Superfoods: Ways To Improve Health And Feel Young

Most people are aware that food choices are important to overall health, but few realize that certain foods can actually promote health.

These "superfoods are loaded with vitamins, anti-oxidants and phytonutrients, which are proven to help prevent and even reverse diseases and well-known causes of aging, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers, dementia and osteoarthritis.

"Vitamins and anti-oxidants help prevent the formation of free radicals, which are intricately tied with both aging and disease, said Dr. Ken Wells, medical director of the Medical Weight Loss Program at Summa Health System's Bariatric Care Center. "Phytonutrients are components of food that help decrease the risk of cancers and the aggressiveness of tumors. Most cancer researchers believe that 30 percent of all cancers are diet related, so a good diet is more important than ever.

Dr. Wells provides his favorite summer superfoods that are an easy add to everyday diets:

Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods from the fruit and vegetable group. It has more antioxidants and phytonutrients than any other fruit or vegetable. Studies have shown that blueberries, one serving a day, may help prevent dementia in later years. Tasty tip: try them frozen.

Wild salmon is one of the richest sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. The American diet is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which are supplied through canola oil and processed foods, but not enough omega-3 fatty acids. It's estimated that Americans consume omega-6 fatty acids at a ratio of 20:1 compared to omega-3 fatty acids. This imbalance is thought to contribute to health issues such as brittle nails and hair, chronic constipation, depression and cardiovascular disease. Tasty tip: try grilled wild salmon on a salad.

Green, black and white teas are rich in anti-oxidants including catechins, which are thought to help promote tumor regression and even prevention of tumor cells. Tea originates from a common plant and is divided into green, black or white tea, depending on how long it is processed. Tasty tip: try it on ice for a refreshing summer drink.

Yogurt has two very important components: prebiotic and probiotic. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibit potential harmful bacteria. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial to overall health, especially colon health. Look for yogurts that are low-fat, fresh and have active cultures. Disease benefits from yogurt include increased immune response to help fight infection and improved immune function to help allergies and eczema. Tasty tip: try a bowl of yogurt topped with blueberries.

"Every so often, ask yourself: how do I feel? suggests Dr. Wells. "If you are 50, do you feel 70 or do you feel 35? Now that the chronically ill American is getting younger " 50 percent are under the age of 45 " incorporating superfoods in your diet is an easy and powerful way to beat the trend, improve your health and feel younger.