Friday, February 23, 2007

SUPER FOODS

1. Artichoke
Helps the liver rid the body of toxins by increasing the production and secretion of bile.

2. Blueberry
Natural source of antioxidants like anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins which provide a high ORAC value.

3. Boysenberry
Rich source of red and blue anthocyanin pigments.

4. Broccoli
A natural source phytonutrients including isothiocyanates like sulforaphane.

5. Citrus
Phytonutrient group that supports and enhances the activity of vitamin C.

6. Cranberry
Rich source of quercetin and proanthocyanidins which help reduce inflammation in the body and prevent urinary tract infections by blocking the adherence of bacteria, like E. coli, to the wall of the urinary tract.

7. Dates
May be considered as an almost ideal food, providing a wide range of antioxidants, essential nutrients and their potential health benefits.

8. Red Wine
Natural source of anthocyanidin antioxidants that prevent abnormal clotting of the blood and protect tissues from free-radical damage.

9. Elderberry
Natural source of phytonutrients.

10. Figs
A rich source of calcium, fiber, protein, and potassium.

11. Grapes
rich in proanthocyanidin antioxidants that have been shown to have cardioprotective properties..

12. Green Tea
Natural source of phytonutrients including antioxidant catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

13. Pomegranate
Natural source of phytonutrients including the antioxidant, ellagic acid.

14. Pumpkin
Rich source of beta-carotene and other carotenoid compounds.

15. Pumpkin Seed
Natural source of zinc and beneficial essential fatty acids.

16. Raspberry
Broad-spectrum source of berry phytonutrients, like ellagic acid, that are concentrated in the seeds of these fruits.

17. Red Apple Skin
Flavonoids and polyphenols found in the skin, provide antioxidant and anticancer benefits.

18. Red Bell Pepper
Contains lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin, important carotenoids for prostate, cervix, bladder, lung and pancreas health.

19. Rosemary
Herb rich in antioxidants, such as caffeic acid, that have a variety of therapeutic benefits including chemopreventive properties.

20. Soy Protein powder
Extract from soy that has been shown to promote healthy cholesterol and homocysteine levels, improve vascular function and support bone health.

21. Spinach, Kale, Parsley and Collards
Rich sources of antioxidant carotenoids including beta-carotene and lutein.

22. Strawberry
Broad-spectrum source of berry phytonutrients, like ellagic acid, that are concentrated in the seeds of these fruits.

23. Tomato
A rich source of antioxidant carotenoids such as lycopene