Blueberries
These amazing berries are on anyone's list of super foods.
Recent research shows that they're brain food -- feeding blueberries
to rats actually slows their age-related mental decline. Blueberries
contain pterostilbene, a plant compound recently shown to
have cholesterol-lowering properties. Their ORAC value (antioxidant
rating) is the highest of any fruit. And blueberries are rich
in fiber. Tip: Try them frozen. They taste like sherbet!
Guava
Among the super foods of the world, guava is a sleeper. With
a taste that's been described as "part strawberry and
part pear," one low-calorie cup of this vitamin rich
fruit contains a whopping eight grams of fiber. And in one
widely used test of antioxidant power, guava scored only second
to blueberries, right behind kale. Guava also contains cancer-fighting
lycopene.
Kale
Kale is a member of the brassica family -- vegetable royalty
that boasts cabbage and broccoli among its relatives. It's
rich in potent cancer-fighting substances called indoles,
and loaded with bone-building vitamin K. Kale has the highest
antioxidant rating of any vegetable and is ridiculously low
in calories. Try it tossed with olive oil, a few dried cranberries
and some pine nuts.
Sardines
The best kept secret in the world when it comes to health
foods and the secret weapon of travelers looking for a cheap,
portable, easily available source of protein. Sardines are
rich in omega-3 fats, and one of the least contaminated of
any seafood since they rank so low on the food chain. Eat
them out of the can or throw them on some salad.
Apples
The juicy red or green apple's reputation for keeping you
out of the doctor's office is well deserved. Loaded with pectin
(an important fiber), apples are one of the best sources of
boron, a little known nutrient that helps support strong and
healthy bones. An apple with a glass of water is a great natural
appetite suppressant. Highest antioxidant value: Red Delicious.
Coconut Oil
This superb oil has been long neglected as a healthy oil because
it contains saturated fat. But not to worry: the saturated
fat in coconut is a very healthy kind called MCT (medium chain
triglyecerides) which is easily burned by the body for energy.
Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, a natural anti-viral
and anti-microbal. And today's excellent virgin coconut oil
-- unlike the inferior products of a few decades ago -- doesn't
contain trans fats.
Green Tea
A superstar beverage if there ever was one, green tea helps
with weight loss and helps fight against cancer. It contains
EGCG, a catechin (plant compound) which stimulates metabolism
and has anti-cancer properties to boot. Green tea also contains
theanine, a natural relaxant which helps explain why the caffeine
in green tea doesn't make you nearly as jittery as coffee.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseed oil is one of the only plant sources of omega-3 fats,
but the flaxseeds themselves provide the added benefit of
fiber along with omega-3. Flaxseeds can be thrown on salads,
tossed into smoothies, or sprinkled on vegetables. They also
contain lignans, a group of plant nutrients that have been
studied by the National Cancer Institute for their cancer
preventive properties.