Superfoods, Weight Loss, and You!

You may have asked yourself what is it that makes a food "super"? According to Dr. Steven Pratt, who coined the term in 2004, a food must meet certain criteria to be classified as a superfood. The food must contain nutrients which improve and enhance one's longevity, it must be backed by peer reviewed scientific studies outlining their health benefits, and it must be readily available for consumption in the general public. Apples, blueberries, broccoli, garlic, oats, tomatoes and walnuts are just a few among many nutrient dense superfoods. According to Dr. Pratt's website, "These foods were chosen because they contain high concentrations of crucial nutrients, as well as the fact that many of them are low in calories. Foods containing these nutrients have been proven to help prevent and, in some cases, reverse the well-known effects of aging, including cardiovascular disease, Type II Diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers." The fact that many of these superfoods are low in calories and nutrient dense would suggest that they are perfect for weight loss. Dr. Pratt said, "The most common thing I hear is how much weight people lost without trying to lose weight." He goes on to say, "It's the non-diet diet. It's food you can eat for a lifetime." To Your Health, John Hall