The South Beach Diet focuses on consumption of healthy monounsaturated fats and proteins, while limiting intake of simple carbohydrates and sugar. Dr. Arthur Agatston designed the South Beach Diet and detailed his updated version in his book, "The South Beach Diet Supercharged." The supercharged version of the South Beach Diet introduces new foods that they claim are "powerful health-boosting foods."
Blueberries
Blueberries are among the six new "supercharged" foods in the South Beach Diet. You are allowed to have blueberries in the second and third phases of the diet. The diet claims that research shows that certain compounds in blueberries, such as pigment-producing anthocyanins, help prevent risk of cancer. South Beach proclaims that these powerful berries may also improve high blood pressure, help reduce risk of cataracts and short-term memory loss that can come with aging.
Walnuts
The South Beach Diet names walnuts their number three top new "supercharged" food. They believe that walnuts will benefit you by providing protein, fiber and healthy fats. However, walnuts are unique to the nut family because they are a rich source of omega-3 oils, which improve heart health and supply antioxidant properties. You can consume up to 15 walnuts a day in all three phases of the South Beach Diet.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes have made it on South Beach's top six "supercharged" food list as well because they are exceptionally high in carotenoids along with vitamin C, calcium and potassium. You can add sweet potatoes to your meals in phase two and three of the South Beach Diet. The diet claims sweet potatoes may aid in the reduction of unhealthy cholesterol levels and fight cataracts. They may also help boost your immune system and prevent common colds.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is another new food promoted on the South Beach Diet "supercharged" food list. The diet doesn't allow fruit during the first phase, so along with blueberries you can indulge in this sweet fruit when you get to phases two and three. South Beach recommends pomegranate because of their high flavonoid and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect your body against free-radical damage such as cigarette smoke, air pollutants and ultra violet rays. According to the South Beach Diet, pomegranate juice may protect against heart disease.
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