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Health See other Health Articles Title: Which Foods Truly Deserve 'Superfood' Status? Which Foods Truly Deserve 'Superfood' Status? By Michele Bender | Sunday, 16 Aug 2015 10:49 PM The term “superfood” gets thrown around a lot in health publications. It seems like every day there is something new to eat that promises to be the secret to better health. There is no formal definition, but it is clear to many experts that beyond the hype, not all superfoods are created equal. “Superfoods are those that are not only packed with a lot of minerals and vitamins, but with plant compounds called phytonutrients,” explains nutritionist Elizabeth Somer, author of Eat Your Way to Sexy: Start Losing Weight in Just 7 Days! “More and more research reveals how important phytonutrients are for health and longevity.” Not only are superfoods nutrient dense, but they are typically low in calories. Newsmax Health asked top nutrition experts what they consider true superfoods. Deeply colored berries: “The more color the better because the phytonutrients are in the pigments,” explains Somer. This means blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. “They always make the list for me because the research on their health benefits is overwhelmingly strong,” she says. Chia seeds: These petite seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, and magnesium, which are “all things your body needs every day and that are often missing in the typical American diet,” explains Susan Blum, M.D., assistant clinical professor of preventive medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and author of The Immune System Recovery Plan. They’re also rich in antioxidants, which help counteract the damage environmental toxins do to the body, and lignans, which are phytonutrients that can help balance hormones, strengthen your immune system, and may enhance prostate health. Dark, leafy greens: Kale is all the rage lately and with good reason. “This dark, leafy green — along with others like spinach, collard greens, Swiss chard, and turnip greens — has almost no calories and contains really important nutrients like vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins like folate,” explains Somer. But more than this, they’re packed with nutrients called carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin. These are hard to get in other foods, yet studies have proven that they can prevent vision loss. Wild salmon: The delicious fish is loaded with good-for-you omega-3 essential fatty acids. “More and more research supports their benefits in everything from alleviating depression to helping heart disease,” says Somer. “And newer research suggests that omega-3s may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.” Salmon also is a great source of protein and boasts high levels of selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, B, B6, D, and E. Mushrooms: “Mushrooms have compounds called beta glucans that help your immune system work better,” explains Dr. Blum. “And they’re really the only source of vitamin D in the produce aisle.” Specifically, they contain the plant-based vitamin D2, which your body can covert to vitamin D3, the form it uses. Mushrooms of all types also are loaded with B vitamins and high levels of selenium, an antioxidant that is very important to your thyroid. Adds Dr. Blum: “The immune-boosting properties are higher in wild mushrooms like shiitake, reishi, and turkey tail.” Winter squash: These include pumpkin, acorn, spaghetti, butternut, and hubbard squashes. “All are rich in vitamins A and C, which helps to support your immune system and maintain healthy bones, eyes, hair and skin,” explains Alexandra Miller, corporate dietitian at Medifast. Avocados: “They are full of essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, and B vitamins,” explains certified health coach Jenny Sansouci. The fats in avocados help stabilize your blood sugar to keep you energized and feeling full and they help your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients from other fruits and vegetables. Plus, along with vitamin E, these nutritious fats will make your skin glow. Read Latest Breaking News from http://Newsmax.com www.newsmax.com/Health/He.../id/670389/#ixzz3jCe53TCo Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#1. To: BTP Holdings (#0)
They forgot glazed donuts!!
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