We are all looking for that one food that will do it all – prevent disease, help with weight loss, and give us energy. I hate to be the one to break the news to you but there is no magic food or pill that can do all of this for you.  However, there are a few superfoods that when used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise plan hold a few of these magical components. By adding these foods to your diet you can help your body ward off disease, loose weight and have more energy to get your through those days that just never end!

Blueberries: These little pebbles of antioxidants are so powerful that foods that simply have blueberries mixed in contain disease-fighting properties. Antioxidants help to protect our bodies against those things that constantly attack our system such as pollution, second-hand smoke, and germs.  You can think of antioxidant like little vacuum cleaners in that they remove all of the bad stuff from our bodies leaving you a clean slate.

Yogurt: This great calcium rich snack can help prevent osteoporosis and shows some promise in weight loss. However, yogurt has so much more to offer than just calcium. Unseen by the human eye, yogurt contains tiny things called probiotics and prebiotics. These little probiotics and prebiotics are truly bacteria but they are the good kind. Their main job is to keep our gut healthy but they can help prevent colon cancer, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and it can boost your immunity. You can tell if your favorite yogurt contains probiotics and prebiotics by looking at the container and finding the stamp that says “Made with Live, Active Cultures.”

Nuts: Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, any type of nut your heart desires! And your heart truly does desire nuts. It is true that nuts are high in fat; however, it is the good type of fat a.k.a. unsaturated fat. Nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your skin, heart, brain, and general health. Walnuts are highest in omega-3’s and are a great addition to a salad or your favorite muffin.

Soy: Whether you get your soy as tofu, soy nuts, soymilk, or green soybeans you a getting a powerful pack of health-promoting nutrients. If you read earlier about my Tofu Pumpkin Pie you know many of the health benefits of soy which include a great source of protein, calcium and vitamins while remaining low in fat and sodium. In addition, soy has cholesterol lowering properties which can help many of us!

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a great addition to any meal adding flavor, color and of course antioxidants. Lycopene is one antioxidant found in tomatoes and helps our bodies by reducing the risk of some cancers (especially prostate and cervical cancers), protect against heart disease, and can give your immune system a boost. These red, round bundles of delight are also a great source of heart healthy potassium, niacin and vitamin B6.   

There are many other foods that are considered superfoods, but this will at least get you started. Make it a goal this week to add at least one new superfood to your diet. Come back next week to find out how you can easily add these foods through snack and meal ideas.

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