Superfoods and it's still Nutrition Month!
Here is a list of 8 Superfoods from Chatelaine September '07. I sure liked that issue! I'm sure many of you have already incorporated these. There are so many other items I could add to this list. If you want more of a list let me know. And if you have any to add - please send a comment!
- Blueberries - one study found a diet rich in blueberries was shown to boost the mental power of ageing rats.
- Whole Grains - 2 Harvard studies showed that those who consumed the most whole grains gained the least amount of weight.
- Dark Chocolate - the cocoa bean is loaded with antioxidants beneficial for heart and brain health, cancer prevention. NOTE - as my clients know, you will only benefit if the label reads 70% or more cocoa and DO NOT eat it with milk as the milk counteracts all of the antioxidant benefits. And we don't want that!
- Adzuki Beans - excellent source of protein, iron and fibre. Haven't even looked for these or found many recipes using them. I know LUSH has a massage bar using them?!
- Acai - (ah-sigh-ee) is a berry loaded with antioxidants, fibre and essential fatty acids. There is a direct marketing company that sells a drink made of this called Mona Vie. Their website is http://www.monavie.com/_/controller.html. I know people selling it and can hook you up if you want to try it. Gentry and I are benefiting from the H-Trio Greens product for now.
- Cinnamon - called the insulin imitator by helping maintain healthy blood-sugar levels. Take note diabetics.
- Turmeric - Curcumin stops leukemia cells from multiplying and protect against DNA-damaging chemicals. Seeing more and more recipes with this spice. It is usually used with East Indian flavoring, but I finally had to buy some as a lot of my recipes are now calling for it.
- Flaxseed - rich in omega-3 fats. Lignans reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer. YES - but I also love the Salba for it's additional health benefits. And it is becoming readily available. The only problem noted is how the seeds get stuck in dental work. Comments?
So that's a good wrap up to Nutrition month for sure. One of the things I review with clients right at the beginning is the art of label reading - including ingredients and portion sizes. If anybody wants more information on this let me know and I can do a post. I do have some information coming up on Cutting 100 calories a day, protein, honey, veggies. And I'll research anything you're curious about.
I've got a tea tasting this weekend - 2 open spots left - call me and come for tea. And don't forget the Clothing Exchange is April 9th. Call and register now!

Michelle,
I loved your article. One thing I wanted to ask/mention about the flaxseed is this: Does it digest without being crushed prior to going in? I have heard that it does nothing for us unless it is ground up. This would also solve the whole tooth thing!
Jade
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Thanks Jade for the feedback. Flaxseed definitely needs to be ground up in order to be properly digested by the body. But the Salba which is even richer is Omega 3s than flaxseed does not need to be ground to aid digestion and absorption of nutrients. So I have switched to the Salba just because of it's added health benefits. There is ground Salba out there but I've heard it's a lot like eating sand. Let me know if I've differentiated the 2 Omega 3 choices enough for you.
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