A to Z of Superfoods. "C" is for Calorie Control - Balance It to the Needs of Your Body

Start to fill up your kitchen cupboards in 2010 with "Superfoods" to keep healthy, fit and active

Added:Fri, 5th February 10

We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us be much more than what we are

(Adelle Davis)

Cocoa

The main ingredient for chocolate provides plenty of antioxidant flavenoids, which can help fight heart disease and cancer. Studies have shown that eating a small amount of cocoa and/or dark chocolate every day can actually help to lower cholesterol and increase antioxidants in the blood. Before you get too excited about eating lots of chocolate remember that there is a very high calorie/sugar content and you should choose only dark chocolate with a very high cocoa percentage, and always remember to eat it in small quantities! Sorry ……………

Cranberries

Phenols are plant chemicals that lower oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol and cranberries posses one of the highest levels of this healthy substance. Studies have indicated that the proanthocyanidins in cranberries can help protect against urinary tract infections by preventing the bacterium E.coli from attaching to the bladder wall cells and infecting them. Some studies have also suggested that cranberries may be useful in aiding recovery from stroke.

Beware though – juiced cranberries provide for a high glycemic drink which will push your blood sugars up.

Although beneficial for most people, there is some evidence that cranberry juice interacts with the drug “Warfarin” and should therefore be avoided by those prescribed this particular drug.

Cruciferous vegetables

That is a very long word for a group of vegetables that include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, turnip, Brussels sprouts, radish and watercress. Most of these will be covered individually in this series of “Superfoods” so that you better understand the great properties that each have. Importantly, they flush out toxins and help in the prevention of cancer. The more servings - the better.