Super Natural Foods

Your Super Foods Guide

We all know natural foods are good for you but just what are natures, "Super Foods"?

Marilyn and I have read, studied and consumed information on numerous natural foods and we've identified (for ourselves, as well as you) various natural foods as being, arguably, better for you than others.

Thus, Super Foods, or as we like to say, "Super Natural Foods".

So, what was our criteria for selecting these super foods?

Well, each of the following foods was chosen based on the research of healthy dietary patterns around the country and even the world.

These particular super foods are an integral part of the recognized healthy dietary patterns that prevent disease and extend our health span, and probably our life span as well.

Plus, as you can imagine, the vast majority of these "super natural foods" are low fat, no fat and/or fat free.

So let's go through 14 super natural foods and we�ll explain what is so special or unique about each of them.

Super Foods #1. ~ Acai ~ Natures Energy Fruit

It may seem odd to start this list of super foods with one that you may have never heard of.

But studies have shown that this little berry is one of the most nutritional and powerful foods in the world!

Acai (ah-sigh-ee) is the high-energy berry (fruit) of a special Amazon palm tree.

Harvested in the rain forests of Brazil, Acai tastes like a vibrant blend of blue berries and dark chocolate.

Hidden within it's royal purple pigment is the magic that makes it natures perfect energy fruit.

Acai is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids, and esential fatty acids.

Although Acai may not be available in your local food market, you can find it in very select health food stores and by very special arrangement, right here at Natures Super Store.

To find out more about this super natural marvel, follow this link;

Acai ~ Feel the Amazon Thunder

Super Foods #2. Kiwifruit:

You might be amazed to learn that this super fruit is the most nutrient-rich of the top 26 fruits consumed in the world today.

Super Foods #3. Beans:

Are a great low-fat, low-calorie source of protein and an easy way to help control your weight and your blood sugar.

For more info and great recipes, see;

Beans ~ Natures Magical Food

Super Foods #4. Blueberries:

Perhaps the 2nd best of the super foods on the planet to keep our brain young as we age.

see this amazing article on the absolute "super natural" power of blueberries;

Blueberries are Miracle Berries

Super Foods #5. Broccoli:

Believed to be among the best of the super natural foods on the planet to prevent cancer.

We don�t think too many people would dispute this.

Super Foods #6. Oats:

Are an excellent way to lower your cholesterol.

Super Foods #7. Oranges:

The most "readily" available source of vitamin C, which in turn lowers the rate of most causes of death in our country.

Ie: heart disease and cancer.

Super Foods #8. Pumpkin:

Bet you weren't considering this as among the super foods but it's loaded with phytonutrients, keeping our skin young and helping to prevent damage from the sun.

If you are asking how you can get more pumpkin in your diet, check this pumpkin bisque recipe out.

It's very, very good!

Bisque of Pumpkin

Also, pumpkin seeds are very good for your prostate.

Super Foods #9. Wild salmon:

Are pretty much guaranteed to lower your risk for a cardiac-related death.

Super Foods #10. Soy:

A complete and perhaps the only vegetarian source of protein.

The New SuperFoods

Super Foods #11. Spinach:

The best food on the planet to prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, thus ensuring a lifetime of good vision.

Popeye would agree to this super natural foods designation.

Super Foods #12. Teas:

Matcha, White, Green or Black:

The easiest and cheapest no-calorie way to avoid heart disease and cancer.

Super Foods #13. Tomatoes;

One of the easiest ways for men to avoid prostate cancer is the consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based products.

Ie; tomato sauce.

Super Foods #14. Skinless turkey breast:

This is the leanest meat source of protein available.

Super Foods #15. Walnuts:

Eating walnuts is an easy, tasty way to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

and Super Foods #16. Yogurt:

A tasty, easy way to boost your immune system.

What�s the difference between pre- and pro-biotics?

Let me try to explain.

The power of yogurt comes from both the synergy of eating this magical food with pre-biotics, which are nondigestible ingredients of whole foods, and then the pro-biotics are the live cultures found in yogurt.

The pre-biotics help stimulate the growth of the pro-biotics, so both of these work in tandem to improve the overall health benefits of this super natural foods.

Does acidophilus have any health benefits?

Acidophilus is a pro-biotic, or a living micro-organism, which is one of the bacteria found in yogurt.

The healthiest yogurts contain a large number of different pro-biotics, including acidophilus.

So, should you eat a little of each of these super natural foods every day?

Our opinion is, the more the merrier.

For example, beans maybe 1/2 cup, four times a week.

Wild salmon probably at least three times a week.

The vegetables and fruit?

Ideally, daily.

I eat yogurt and various in-season fruits every single day.

You could have turkey a couple times a week.

Tea, daily.

As always mix it up and use your best judgement.

