Hmmmm...
Walnuts, almonds, blueberries....
I don't have a list, nor websites. LOL

and lots of bright colored veggies...

I know the whole salmon thing is controversial because different types of salmon have different levels of potential toxins. I love fish and it is potentially healthy, but with the way we are messing with fish habitats . . . I know way too much about fish and toxins for my own good. But we need to realize, as goes our environment, so goes it with us.
I posted a list a long while back, I think at least two years ago. I saw an article about it on my Internet portal one day.
I remember citrus, but that is controversial too, since different people tolerate it differently. I know it can interfere with some medications too, particularly grapefruit.

Oh yeah, and green tea.

I am not a huge fan of salmon...Drew eats it at least once a week.
I can do salmon maybe once a month if its a recipe I like.

Maybe Dr Oz has info....

Thanks guys!!

Cheers!
Susie

I don't think there are any foods that are "super". It's too broad a category. I think we would all be better off eating a wide variety of foods and all in moderation. The only "perfect" food I can think of is breast milk for babies!!!

This list is from an article that was in our newspaper.

SUPERFOODS
FOOD SIMILIAR BENEFITS OR OPTIONS
Turkey - Skinless Chicken Breast
Blueberries - Strawberries, Raspberries, Cherries, Purple Grapes, Currants, plus all other fresh, frozen or dried berries
Broccoli - Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Kale, Cauliflower, Turnips, Collards, Bok Choy and Mustard Greens
Soy - Tofu, Soy Milk, Soy Nuts, Edamame, Tempeh, Miso
Beans - Pinto, Navy, Lima, Chickpeas, Lentils and Green Peas
Wild Salmon - Alaskan Halibut, Sardines, Trout
Spinach - Kale, Collards, Swiss Chard, Turnip Greens, Bok Chow, Romaine Lettuce
Oatmeal - Wheat Germ, Ground Flaxseed, Brown Rice, Barley, Wheat, Buckwheat, Rye, Millet, Bulgur Wheat, Amaranth, Quinoa, Wild Rice, Whole Wheat Couscous
Pumpkin - Carrots, Butternut Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Orange Bell Peppers
Tea - Green or Black
Yogurt - Kefir
Oranges - White or Pink Grapefruit, Kumquats, Tangerines
Tomatoes - Watermelon, Pink Grapefruit, Japanese Persimmons, Red-Fleshed Papaya and Strawberry Guava
Walnuts - Almonds, Pistachios, Sesame Seeds, Peanuts, Macadamia Nuts, Pecans, Hazelnuts and Cashews

HTH,
Ramona

Here is a link that might be useful: MY BLOG

Susie Que - I found the article, shoot me an e-mail if you want me to scan it to a file and send it to you.

it will be msmitoagain at yahoo.com

I have to agree with ghoghunter, there are no real super foods. You can waste a lot of time and money trying to follow the latest fads and these so-called super foods are just the latest fad. Eating a well balanced diet of fresh, well prepared, locally grown foods is much more sensible.

What exactly is a super food supposed to do anyway?

Somehow I'm sure the list won't contain Twinkies and Coke, LOL.

As far as I can see, any articles and lists I read about Super Foods include fresh fruit and vegetables, the more brightly colored the better, ostensibly. Nuts, whole grains, meats and fish that are low in saturated fats, lots of greens.

Hmmm. It sounds a lot like the basic healthy diet to me...

I know Blueberries were making headlines at one time, then pomegranite, now acai. It's a fad, IMO. We know what's good for us, now we just have to eat it.

Annie

Thanks for all the feedback.

I do try to eat healthy-pretty much my standard train of thought.

I guess my main question would be is there a list including serving sizes?? Also what is it about each food that makes it super good for you??

I recently saw a TV chef make a superfood menu. She spoke about including red bell peppers since 1/3rd a pepper is a full day supply of Vitamin C.
So then I ask is a green bell pepper or jalapeno just as good??

Oh I just thought...how about raw verse cooked??
I remember hearing cooked tomato was better than raw??

