BERRY POTENT
From the country that gave us the Caipirinha cocktail and string bikinis comes a tiny purple berry that’s been dubbed the world’s most nutritious fruit. The acai berry, long cultivated and consumed in Brazil, has a deep lush flavor with a hint of chocolate. In North America, it’s most often found in health food stores and juice bars, either in liquid or frozen form. Acai berries are most commonly pureed for a juice that packs the punch of a full meal (the juice can be purchased at monavie.com, and Jamba Juice and Odwalla have each created signature beverages containing acai). Packed with antioxidants — 10 times more than red grapes — and fatty acids, it’s also an excellent source of dietary fiber.
— Chantal Martineau
— Chantal Martineau
10 MORE "SUPERFOODS" TO POWER UP YOUR DIET
1. Salmon: This is a great source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which can help prevent Alzheimer’s, obesity, sunburn, and even depression.
2. Blueberries: This fruit is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Studies show consumption may improve motor skills and memory.
3 . Cinnamon: The USDA found that cinnamon can help reduce blood-sugar levels in diabetics. It’s also an antibacterial. And smelling it is said to result in a “brain boost.”
4. Kale: Loaded with beta carotene to keep eyes healthy, this leafy green also contains organosulfuric compounds that help fight off certain cancers.
5. Pumpkin: The potent antioxidants in this vegetable have been found to reduce the risk of several types of cancer as well as heart disease and cataracts. And it’s high in vitamin A and carotenoids.
6. Soy: This bean’s protein has been hailed for lowering cholesterol and the risk of osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, certain cancers, and kidney disease.It is also said to decrease the symptoms of menopause.
7. Walnuts: The monosaturated (good) fat found in walnuts is believed to reverse some of the effects of eating foods high in saturated fat. Plus, they’re loaded with plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.
8. Avocado: The combination of fat, protein, and carbs is ideal in this fruit. It’s also high in glutathione, which blocks up to 30 different
carcinogens.
carcinogens.
9. Oats: They’re full of both types of fiber: Soluble fiber helps reduce cholesterol and keeps the heart healthy, and insoluble fiber supports the digestive system.
10. Dark Chocolate: Rich in flavonols that boost the production of nitric oxide in blood vessels, this type of chocolate can lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
