamin C, folic acid and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron. It is also low in carbohydrates and high in protein. The minerals contribute to strong bones, while beta carotene and vitamin C are known anti-oxidants.

With high levels of potassium making this an alkaline vegetable, kale is also good for treating digestive tract disorders, lowering blood pressure and preventing heart disease.

While there are myriad health benefits associated with kale, those with hypothyroidism should avoid the vegetable, as kale is known to suppress the production of thyroid hormones.