I guess I am just trying to get myself and family to take the steps to better health now since we have heart disease on both sides of the family.

Cheers!
Susie

Michael Pollan pretty much summed it up in his book, In Defense of Food: Eat food [as opposed to food-like substances], Not too much, Mostly plants.

That said, red/black/purple berries are exceptionally healthy as antioxidants; leafy greens and cole family veggies (cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli) are a good deal healthier than, say, green beans; and deep orange colored veggies like winter squash and sweet potatoes are also good.

Beyond that, eat locally, eat organic whenever possible and avoid processed foods--especially those that contain trans fats and high fructose corn syrup. Support farmers markets and try to buy healthily raised meats (which may or may not be organic--the method of raising is the most important, the organicness of the ration is secondary.)

Hope this doesn't post twice.

I meant to add that as regards Salmon, if you worry about farm raised or mercury pollution, eat fish low on the food chain, like herring or sardines. You get the Omega 3 fatty acids, but no pollution.

All seafood can be checked for safety and amount safe to eat (and should be!) at www.oceansalive.org

Here's an article I saved a few years back. Luckily I like and eat most of the foods on this list all the time. In fact I eat one or two things on the list almost every day, being a veggie.

Live Longer If You Eat These 14 Foods?

They're ordinary items that are probably in your refrigerator or kitchen pantry right now: beans, blueberries, broccoli, oats, oranges, pumpkin, soy, spinach, green or black tea, tomatoes, turkey, walnuts, wild salmon, and yogurt.

But these may not be ordinary foods at all. They may be so special, they've earned the title "superfoods." That's the word from Steven G. Pratt, author of "SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life." His premise is that these vitamin-packed goodies have superpowers when it comes to keeping us healthy, improving our well-being, and helping us to live longer provided we do our part by eating them regularly, reports The Rocky Mountain News.

Here are the 14 "superfoods" and the superpowers they bestow that are outlined in "SuperFoods Rx":

Beans
They lower cholesterol, fight heart disease, stabilize blood sugar, reduce obesity, lessen cancer risk, and relieve hypertension.
--Eat four 1/2-cup servings a week. Don't like beans? Substitute green beans, sugar snap peas, green peas, or chick peas instead.

Blueberries
They lower the risk of heart disease and cancer and help maintain youthful, healthy skin.
--Eat 1 to 2 cups a day. When they aren't in season, eat cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, currants, and purple grapes.

Broccoli
It boosts your immune system, reduces the incidence of cataracts, builds bones, and fights birth defects and heart disease.
--Eat 1/2 to 1 cup a day. Can't stand broccoli? Eat brussels sprouts, red and green cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, and kale.

Oats
Oats lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and are high in fiber and protein.
--Eat five to seven servings a week. Don't want it that often? Try wheat germ, brown rice, barley, wheat, buckwheat, rye, millet, and quinoa.

Oranges
They support heart health while preventing cancer, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic ailments.
--Eat one a day. Want more variety? Try lemons, grapefruit, kumquats, tangerines, or limes.

Pumpkin
It's not just for pie. Pumpkin lowers the risk of various cancers, while it promotes youthful, healthy skin.
--Eat 1/2 cup a day. Want an alternative? Try carrots, carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and orange bell peppers.

Soy
It prevents heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis, as well as relieves menopausal and menstrual symptoms.
--Eat at least 15 grams daily. Don't like soy? Try tofu, soymilk, soy nuts, edamame, or miso.

Spinach
Popeye was on to something! Spinach lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases, a variety of cancers, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts.
--Eat 1 cup of steamed spinach or 2 cups of raw spinach a day. Don't like it? Then eat kale, collards, Swiss chard, bok choy, romaine lettuce, mustard, or turnip greens.

Tea (Black or green)
Besides soothing the soul, tea boosts the immune system, helps prevent cancer and osteoporosis, lowers stroke risk, and promotes cardiovascular health.
--Drink at least one cup a day.

