"Superfoods" are nutrient-rich foods that provide medicinal effects. Though no scientific criterion exists to determine a food's superfood status, nutritionist and author of "Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future," David Wolf describes them as natural foods containing multiple, potent health benefits. When consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet, superfoods may improve immune system function, prevent or help treat illnesses and reduce the physical signs of aging.
Goji Berries
Goji berries are nutrient-rich berries, grown throughout Asia. According to Wolf, goji berries can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion and promote healthy collagen production---proteins required for smooth, young-looking skin.
Acai
Acai is a bluish-colored berry native to Brazil. Acai is rich in antioxidants (disease-fighting nutrients) and essential fatty acids (EFAs)---healthy fats associated with positive heart health, brain function and, according to Wolf, anti-aging.
Low-Fat Dairy Products
Positive bone health promotes positive posture, which can lead to a more youthful appearance. Dairy products, such as low-fat milk and yogurt, provide lean protein, which supports lean muscle mass, and valuable amounts of calcium and vitamin D---nutrients vital to bone health.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale and mustard greens, provide valuable amounts of nutrients, including beta-carotene and lutein---plant-based nutrients that support the health and appearance of eyes. The American Dietetic Association also recommends leafy greens as a valuable calcium-source for older adults.
Red Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers provide significant amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium. According to a study published by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2001, elderly individuals in Greece and Sweden who consume diets rich in vitamin C develop markedly fewer wrinkles than those who do not.
Strawberries
Strawberries are also rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber. Strawberries are low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on blood sugar levels, and serve as healthy alternatives to sugar-laden sweets.
Alaskan Salmon
Alaskan salmon is a cold-water fish that provides rich amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, protein and iron. Salmon is also rich in niacin and vitamin B6---nutrients that promote the healthy appearance of skin.
Whole Grains
Whole grains, such as whole wheat, bulgur, barley, oats, spelt, quinoa and long-grain rice, offer rich amounts of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Natural health expert Andrew Weil, M.D. recommends whole grains as vital components of an anti-inflammatory diet that promotes healthy aging.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a nutritious seed variety that provides EFAs and rich amounts of fiber. Flaxseed also serves as a valuable source of omega-3 fats for people who do not consume fatty fish regularly.
Avocados
Avocados supply rich amounts of nutrients, including vitamin E---a nutrient associated with improved hair and skin tone. Monounsaturated fats in avocadoes are linked with improved heart health and reduced risk for a variety of conditions and disease.
References
- "Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future"; David Wolfe; April 2009
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; American College of Skin Wrinkling: Can Food Make a Difference?; Martalena br Purba, BSc, MCN et al.; 2001
- American Dietetic Association: Calcium and Older Adults
- American Skin Association: Healthy Skin Facts and Lifestyle Tips
- Dr. Weil: Anti-Inflammatory Diet Guidelines
Member Comments
eygx0r July 13
"Leaks" aren't something you eat. Leeks are!
alirez6 July 13
Good catch! Not sure of the credibility of this entire article on health and nutrition, since the author has a "Bachelor of Science" in Journalism and covers sports.
Stephanie-N July 13
Acai Berry Exposed (Officialy Test) is a scam. The person pictured is not a news person for the station listed. Whatever IP area you are browsing from, it inserts a local station. This was on the news last night - it is an ad and not news about a study.
Spartygirl32 July 22
Yes, it is a scam. It is not nearly as easy to cancel as they say it is I had to call three times and email twice. They even list the wrong phone number on your bank or credit card statement, so you really can't call. If you want to try Acai just go buy it at the local store for 30 bucks and save yourself the $119.00 they charge you to renew to get one 30 day supply for 99 cents.
Laura810 July 13
A comer se a dicho.
i-kat July 13
pew pew pew...
Acai is great but there are so many other super fruits that should be included...but anyway...
pew pew pew...
