Exotic Super Foods

You may have noticed new super foods hitting the grocery store shelves. Often times, you can’t even pronounce the word, let alone understand the health benefits. Whole Foods Market has identified and outlined several of these immune fighting antioxidant rich foods in their March/April 2008 issue of their store magazine. We’ve simplified the article and outlined its key take-a-ways below:

Mangosteen: These fresh fruits are rarely seen in the States due to restrictions on imports by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, their high level of xanthones (antioxidant compounds that help with inflammation) can be found in other forms like juice. Many believe the fruit’s antioxidant levels to be highly potent and have great health benefits. The juice price can be high, so consider adding a little mangosteen juice to soda water to get the fruit’s awesome benefits.

To see images, click on: http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=mangosteen&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

Pomegranate: Best known for its cancer fighting properties, these fruits top the antioxidant list. Studies have shown health benefits in lowering blood pressure and positive effects on preventing osteoarthritis and heart disease. Some people sprinkle the seeds on salads or in foods. Others drink the juice straight up. The juice can be tart, so consider adding some to soda water.

To see images, go to http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&q=pomegranate

Sour Cherries: Want a natural source for anti-inflammatory? Try sour cherries to reduce muscle pain as experienced in exercise. Sour cherries have been used throughout history for their powerful effects on arthritis. The best way to get the benefits of sour cherries is through juice. Although tart, it is recommended to blend the juice with a sweeter juice.

Sesame: The benefits of sesame seeds will astound you. They contain lignans, the ingredient that gives flaxseeds such a hipe, to help women balance hormone levels. They also have cholesterol lowering effects, and may reduce the risk of heart attack, according to a 2005 study published in Nutrition Research. Resources include pure sesame seeds or sesame oil. Next time ask for a sesame bagel.

Yerba Mate: This herbal tea, originating from South America, has taken the place of coffee in some cultures. This caffeinated beverage contains higher heart-healthy antioxidants than green tea or red wine (sorry wine lovers) according to a 2005 study by Touro University in Vallejo, Calif. It’s recommended that you brew a weaker version of the tea to get used to the taste and add sweeteners like honey to soften the slightly bitter flavor.

*Resource: Whole Foods Magazine March/April 2008