Canadian-Super-Foods, eh. Are Super Foods different in Canada?

Canadian-Super-Foods

Canadian-Super-Foods, eh.

Are Super Foods any different in Canada?

Not really, the foods themselves might be a bit different only in their availability, but the nutritional components in these foods defining them as "super" is the same as anywhere else.

I mean, could grandma have been right about carrots making you see in the dark?

Human beings wherever we live, have always sought the fountain of youth.

At the very least, we want that elusive silver bullet that will keep us feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed well into the golden years.

Could it be garlic?

Perhaps broccoli?

The hunt is on for Super Foods.

Foods with extra nutritional oomph, qualities that will supposedly combat all those vile trans fats and vicious free radicals that cause premature aging. (Free radicals are harmful molecules that are blamed for cancer, heart disease, even Alzheimer's.)

The Super Foods movement began as research into functional foods went mainstream when celebrity authors such as Dr. Steven Pratt and Dr. Nicholas Perricone began popping up with books and appearances on Oprah and Good Morning America.

According to health food retailer Shelley Robertson, "We're now looking toward whole food as supplements, rather than vitamin supplements.

Super Foods like Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berries, in fact most dehydrated berries (blueberries, cranberries) are extremely high in antioxidants and are aggressive free-radical scavengers."

The berries are a terrific energy booster and as a natural sports drink, it has the potassium and sodium we need for recovery after strenuous activity.

It's also extremely high in antioxidants.

Acai and matcha green tea, are both extremely popular.

Although no listing of so-called Super Foods can ever be definitive, and there is always some disagreement on what foods should make this list, we've come up with our own (highly subjective) list of Canadian-Super-Foods.

Canadian-Super-Foods #1

~ Acai: This is a berry from an Amazon palm tree.

There are many experts calling Acai, No. 1 of the Super Foods on the planet, some in fact saying that it could be one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world.

Available as juice, as a frozen puree, or a supplement at health food stores, Acai berries are so blue they're almost black.

Taste one and you're apt to find flavours of blueberries, black currants, chokecherry and dark chocolate.

Acai has 10 to 30 times more antioxidants than blueberries, green tea, red grapes or red wine.

The pulp is packed with essential omegas (the good-for-you fatty acids) and has similar protein to an egg, with an almost-perfect (eight of the nine) profile of essential amino acids and valuable trace minerals, vital to proper muscle contraction and regeneration.

They may also protect the heart, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, fight depression and possibly fight certain cancer cells.

Especially Leukemia ~ See following article;

Acai Berry ~ The Ultimate Antioxidant

Canadian-Super-Foods #2

~ Beans and soybeans: Dried beans are high in calcium and are a nutrient-dense source of vegetable protein.

They're also high in fibre, which gives a sustained feeling of fullness.

Soybeans, especially green soybeans, or edamame, may lower harmful LDL cholesterol.

They're digested slowly, which prevents spiking of blood-sugar levels.

Canadian-Super-Foods #3

~ Wild blueberries: Powerful antioxidants, they contain folic acid, vitamin C, carotenoids, and what are called hundreds of other useful compounds, including flavonoids, all in one small package.

Their thick skin and seeds provide valuable fibre.

There is some evidence that they help prevent macular degeneration in the eyes, and they act as an anti-inflammatory. (Note that cranberries, though not currently on the hot list, perform many of the same functions.)

Blueberry juice is now sold in combination with cranberry juice and pomegranate juice.

Marilyn and I have definitely gotten on this bandwagon!

Canadian-Super-Foods #4

~ Broccoli sprouts: High in calcium and iron and a good source of fibre.

Because they're in the cruciferous family, they're very high in antioxidants.

Being in the sprout stage, the nutrient density is even greater.

That's why the raw food craze is catching on.

Canadian-Super-Foods #5

~ Oats: High in soluble fibre, low in fat, oats and especially oat bran help keep cholesterol low and regulate blood sugar.

Canadian-Super-Foods #6

~ Oranges: Extremely high in vitamin C, which nourishes mucosa in the nose and throat, forming the first barrier against infection.

There's some evidence that vitamin C might be the ultimate free-radical scavenger.

Research is ongoing.

Canadian-Super-Foods #7

~ Pomegranates: Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants.

The juice became wildly popular in 2005 both for its health benefits and because bars across America created yummy specialty cocktails with the tart-sweet juice.

Canadian-Super-Foods #8

~ Salmon: Great source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

But is it farmed, or should it be wild?

The benefits of wild salmon are greater it seems.

Canadian-Super-Foods #9

~ Green tea: Japanese tea powder, called matcha, delivers a significant hit of nutrients.

Benefits have long been recognized by Zen Buddhists, who originally used it as a medicinal tonic.

Canadian-Super-Foods #10

~ Tomatoes: Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in heat-treated tomatoes, helps ward off certain cancers, notably prostate cancer.

But it should be pointed out that watermelon has a higher concentration of lycoprene.

Two cups contains 18.2 mg, while a medium tomato contains only 4 mg.")

Canadian-Super-Foods #11

~ Walnuts: Walnuts are among the superstars of the nut world, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, a natural source of melatonin, and according to a recent study at the University of Texas,

The ingredients in walnuts are expected to reduce the severity of degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular disease.

A handful of dry roasted (unsalted) walnuts, about 14 halves, has 150 calories, and is a good source of protein.

Canadian-Super-Foods #12

~ Yogurt: Dairy products are the best natural source of calcium.

They help bones, teeth, muscle contraction and heartbeat.

Calcium may assist in weight loss.

Fermented dairy products with live bacterial culture, acidophilus, are the best.

They nourish the GI tract, which is especially important for people who eat refined products.

Canadian-Super-Foods #13

~ Hemp: A phenomenol superfood.

It has a balanced blend of essential fatty acids (Omegas 3 and 6) and is an excellent source of easily digestible complete protein that increases collagen.

Hemp nuts taste like mini macadamia nuts.

And many of you know how I feel about macadamia nuts and oil.

They're high in healthy oil that will reduce cholesterol and improve skin.

Ideal for kids and seniors.

And of Course, #14

~ Cod liver oil: The new cod liver oils are no longer that revolting stuff our grandparents took.

Unfortunately you can't cook with it, and it does still have a bit of a fishy taste, but it's high in essential fatty acids, nourishing everything from the skin to the brain.

So, there you have some information on Canadian Super Foods and by clicking on the following links you'll discover some wonderfully and distinctly Canadian dishes utilizing many of the super foods, we've just discussed.

Cheers.

Smoked Salmon Pizza ~ Pizza to the Stars

Crab & Roasted Pepper Bisque

Baked Cod ~ Cajun Style

Blueberry & Lemon Blintz

Lobster ~ A Classic

Phyllo Crowns with Wild Mushroom Centers

Smoked Salmon Roulades

Apple Spinach Salad with Cheddar

Salmon Cakes ~ Super Moist ~ Super Delicious

Amazing Lentil & Carrot Soup

Smoked Salmon & Potato Pancakes with Dill Creme Fraiche