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The New SuperFoods

10 more nutrient-rich foods that will change your life (and keep you feeling full on less)

By Samra Habib

1. Mushrooms
Loaded with antioxidants, riboflavin, selenium and other nutrients that keep the immune system healthy and help stave off cancer. Sneak it in: Add to onions, garlic and thyme to make stock for risotto.

2. Kale
Rich with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, kale is also thought to help lower risk of arthritis, as well as ovarian and breast cancers with sulphur-containing phytonutrients. Sneak it in: Use in winter soups and hearty pasta dishes.

3. Spirulina
With more iron than beef and more protein than soy, this algae is the only plant source of vitamin B12. Sneak it in: Add spirulina powder to breakfast smoothies and dips.

4. Cranberry
Compared to other fruits such as grapes and strawberries, cranberries have the highest level of phenols – an oxidant that decreases the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. Sneak it in: Add zest to your dinner with cranberry relish.

5. Kefir
Ideal if you're lactose intolerant, this cultured milk product delivers antibiotic properties, protein, minerals and vitamin B. Sneak it in: Use in place of yogurt with granola and berries.

6. Ground Salba
This ancient grain provides 8x more omega-3s than salmon, 25% more dietary fibre than flaxseed, 30% more antioxidants than blueberries, 7x more vitamin C than an orange... get the picture? Sneak it in: Sprinkle in cereal, smoothies, pasta dishes and salads.

7. Eggs
Cholesterol Shmolesterol. Egg yolks are loaded with choline, which is proven to help combat breast cancer. Sneak it in: Crumble a hard-boiled egg over your favourite salad.

8. Cherries
High in phytochemicals (plant chemicals that have disease preventative properties), cherries may also reduce inflammation. Sneak it in: Forget about sneaking! Just grab a handful as an afternoon snack.

9. Pistachios
Studies show these slow the rate of carbohydrate absorption and contain the fibre, protein and monounsaturated fat you need. Sneak it in: Use them in pesto in place of pine nuts.

10. Beets
Beets are high in folic acid and contain betacyanine, which is an antioxidant that gives beets their rich, red colour. Sneak it in: Add to your fave salad.

Average (72 Ratings)4.41 out of 5 stars

  • 1. Posted by Elmer S on Tue, Jun 16, 2009

    great information keep sending me tips like this, thanks so much!

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  • 2. Posted by Susan on Sun, Jun 14, 2009

    Excellent advise - though missing one important point - eat them organically grown. Otherwise you (and Mother Nature) are getting a "healthy" dose of chemicals along with your antioxidants and beneficial components.

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  • 3. Posted by MyName on Fri, Jun 12, 2009

    Great article.

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  • 4. Posted by Fred M on Fri, Jun 12, 2009

    I can tell you from personal experience about spirulina. I've been taking about 5 grams of spirulina daily for the past 4 years and as God as my witness, I have not even had so much as a sniffle since. My job is just as stressful as anyone else and and my life is no different than the average person. My wife is a teacher so she is contstantly coming home sick because most parents send their kids to school no matter how sick they are. I always used to catch infections from my wife but that has not happened even once in the past 4 years. I mix the spirulina powder with my fruit smoothy or I take it in tablet form with 4 ounces of pure blueberry juice every morning.

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  • 5. Posted by Lynda on Fri, Jun 12, 2009

    Wonderful information,but I would like to add another super food- hemp.It is very high in protein and the right balance of essential fatty acids.Its highly digestible and easily assimilated.Next best thing to mother's milk

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  • 6. Posted by H.J. on Fri, Jun 12, 2009

    Though I have not heard of a couple of these foods I would very much like to know where to obtain them from. Some I have eaten all my 69 years and highly prefer fresh vegetables over frozen or genetically altered foods

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  • 7. Posted by AL on Fri, Jun 12, 2009

    This is great!! I have to send it out to all my friends, and my Sparks team members!! Thanks!

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  • 8. Posted by Angelita D on Fri, Jun 12, 2009

    i agree... these are good sources of nutrients.. keep up the good work, it's an eye opener for some people.. thanks!

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  • 9. Posted by Fchyenne on Fri, Jun 12, 2009

    'new' super foods..that's funny, nothing new about it, just most people would rather grab a bite of mcnasty

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  • 10. Posted by Gazza on Fri, Jun 12, 2009

    just like trans fats would be a better choice for you in the 80's they will change their minds!

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