Super Fruits

So there are certain fruits that have been dubbed “super” are these claims true? There is no denying the fact that these fruits are jam packed with antioxidants, which are known for their ability to fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals are considered carcinogenic (or cancer causing) because they can damage cells in the body.

So are these fruits and their supplements worth the cost? The answer is that you receive more of the fruits benefits like fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and phytochemicals when you eat it whole. Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and can contain toxic levels, which can have adverse effects for your body. Supplements in general are also extremely expensive, especially when you consider you get more benefits from eating the whole fruit anyway!

So do I need to buy all these tropical fruits?

·       Acai berries

·       Guarana

·       Mangosteen

·       Noni

·       Gogi

·       Pomegranate

It would never hurt to include some of these into the variety of fruits and veggies you eat in your diet. However, the American Dietetic Association reports that “currently, there is limited scientific research available to back up the scientific claims that these fruits have healing properties.” They also point out that antioxidants are easily found in other fruit and vegetable sources. For instance blueberries, cranberries, grapes, and pomegranates all are great sources of antioxidants. So the take home message is foods are most beneficial in their natural state and all fruits and veggies are going to contain valuable nutrients. That is why it’s best to eat a variety. The current recommendation is to get 9 servings of fruits and veggies a day. So get creative and get those cancer-fighting antioxidants!

Pomegranate Glazed Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 3 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bunch green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Directions

1. Arrange sweet potatoes and chicken pieces in a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together pomegranate juice, sherry vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and salt and pepper. Pour over chicken and sweet potatoes. Cover, and marinate for 1 to 2 hours, turning once.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake, uncovered, in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until chicken and sweet potatoes are cooked through. Baste with cooking juices several times while cooking.
3. Sprinkle with green onion and pomegranate seeds before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 462, Protein 30g, Total Fat: 22g, Cholesterol 85mg, Total Carbohydrate 45g, Fiber 5g

Sources:

1.      eatright.org

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Blushing-Pomegranate-Chic

You can consult with BigTime Results Registered Dietitian for other nutrition questions.  BigTime Results also provides Personal Training (at our facility or in-home), Corporate Wellness (Smoking Cessation, Health Risk Assessments, Smoking Cessation Programs), and boot camp classes.