Nutrient Rich Foods - Superfoods. Superfoods What are Superfoods? No definition Health benefits beyond basic nutrition Improve overall health Provide.

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• Pomegranate• Tomatoes• Fish and nuts• Flaxseed• Green Veggies• Soy

• Oats

• Green Tea

• Brainberries

• Promote brain function and prevent

the effects of aging

• Antioxidants: anthocyanins,

flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins

• Promote urinary tract health 

Blueberries

• Popular Superfood

• Antioxidant phytochemicals

• Antiatherogenic

• Lowers lipoproteins (LDL)

• LDL leads to plaque build up in

arteries

Pomegranate

  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

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Found in fortified foods

• Can add to recipes

• Cardiovascular health

Flaxseed

Green Superfoods

Broccoli and Spinach

• Boost the immune system

• Lower cancer risk

• Supports cardiovascular health

• High quality protein source• Cardiovascular benefits

• Isoflavones = phytoestrogens• Menopausal symptom relief

Soy

Whole Grain Oats

• Reduce the risk of coronary heart

disease

• High in soluble fiber

• Lower cholesterol

• Reduce cancer risk

• Catechins, ECGC• Antioxidants• May help lower cholesterol• Protection from some forms of cancer

Green Tea

In conclusion…

• Many foods are SUPER

• Eat a variety of foods

• Read labels carefully