SUPER FOOD ROUND-UP
Here, then, are the Super Foods, each with its one or more special, health-building properties:
Beans
Collards
Peaches
Beet Greens
Garlic
Peas
Black Chinese Mushrooms
Ginger
Sweet Red Pepper
Broccoli
Kale
Scallions
Brussels Sprouts
Lentils
Spinach
Cabbage
Oat Bran
Sweet Potatoes
Cantaloupes
Onions
Water
Carrots
Papayas
Whole Grains
Cauliflower
Parsley
The ideal food would be full of CCs, vitamins, minerals and fiber, with just enough protein and a little bit of fat. Unfortunately, the perfect food does not exist. Even the Super Foods, good as they are, have their limitations. Carrots, for example, have plenty of beta carotene and potassium but very little vitamin C. Red peppers are rich in vitamins C and A but have little calcium. White beans have a good amount of calcium but no vitamin A. The best approach, then, is to eat a wide variety of Super Foods.
I usually put my patients on a diet that strongly emphasizes a broad spectrum of Super Foods, depending on their own medical problem. Those who are at high risk for heart disease, for example, should eat a lot of fibrous Super Foods to help lower their cholesterol, plus garlic, onions, ginger or black Chinese mushrooms to assist in controlling unwanted blood clots.
The point is to give their “doctor within” the strength needed to repair their body and regain good health. As their health improves, I have my patients broaden their diet to include many other nutritious foods. These may not be on the same high health level as Super Foods, but they’re good for you and your “doctor within.”
Choosing foods for the Super Food diet is simplicity itself. Simply go to the produce section of your market and fill your basket with fresh vegetables, beans, peas and fruits. Next, select dried or sprouted beans, peas and lentils. Then go to the shelves where the whole grains are kept. Be sure to get whole-grain rice, not white rice. Remember the general rule: Did Nature make the food or did man? Nature creates whole-grain rice and whole wheat. Man takes these good foods and destroys them, calling the result white rice and white flour. You can also purchase grains such as barley, millet and cracked wheat. Or look for breads, rolls and pasta made from whole wheat and other whole-grain flours. Add low-fat fish to your shopping basket, along with your favorite herbs and spices.
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