Forget About Superfoods. Try Retro Eating.

Source:  MyRecipes

Over the years, I have conducted over 1,000 media interviews on a vast variety of nutrition topics.  I always get a chuckle out of journalists who ask me which new superfood will I be carting home this season from the supermarket. (No pun intended.)   

My response is always the same.  Asking me which fruit or vegetable is the brightest and best within the produce family is like asking a mother of a brood of kids which one is the �cream of the crop.�   Healthy fruits, veggies, whole grains, and nuts all have super qualities so aren�t we really splitting hairs here?  Do we really need to be eating the latest trendy beet juice, coconut water, chia seeds, and quinoa, to be healthy?  In addition to being challenging to find on the grocery store shelves, these superfoods can also be a financial challenge to your food budget.

Believe it or not, many of the foods that you ate growing up are not only super but also affordable when it comes to good nutrition.  I like to call it �Retro Eating,� or noshing on nostalgic foods now for good health in the future. 

Here of my favorites:

Peanuts: 

These babies are an excellent source of the antioxidant, vitamin E, and niacin, a B vitamin, both of which may help reduce cognitive decline as you age.    Buy the peanuts in their shells to help you keep to a reasonable serving amount.  By having to shell them yourself, you will be more mindful of consuming only an one-source serving, which is about 28 peanuts. 

Eggs:
For the money, you can�t beat eggs as a good source of protein, vitamin D, and choline, a compound that is needed for healthy cells and nerves.  The latest research also suggests that consuming up to an egg daily will not increase blood cholesterol levels or the risk of heart disease in healthy people.   Here are over 20 healthy ways to enjoy eggs.
 




Baked Potatoes:

 

Spuds are making a comeback on the plates of Americans, which is good news as they are an unbelievably rich source of potassium, a mineral that can help lower high blood pressure, not to mention vitamin C.   At about 100 calories per potato, stuff them with veggies and low fat cheese for hearty meal.

Grape Juice:

Grapes and their juice are rich in the phytochemical class of polyphenols, called flavonoids.  The phytochemcials have been shown to act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in the body and possibly lower your risk of certain cancers and heart disease.  In fact, grape juice contains resveratrol, the touted substance also in red wine that may protect your heart.  Buy the variety with vitamin C added and start your day with a glass to protect your heart.

Here's to good health.

Be well, Joan

                                                    
                          Follow me on Twitter:  @JoanSalgeBlake