Nutrient Rich
Foods Superfoods
Superfoods
What are Superfoods?
• No definition
• Health benefits beyond basic nutrition
• Improve overall health
• Provide disease prevention
• Nutrient rich
• Contain high amounts of antioxidants
Superfood Boom
• Choosing foods and drinks with
added health benefits
• Seeking “convenient health”
• News media, popular press, and TV
promotion
The problems…
• Naturally nutrient-rich, enriched or
fortified
• Foods with ‘healthy’ ingredients may
be high in sugar or saturated fat
• Beneficial nutrients may not be well
absorbed
Good Examples
• Blueberries
• Oats
• Pomegranate
• Green Tea
• Tomatoes
• Fish and nuts
• Flaxseed
• Green Veggies
• Soy
Blueberries
• Brainberries
• Promote brain function and prevent
the effects of aging
• Antioxidants: anthocyanins,
flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins
• Promote urinary tract health
Pomegranate
• Popular Superfood
• Antioxidant phytochemicals
• Antiatherogenic
• Lowers lipoproteins (LDL)
• LDL leads to plaque build up in
arteries
Tomatoes
• Antioxidant — Lycopene
• Reduce prostate cancer risk and
cardiovascular disease risk
Omega-3 Superfoods
Walnuts
• High in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium,
and antioxidants
• A handful a day
Salmon
• Good source of protein
• 2 servings per week
Flaxseed
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Found in fortified foods
• Can add to recipes
• Cardiovascular health
Green Superfoods
Broccoli and Spinach
• Boost the immune system
• Lower cancer risk
• Supports cardiovascular health
Soy
• High quality protein source
• Cardiovascular benefits
• Isoflavones = phytoestrogens
• Menopausal symptom relief
Whole Grain Oats
• Reduce the risk of coronary heart
disease
• High in soluble fiber
• Lower cholesterol
• Reduce cancer risk
Green Tea
• Catechins, ECGC
• Antioxidants
• May help lower cholesterol
• Protection from some forms
of cancer
In conclusion…
• Many foods are SUPER
• Eat a variety of foods
• Read labels carefully