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Antioxidant Super Foods
September 1, 2008 |
“Superfood,” seems to be the new buzz work in the world of
nutrition. But what is it about certain foods that give them super powers?
Elizabeth Mc Cormick is a Registered Dietitian with Lee Memorial
Health System. She says, “Super foods are foods that go above and beyond their
nutritional value and provide health benefits on top of just their vitamin and
mineral content.”
One main group of superfoods are those rich in antioxidants.
“You’ve got the foods that are high in antioxidants and help prevent against
cancers and the whole aging process: your pomegranate, onions and blueberries.
Tomatoes have that lycopene that has been shown to decrease your risk of
cancers.” It’s also important to look at the vitamins those superfoods provide.
Vitamins A, C, and E when found naturally in foods can provide powerful
antioxidant activity. “A and C vitamins are in many different fruits and
vegetables and vitamin E is in a lot of your nuts, your oils, and your wheat
germ which is in whole grains.”
When it comes to taking in those vitamins and antioxidants it’s
best to stick to the basics. “Get it from the food; don’t get it from these
marketing scams.” Good sources of vitamin A include spinach and dark orange
vegetables like carrots or pumpkin. While antioxidant and vitamin rich foods may
be considered super they should already be a part of your normal, balanced diet. |
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