Tomatoes
They lower cancer risk, increase your skin's sun-protection factor, and play a role in preventing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
--Eat one tomato a day. Don't like them? Try watermelon, persimmons, or pink grapefruit instead.

Turkey (skinless breast)
It's not just for Thanksgiving. Turkey is not only the perfect healthy low-fat protein, but also builds a strong immune system.
--Eat three or four 3-ounce servings a week. Want something else? Skinless chicken breast is a great alternative.

Walnuts
How nutty is this? Walnuts reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
--Eat 1 ounce five times a week. Other options include almonds, pistachios, sesame seeds, peanuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and cashews.

Wild salmon
It lowers risk of heart disease and cancer.
--Eat it two to four times a week. Don't like salmon? Go for Alaskan halibut, canned albacore tuna, sardines, herring, trout, sea bass, or clams.

Yogurt
In addition to being a great source of protein and calcium, yogurt promotes strong bones and a healthy heart.
--Eat 2 cups a day. Want something else? Try kefir.

laceyvail, are you trying to tell me that cheetos and Orange Crush, both orange foods, aren't actually all that healthy?

Darn it anyway, I told the grandkids it was health food, LOL.

L, I think I read a similar article in Prevention magazine a while ago, which is how I brought it down to "eat fresh and healthy whole foods with little added salt sugar or fat".

Annie

So after reading Laurie's list I grabbed a Stash Green Tea bag and popped it in my cup. YUCK! I have tried to tolerate that stuff, but Eeewww, it's just bitter/weak at the same time.
I'll stick with the black or white teas and call it a day!

Ellen, I agree, I don't care for green tea either and I don't much like herbal tea except mint. I just like plain black tea, Twining's Irish Breakfast is my current favorite but I've been known to drink Red Rose and even Lipton if that's what available!

Besides, black tea is good for you too. so is coffee, dark chocolate and red wine, so live it up. (grin)

Annie

I don't like plain green tea, but there are awesome flavored green teas available. My current favorite is Jasmine Green Tea. I also love Pomegranate Green Tea. I agree about Stash, I bought Stash Green Tea Chai and it's beyond nasty.

Funny you should mention that about Stash tea, as I just bought some last week--it was the least expensive green tea brand. Not so good, IMHO. I think with green tea you really have to go with the loose leaf. It has just too delicate of a flavor for the bags. A lot of time you get a paper taste. Consumer's Guide rated green teas one time, Tzazo loose leaf came in first. I find green tea tolerable if I put a dash of cranberry or orange juice in it. I'm trying to drink more so I am trying to include this kind of tea, but I'll admit it is an uphill battle. Especially when I do so love the black stuff.

I can't have green tea since I'm on a blood thinner, but that's quite alright since I much prefer black tea.

The "superfoods" are foods that are shown to be nutrient-dense or have some quality that is proven or speculated to be beneficial.

I try to eat them every day. I keep frozen and dried blueberries on hand, chop walnuts for salads, lots of bean soups, salmon we both love anyway.

The leafy greens/broccoli are my challenge. Bleh. I make a salad or crudite plate almost every day.

Antioxidants are the current big fad, with "super-juice" mixtures being sold for a pretty penny. Mangosteen is the new Noni craze. If you want to buy them, Costco has them and probably Walmart too. Don't buy expensive bottles of fruit juice from MLMers.

Re Green Tea: I'm not crazy about most green teas, but I adore a smoky green tea called Gen Mai Cha--it contains popped rice kernals!

Unless I missed it, I don't see the most important Super Food. Dark Chocolate! Nuff said.

The Tv chef was Ellie Krieger.
Heres a superfood recipe for Coconut!!!

Cheers!
Susie

Cherry Almond Chocolate Cluster
Ingredients

1 cup(s) nuts, almonds, toasted in a dry skillet over a medium-high flame until fragrant, stirring frequently, 3 to 5 minutes and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup(s) cherries, dried tart, coarsely chopped
6 ounce(s) dark chocolate, 72% cacao, finely chopped
Preparation

In a medium bowl, toss together the almonds and cherries. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.

