| |
Ten Super Foods We Should All Be Eating Every so often some health information comes across our desk that we''d like to share with you. Below you''ll find a discussion of ten super foods from the Nutrition Action Healthletter, published by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest. Their work is interesting because they provide scientific studies on brand name foods and national restaurants menu items for salt content, calories, and saturated fat.
But for a more positive outlook and towards their goal of helping us eat healthfully, they also give their ideas for ten super foods, along with the foods'' vitamins and nutrients. We''d like to remind you of the importance of nutrients in a healthy weight-maintenance life-style. For when our bodies are receiving what they really need nutritionally, we are so much less likely to head for the doughnut shop after work or binge on leftover turkey stuffing at midnight. While the most healthy eating styles we can choose are varied and wide ranging, it can be fun to examine some super foods to see what they might have to offer us!
Here are TEN SUPER FOODS.
What do you think?
1. Cantaloupe
One fourth of a delicious tasting cantaloupe supplies almost as much vitamin A and C as most of us need in a day.
2. Sweet Potatoes
This is the Star of Stars! One of the most nutritious vegetables we can eat. Sweet potatoes are chock-full of carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Mix in unsweetened applesauce or unsweetened crushed pineapple, for more moisture and sweetness. YoungYou suggests you keep these basic staples on your kitchen shelves at all times for low-calorie cooking.
3. Fat-free (Skim) or Low-fat Milk (1%, not 2%)
Excellent source of calcium, vitamins, and protein with little or no artery-clogging fat and cholesterol. (Most soy milk can have just as many nutrients as cow''s milk.). Be sure and read what the company adds on the side of the carton, along with the other ingredients.)
4. Salmon or Other Fatty Fish
The omega-3 fats in fish, especially fatty fresh fish such as salmon, swordfish, and rainbow trout, are believed to aid in the reduction of the risk of sudden-death heart attacks.
5. Oranges
Wonderful-tasting, rich in vitamin C, folic acid, and fiber, and especially satisfying on a hot day or as a morning pick-me-up.
6. Broccoli
Lots of vitamin C, carotenoids, and folic acid. The deep green color of broccoli adds beauty to any plate. A lovely plate is one of the steps to a successful weight maintenance life-style, along with a welcoming and attractive table
7. Whole-Grain Bread
It''s higher in fiber and higher in about a dozen minerals than ''simply the word enriched'' white bread or "wheat" bread. YoungYou suggests you also look for "whole-grain" crackers for a tasty alternative." "Whole grain" are the two words you want to see.
8. Kellogg''s All-Bran Original or Post 100% Bran
A half-cup serving of these cereals provides about one third of the fiber you need for an entire day - to reduce the risk of constipation, diverticulosis, and heart disease. Some of us at YoungYou like to begin our day with a serving of oatmeal, mixed with one half apple, one half sliced banana, and sprinkled with cinnamon. Yum!
9. Beans
Now here''s a food we can all afford. Beans are inexpensive, low in fat and high in protein, iron, folic acid and fiber. There are lots of beans (legumes) we can choose from: Navy, garbanzo, pinto, black, kidney, or lentils. Eat them in a tortilla with salsa, in a soup or in a salad.
10. Spinach or Kale
Loaded with vitamin C, carotenoids, calcium, and fiber.
The Chinese do not draw any distinction between food and medicine.
- Lin Yutang
|
|
