Top 10 Superfoods

I was reading an article in Fitness Magazine about the top 10 superfoods - I do pretty well with keeping them in my diet.  How about you? 

Blueberries: This low-profile berry was ranked number one in antioxidant activity by the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to 40 common fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in blueberries protect you from premature aging, so add half a cup to your yogurt or cereal every day.

I'm getting better with blueberries now but I can still take them or leave them.  As far as berries go - this is the only one I'm not wowed by and I need to change it.  I'll add them to fruit salads and eat them if they're in yogurt but I don't go out of my way to eat them like I do with the others in the berry family.

Wild Salmon: Wild salmon -- not farm-raised -- is one of the best food sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which helps keep your skin supple and moisturized. Salmon also has selenium, a mineral that protects the skin from sun exposure. The vitamin D in salmon keeps your bones and teeth strong and healthy, too. You won't have a problem adding salmon to your diet since there are hundreds of ways to enjoy this beauty superfood. Try it grilled, baked, in your pasta, with a salad, in sushi, or just with a side of asparagus.

I do enjoy salmon and after reading this I will take a closer look to see if it's wild or farm-raised.  I have no idea.  I'm picky about how my salmon is prepared though, I feel you can easily ruin salmon if you don't cook it correctly.  Although raw is my favorite - in sushi.  Yum.

Spinach: This leafy green vegetable is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Spinach is loaded with lutein, which keeps your eyes healthy and sparkling. Spinach is also a good source of vitamins B, C, and E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Trade your lettuce for spinach, or saute spinach for a quick, healthy side.

I have been getting into the habit of making our salads out of baby spinach instead of pointless iceberg lettuce.  I like spinach if it's raw or in something, like a stuffed chicken burger or lasagna.  But on it's own?  Ew.  Sorry Popeye - your preaching didn't help me in this area.

Oysters: The jury's still out on whether oysters are really aphrodisiacs, but they are a good source of zinc, which aids in skin cell renewal and repair. Zinc also keeps your nails, hair, and eyes healthy. Who needs an aphrodisiac when you look and feel beautiful?

No.  Nope.  Nada.  I've tried these every few years and I cannot get over the texture of them.  They're just not good in my opinion.  

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the best source of the anti-aging antioxidant lycopene. Surprisingly, lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by your body when it is cooked or processed, so make sure to stock up on canned tomato sauce, tomato juice, and ketchup.

Finally!  My pickiness pays off!  I do not like raw tomatoes...no no no.  Unless they're in a salsa - mainly Garden Fresh Salsa *drools* - then I'll eat it by the spoonful.  But cooked tomatoes in any form are yummy.  Sun dried tomatoes are wonderful additions to salads and eggs.

Walnuts: You don't need to eat cupfuls of walnuts to enjoy their many benefits: smoother skin, healthy hair, brighter eyes, and strong bones. Get your daily dose of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E by eating a handful by themselves or throwing some in your salad, pasta, or dessert.

I have never enjoyed the flavor of walnuts.  Jason thinks I'm crazy because I hate when nuts are in brownies, breads, cakes, ice cream.  There are only a handful of nuts I'll actually eat.

Kiwis:  This small, brown, fuzzy fruit is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, which keep skin firm, help prevent wrinkles, and are great for healthy bones and teeth. The antioxidants in kiwis also protect you from cancer and heart disease.

LOVE these things.  LOVE them.  I'm always excited when someone adds them to fruit salads.  I will admit I do my best to make sure the spoonfuls I'm getting contain kiwi.  I love to eat them on their own as a snack too, the flavor is so sweet!  Nature's Candy!

Dark Chocolate: We won't judge you if you keep a secret stash of chocolate in your purse or desk (or both). In fact, we recommend you do -- especially if you're willing to share. Dark chocolate helps skin stay hydrated and protects skin from sun damage, and contrary to popular belief, chocolate does not cause acne. Before you make a mad dash to Godiva or Ghirardelli, however, keep in mind that the best kind of chocolate has a high flavanol content and should be at least 60 percent cacao.

I'm not a huge chocolate fan, I enjoy it don't get me wrong but in small doeses.  And not dark chocolate.  Oh no, I enjoy mine full of sin and fat.  Milk chocolate and the even worse - white chocolate.  Hersey's Hugs are one of my favorites!

Yogurt: One cup of low-fat yogurt has more calcium than a cup of fat-free milk, which is great for your posture, nails, and teeth. Mix it with fruit or granola for a healthy breakfast or that essential midafternoon snack.

I love yogurt!  But I always buy the stuff that already has the goodies inside.  I keep reading it's best to buy plain and add your own stuff.  I get it - but when I'm rushing out the door in the morning with already a huge list of things to do in my 45 minutes of get ready time (because seriously wake up earlier?  I don't think so) adding fruit to my yogurt isn't up on my need to do list.  I'm lucky if I remember to grab the premixed stuff in the morning!

Sweet Potatoes: You should be eating this superfood more often than just at Thanksgiving. Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that fights aging.

Hate them mashed? Try them cut up and roasted with herbs or onions for an easy, awesome side.

Yum.  Yum.  Yum.  I tried them when I was younger in a sweet potato pie and was not impressed.  Giving me the impression I just didn't like sweet potatoes.  Turns out I do - love them.  Just not when they're made into a pie.  I like to bake them as fries so a side.  I like to bake them and put a bit of cinnamon on top for an extra flavor factor.

So - what are your thoughts?  How did you score with the top ten?  Are you super picky like me?