Melt half the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over 1 inch of barely simmering water, over the lowest possible heat, stirring frequently. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the rest of the chocolate. Remove the top pan with the chocolate in it, gently wipe the bottom, and set it aside for a moment. Replace the simmering water in the bottom pan with warm tap water. Put the pan of melted chocolate on top of the warm water. This will keep the chocolate at the right temperature while you make the clusters.

Stir the fruit/nut mixture into the chocolate. Spoon out heaping tablespoon-sized clusters of the chocolate mixture onto the baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Put them in the refrigerator to set for 15 minutes. Store and serve at room temperature.

Serving size: 1 cluster.

Nutrient Note: Good source of fiber.
About This Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Contains Nuts
Vegetarian
Good for Leftovers

Nutrition Facts
Number of servings: 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 155
Total Fat: 10 g
Sat Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 5 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
Fiber: 2.5 g
Protein: 3.5 g

susie, I really like Ellie Krieger's recipes, I wish The Food-Network-Morons-In-Charge would quit moving her show around, sheesh.

ah, but I guess that's a different thread, LOL

Annie

Exactly how much longer do you expect to live on those super foods - 10, maybe 15 minutes? I'll take the chocolate and live a little less long, thank you.

Momj47, I'm not trying especially hard to prolong my life, I just want to be healthy and independent for as long as my life lasts.

I spent too much time watching Dad in his wheelchair, becoming more dependent on his family and less able to do things he loved, and in constant pain. I don't want to do that, so I eat the fruits and vegetables and omega 3s and antioxidants. Then I eat the chocolate, LOL.

Annie

Susie, I made a "bark" that is similar..I love munching on a few 2 bite pieces through out the day.

Trader Joes Bittersweet pound n half bar
TJ's Tart Montmorency Cherries, chopped
some chopped pecans
and some diced up Reed's Candied Ginger..

It's about 1/4" thick and I have it in 2 bite pieces. I usually eat about 2, sometimes 3 a day..but not every day..just when I want a little "pick me up" throughout the day.
Next time I'll add some unsweetened coconut flakes.

Now that's what I call SUPER!

I agree with eating healthy and including "Super Foods" but then allowing yourself treats of the things you love.

My favorite food, that I consider super, is homemade minestrone soup with beans for protein and a g'zillion vegetables. In our house, we call it Liquid Gold. You can actually feel yourself feeling healthy after eating it - like every cell in your body has been nourished. Also, it's a feeling a saiety without any guilt

Michael Pollan and Barbara Kingsolver's books are good reads on eating local, fresh, organic foods. I try to balance homemade meals with convenience but it is always tricky.

Kari

Why don't you buy a book? That's what its all about - a marketing gimmick.
A trend, a fad so you part with your dollars.
What used to be considered healthy is still the stuff that's healthy, like posted, brightly colored fruits and vegetables etc. Moderation, simple ingredient lists (i.e. less additives, less salt) and lots and lots of exercise.

I certainly don't think this talk of "superfoods" is a "fad". By definition, a fad is "a temporary fashion, notion, manner of conduct, etc., esp. one followed enthusiastically by a group."

"Superfoods" are not "temporary" -- many of you have said that you've known about this for years.

I see this is as great reminder and better focused way of telling us to eat healthy. A hell of a lot of us certainly need that.

I've seen a lot of requests for "healthy" recipes on this forum but I rarely see much response. But when a request for some gigantic goopy-gloppy cake recipe comes on, there's dozens of ideas and "OMG"s. Yeah, I'm part of all that.

I've also seen a lot of recipes posted that are heavy with pre-packaged, non-fresh ingredients -- the very things you're commenting on here.

No, I'm not accusing anyone of being a hypocrite. I'm just pointing out that we ALL need reminders. And that's what the "superfood" cocept is.

So, eat fresh, eat in moderation, eat fruits and veggies (ESPECIALLY the "superfoods") and THEN have some comfort food.

It's a challenging balance, indeed, to live a healthy life AND to enjoy it fully.

Joe