Superfoods are those certain edibles that are meant to fight against heart disease, elevated cholesterol, cancer and a number of other diseases.  Everyone seems to have their own list of superfoods but I like to look at this with a seasonal approach.  These superfoods that both you and I can get right here and now while it’s fresh and in season are simply the best of the best.

 
Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkin

I like to start with these brightly colored orange beauties.  The dark orange family is high in Vitamin A, packed full of antioxidants, Vitamin C, potassium and calcium.  Other veggies in this category include carrots and butternut squash.

 
Alliums

The sulfur compounds in garlic, onions, scallions, leeks and shallots may help protect against heart disease and some cancers, high blood pressure, arthritis, immune disorders and improving the cholesterolpanal.  Alliums can also help the liver to eliminate toxins and carcinogens.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Crucifers contain indole alkaloids that may help to prevent cancer. Crucifers consist of broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower,
turnips, collards, kale and cabbage.  They are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants.  The flavor is exquisite and easy to prepare.  An added bonus is that they may boost your memory as you age.  Women who eat these foods may also be less likely to become forgetful according to a Harvard Medical Research study.

Beets

Powerful in fighting cancer as exhibited from the bright and beautiful fuschia pigment – betacyanin – is shown in numerous studies.  Potentially effective against colon cancer, beets are also rich in the B vitamin folate.

Olive Oil

Studies suggest that olive oil, the monosaturated fat, is good for the heart lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.  A highlight of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is high in antioxidants and has increased the
survival rate of heart-attack victims versus ordinary low-fat diets.

Beans

Numerous varieties of beans create flavorful and nutritionally dense dishes.  The versatility and inexpensive factors are excellent sources of protein, antioxidants, potassium, folic acid, dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates.

Tea

To round things out, tea is a rich source of catechins, an antioxidant.  Catechins have been shown to protect the walls of arteries against damage causing heart disease and preventing the formation of blood clots. Tea can be used to increase mood, stimulate the senses and arouse alertness due to the caffeine content.  Also, tea is a nice addition on a cool fall day.

So…head to the Farmer’s Market and enjoy the seasonal and nutritional superfoods providing the family with health, powerful antioxidants, taste, variety and overall satisfaction.  Enjoy!!