Superfood RX

Typically, February and March are important months for keeping up with New Year’s resolutions, including losing weight, beating sugar cravings, fighting Type 2 diabetes or ensuring a strong heart. To help with these goals, on the next page are five foods with superfood qualities that are commonly found in refrigerators or pantries.

Blueberries

This fruit tops every superfood list worldwide — and for good reason. The blue/purple color of blueberries comes from an antioxidant called anthocynanin that not only helps fight free radicals that cause cancers but also helps with weight loss and management. In fact, blueberries are called superfoods because of their effect on brain cells and memory preserving properties. A study published in the Journal of Circulation showed that consumption of blueberries can prevent heart diseases in women, which is the number one cause of premature morbidity and mortality in women.

Walnuts

If improving cholesterol, losing weight and preventing certain cancers is a priority, then look no further than walnuts. Rightfully classified as superfoods because of its high alpha linolenic acid, or ALA content, a plant-derived Omega-3 fatty acid source known for its fierce heart disease fighting properties. Studies have shown just one serving of walnuts each day can reduce that bad or LDL-cholesterol, while at the same time helping people lose weight.

Cantaloupe

The phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” couldn’t be more true than when it comes to this tough-looking fruit. While the outer appearance of this melon may not seem very appealing, the inside flesh is nothing short of a nutritional powerhouse. If achieving glowing, blemish-free skin with diminished pores is a priority this year, then be sure to consume this skin superfood-RX in your daily diet.

Avocado

The pharmaceutical-like qualities of avocados is enough to dub this fruit as the superfood of all superfoods. From good fats to diabetes, blood pressure fighting properties, prevention of heart disease and improving fertility, the list of avocado’s health and medicinal benefits are countless. Adding just one serving of avocado to the daily diet can help curb sugar cravings, reduce blood pressure and stop plaques from blocking the arteries.

Peaches

Peaches are often referred to as “brain food.” The potassium, vitamin C and beta carotene content of peaches not only makes this superfood fight cancers (especially breast and prostate cancers), but also the nutrients allow for optimal digestion and improve cognitive health.

You don’t need to break the bank to find the next miracle pill, just consume these superfoods in your daily diet. Maintaining a healthy diet this time of the year can be difficult, but adding these superfoods to your diet can help curb cravings, lose weight and stay on track with those healthy resolutions through the end of the year.


Dr. Suman Ahuja completed her education at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York and at Texas Tech. She has a a doctorate in Clinical Nutrition.

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