People ask us all the time.

Can't I just take vitamins and supplements to get the nutrition I may be lacking?

Or, I don't have time to do a lot of shopping or cooking.

Supplements are fine.

We take them ourselves but Marilyn and I take "pure" and "natural" supplements as they are readily absorbed by our body and besides most pills have artificial binders and fillers which are of no benefit...except to the pharmaceutical companies. ;0) (if ya know what I mean?)
And then there's the question that begs to be answered,

Does organic make a difference in the health benefits of these healthy, low fat, super natural foods?

I mean it�s so much more expensive.

There�s no question that organic food is better for the environment, and may possibly have more of some nutrients than non-organic food.

If you can afford and find organic food, then that is a great way to go.

see; Why Organic?

But remember, it is more important to eat the fruits, vegetables and grains, than it is to worry about whether they are organic or not.

For men who are concerned that soy, an awesome super natural food, may lower their testosterone or sex drive, there have been very well-designed studies clearly proving that soy has no adverse affect on male sexual functions.

We should always keep in mind that alcohol, especially in excess, will raise the blood levels of estrogen, and this is one way whereby excess alcohol consumption raises the risk for breast cancer.

There seems to be no adverse affects on the health of individuals consuming plant-based phytoestrogen.

The only area that is controversial in this aspect is for women who have a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Marilyn always tell women in this category, they should seek advice from their healthcare professional that's treating the breast cancer.

Is there really a connection between soy and menopause?

Should menopausal women avoid soy?

No.

Our research suggests that menopausal women should consume soy.

Most of the scientific evidence at this point suggests that there is a positive benefit in reducing perimenopausal symptoms in women who consume 10 to 15 grams of soy protein per day.

We are unaware (at this writing) of any adverse effects of this amount of soy being consumed by a woman going through menopause.

The most recent studies clearly suggest that there are benefits to decreasing perimenopausal symptoms in women consuming relatively small amounts of soy products, best done by splitting the "dose" of soy into two or more different time periods during the day.

I see pumpkin on the list.

The only way I know to eat pumpkin is in pie, so I'm very surprised it made your list of super natural foods.

I'm trying to lose weight so pie is OUT!

How else do you eat pumpkin?

And are there other things I could eat instead of pumpkin?

Pumpkin is, of course, readily available as 100% canned pumpkin puree.

This can be the base for pumpkin soup or even bread.

This is relatively low in calories and is huge in nutritional value.

We've got a great recipe for, Orange Butternut Pumpkin Muffins

There are of course sidekicks or substitutes for pumpkin, such as butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and orange bell peppers. They are easy, tasty, and very good for you.

Pumpkin seeds are also very good for you.

Is there a synergy created by combining a variety of super natural foods?

Great question.

Marilyn and I constantly stress the synergy of multiple, healthy, super natural, low fat food choices.

And remember, the synergy of all of the super natural foods is enhanced by the health benefits of other lifestyle choices, such as exercise and getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

So, natural super foods, plus healthy lifestyle choices equal a longer, healthier, more enjoyable life full of energy and satisfaction.

What foods should we absolutely stay away from if possible?

We always say, stay away from foods containing hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated oils.

This does mean you have to read the food and understand the food label.

To undertsand food labels, see; Nutrition Labels

Remember that all donuts (to our knowledge), have the so-called trans fats, which is another way of saying partially hydrogenated oils.

There is no safe amount of trans fats.

Period!

Even small amounts have an adverse effect on our health.

They are even worse than saturated fat, which also can have significant adverse effects on many body functions.

There is a lot of confusion about which foods to eat and which foods to avoid.

Just remember that humans have been eating super natural foods for thousands of years, without knowing that consuming these super natural foods is an excellent strategy for good health.

We doubt there is ever going to be a headline in a magazine or newspaper stating that any of the super natural foods listed are bad for people and should be avoided. lol

Marilyn and I hope you enjoyed this informative narrative and will begin adding these great low fat foods to you and your family�s diet for natural and better health.

Don't forget to subscribe to our excellent Super Natural Foods Newsletter.

Just click on the link below.

Our opinions expressed herein are just that, �opinions� and have not been reviewed by a physician. If you have questions about your health, you should consult your personal physician. This page is meant for informational purposes only.

To view our just updated information on this topic, click on the "update" link below.

And now that you have the information you wanted, it's time to put that info into a plan.

To learn just how to do that see the following link;

Your Nutritional Plan

_______________________________________________________________

Your Guide to Super Foods

Acai Berry ~ The Ultimate Antioxidant

Super Natural Foods Update

Super Natural Foods Update 2

Super Natural Cold & Flu Remedies

The Ultimate Longevity Food

Salmon ~ Protect Your Heart

Shiitake ~ The Healing Fungus