Selecting ‘superfoods’

Excerpts from an article in the Los Altos Town Crier 3/18/09 by Kim Verity, registered dietician.

The following are my “superfood” picks. These foods are packed with protective substances that guard the heart, reduce cancer risk, boost bone strength, preserve eyesight and perhaps even spur weight loss

Avocados. This fruit is loaded with a variety of antioxidants, including lutein, beta-carotene and vitamin E. The fat found in avocados may help your body better absorb antioxidant vitamins from other foods as well. So, add a slice or two on top of your salad to grab the beneficial nutrients. Ounce for ounce, avocados contain more blood-pressure-lowering potassium than bananas. They also protect your heart with a cholesterol-lowering beta-sterol. In addition, they are loaded with more heart-friendly nutrients, folate, B6 and fiber

Other picks include:

• Berries
• Peanut butter
• Quinoa
• Butternut squash
• Yogurt