'Super food' here to save the day

By: JESSICA LUTON

Posted: 2/14/07

Maintaining a healthy diet can be a very difficult task, but doctors are touting the use of certain foods as a way to maintain a healthy diet and prevent chronic health problems.

Often termed "super foods," these foods provide health benefits and have low to moderate calories.

Included on lists of super foods are minimally processed or unprocessed foods such as apples, blueberries, broccoli, skim milk, salmon, brown rice, raspberries and sweet potatoes.

"In general, the more you eat foods that are close to their original form, the healthier the foods. Whole foods provide more satiety and therefore can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is an important step in preventing many chronic diseases," said University Dietician Alice Bender.

"The nutrients also help maintain a healthy immune system which may result in fewer colds, stomach problems and other illnesses," she said.

Other treats such as dark chocolate, nuts, tea and coffee also provide substantial health benefits.

"Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals which are implicated in heart disease and other chronic diseases. The cocoa phenols in particular have been shown to lower blood pressure," said Bender.

Although Bender does not consider dark chocolate a "super food," she does admit it can enhance a diet.

"My definition of a 'super food' would be one that provides a lot of substances with health benefits and low to moderate calories, so I probably would not list dark chocolate as a super food. It certainly tastes super, though, so in moderation, it can enhance your diet with flavor and enjoyment," said Bender.

EarthFare, a local specialty foods store, as well as most grocery stores carry a large selection of tea and dark chocolate.

Whether you enjoy dark chocolate covered cranberries or cherry and almond dark chocolate, you can find an array of products to appease your taste buds.

Although there are many tasty treats to be enjoyed, Bender says there are better options for eating healthy.

"Even better are a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables that have many of the same substances, but also contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and lower calories and fat than are in chocolate," said Bender.