Laura810 July 13
Hola
haloangelboy July 13
Youth Juice aggregates superfoods such as elderberries, cranberries, Kombu etc. into an convenient puree. Benefit to those who take it? Superfood nutrition in 1-3oz (depending on your needs) per day. See: www.renewhealthproducts.ourworldnetwork.com and yjopportunity.com . or email me : renewyj -at- gmail.com
alirez6 July 13
Tomatoes should also be included. Not sure the credibility of this entire article, however, since the author is a guy who has a "Bachelor of Science" in journalism and covers sports.
anitaa July 13
And why would we want to "stall the anti-aging process" by eating barley?
anitaa July 13
I think the guy with the Bachelor of Science in Journalism needs to go back and take a freshman grammar class. Too many mistakes to enumerate.
seelamisra July 13
Your references are... Oprah? REALLY?
seelamisra July 13
Your references are... Oprah? REALLY?
jimjutte July 13
Rather than saying "according to Dr. P"... every few paras, why not just pop a disclaimer at the top. Then everyone will know the source of your info. OR... put the references at the bottom using subscripted numbers. It's a small thing, but it gets a bit annoying after a while and I think the information you have here is quite useful. Last point... who is Nicholas Perricone? Introduce him as, "Dr. Nicholas Perricone, of the blah blah institute with a PhD in nutrition" sort of thing. Otherwise, I could be a Dr. with a PhD in German literature, but it would NOT make me a very good authority in nutrition. ;)
Sorry if I seem a bit critical, but it is important to keep standards to a certain level in order for people to be confident in the contents posted at this website.
Cheers
Jim
jimjutte July 13
Rather than saying "according to Dr. P"... every few paras, why not just pop a disclaimer at the top. Then everyone will know the source of your info. OR... put the references at the bottom using subscripted numbers. It's a small thing, but it gets a bit annoying after a while and I think the information you have here is quite useful. Last point... who is Nicholas Perricone? Introduce him as, "Dr. Nicholas Perricone, of the blah blah institute with a PhD in nutrition" sort of thing. Otherwise, I could be a Dr. with a PhD in German literature, but it would NOT make me a very good authority in nutrition. ;)
Sorry if I seem a bit critical, but it is important to keep standards to a certain level in order for people to be confident in the contents posted at this website.
Cheers
Jim
jara1128 July 13
Cantaloupe should also be on the list. The high amount of beta-carotene and vitamin C (anti-oxidant) in cantaloupe makes it an excellent fruit in helping to prevent many degenerative diseases.
jara1128 July 13
Cantaloupe should also be on the list. The high amount of beta-carotene and vitamin C (anti-oxidant) in cantaloupe makes it an excellent fruit in helping to prevent many degenerative diseases.
abg1981 July 13
Before featuring an article - , before it's even submitted! - a PROFESSIONAL writer or editor needs to, you know, EDIT it. The errors in this piece are ridiculous: subject-verb agreement, noun-pronoun agreement, spelling, punctuation, etc. And some of the statements are just complete junk. Tsk, tsk.
linksword July 13
Firstly for all the people that just diss on every page why do you even come here
Second it doesn't stall the aging process they just make you healthier and healthier means you live longer only way I know of slowing down aging is cryo
Note: it makes it so you don't look as old too
Last is acai berries I highly doubt give you the results they say they do but no doubt they are good for you. Oh and the person in the acai berry commercial thing they are even the same people the sonny ones face is different better skin and nicer hair.
linksword July 13
Firstly for all the people that just diss on every page why do you even come here
Second it doesn't stall the aging process they just make you healthier and healthier means you live longer only way I know of slowing down aging is cryo
Note: it makes it so you don't look as old too
Last is acai berries I highly doubt give you the results they say they do but no doubt they are good for you. Oh and the person in the acai berry commercial thing they are even the same people the sonny ones face is different better skin and nicer hair.
linksword July 13
Oh and abg1981 stfu
linksword July 13
Oh and where it says sonny it's supposed to be skinny my bad
mariomeraz July 15
No mention of wheatgrass, interesting.