SUPERFOODS:
BITE
HERE THEY COME TO SAVE THE DAY
Fad diets, step aside. A genuine health hero has arrived.
While the thought of a turkey in tights ridding the nutrient universe of processed eats might be laughable, the concept of "superfoods" is the real deal for some health experts.
Steven Pratt and Kathy Matthews, authors of SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life and SuperFoods HealthStyle: Proven Strategies for Lifelong Health, are two experts who have built an entire diet around superfoods. In their books, Pratt and Matthews claim food is more than bad or good in terms of making us fat. Rather, certain foods can mean the difference between bad or good vision, sickness or health and a short or long life.
We are literally eating ourselves to death, either by eating too much of the wrong things or not enough of the good things, i.e. "superfoods," Pratt and Matthews say. Our wicked
Western ways are sending us to an early grave. And only superfoods can save us.
So what exactly is a superfood?
"The term 'superfood' is a quick way to say foods that are particularly nutrient-dense and that contain vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals or other bioactive compounds that may prevent disease, improve health or promote longevity," says Beverly Clevidence, Ph.D, and research leader at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Diet and Human Performance Laboratory.
Whew.
In a nutshell, it's a food that packs a nutritional punch. Antioxidants. Heart-healthy fats. Oodles of vitamins. These foods have it all.
Different groups and authors pick their own versions of superfoods, Clevidence says, but foods most
likely to wear the crown are fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy and whole grains (does this sound suspiciously like the food pyramid?).
Turkey, walnuts, tomatoes and tea are some of the other so-called superfoods garnering attention in the diet world. All were selected by Pratt and Matthews for their ability to supposedly ward off or prevent diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, some cancers and Alzheimer's disease.
However, the current evidence that any particular food can prevent cancer or heart disease in humans is very weak. Clevidence says.
But some scientists still see the potential in these superfoods for disease prevention, which explains the influx of superfood diets on the shelves next to last year's dusty South Beach Diet books. Strong evidence
exists that supports the idea that groups of people who eat a lot of fruits and vegetables are less likely to develop chronic diseases such as heart disease or cancer.
When it comes down to it, superfoods are the epitome of good nutrition.
Jamie Booth, Lebow senior, says tomatoes are her favorite superfood — she likes to eat them whole — and while she thinks superfoods are undeniably healthy, she is skeptical as to whether they prevent diseases.
Joshua Ehrenfeld, Springfield, Mo. senior, cites turkey as his superfood of choice. He is unsure of the benefits as well, but says he's heard they can slow the aging process.
While it's probably premature to dub superfoods as the new fountain of youth or the cure for cancer, there's no doubt these foods are chock-full of nutritional value. When it comes down to it, superfoods are the epitome of good nutrition.
So, really, what dietitians have been attempting to get us to eat for years is finally the diet du jour. And it's all right there in your local supermarket. Just browse the produce aisle, the deli and the bakery.
The bottom line is that lots of different foods are good for us — but no one magical food can provide all the nutrients we need, says Ann Chapman, registered dietitian at Watkins Memorial Health Center.
Clevidence, the USDA researcher, takes it one step further.
"Consuming these foods is only one aspect of a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, weight maintenance, strong social ties, adequate sleep and a non-smoking environment," she says.
Super-duper.
>SUPERFOODS TO THE RESCUE
The name, the nutrients,
and the proposed benefits
of 14 superfoods.
1. Beans — low-fat protein, fiber; obesity reduction
2. Blueberries — a multitude of phytonutrients; reduction of risk of cardiovascular disease
3. Broccoli — beta-carotene, calcium; lowered risk of cataracts and birth defects
4. Oats — high fiber, protein; reduction of risk of type II diabetes
5. Oranges — vitamin C, potassium; stroke prevention
6. Pumpkin — alpha-carotene;
lowering of risk of cancer
7. Wild Salmon — omega-3 fatty acids; lowering of risk of heart disease
8. Soy — vitamin E, phytostrogens, fighting high cholesterol
9. Spinach - multiple nutrients and phytonutrients; reduction of risk of cardiovascular disease
10. Tea (green or black) — flavonoids,
fluoride, fighting osteoporosis
11. Tomatoes — lycopene, vitamin C; protecting skin from sun
13. Walnuts — omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E; lowering of risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes
12. Turkey — low-fat protein; promoting immune system
14. Yogurt — calcium, complete protein; promoting digestive health
Source: "Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life," Steven Pratt and Kathy Matthews
WANNA TRY A SUPERFOOD DIET? CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS. (all prices from www.onion.com)
SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life, Steven Pratt and Kathy Matthews,
$15.72
SuperFoods HealthStyle: Proven Strategies for Lifelong Health; Steven Pratt and Kathy Matthews, $16.47
The Perricone Promise: Look Younger, Live Longer in Three Easy Steps, Nicholas Perricone, $18.45
The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet: A Simple 3-Part Plan to Lose The Fat, The Wrinkles, and The Years Nicholas Perricone, $17.13
The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, Michael Murray,$16.47
Source: www.cacaoweb.net
02.23.2006 JAYPLY <05