Local news and opinion reaching the communities of nosara, samarA and Nicoya
Log in |
Return to homepage
home regional community sports entertainment surf nature health en Espa�ol English
     
Archives
December 09
January 2010
February 2010
Water Edition
March 2010
April 2010
May 2010
June 2010
July 2010
August 2010
September 10
October 10
November 10
December 10
January 2011
February 2011
March 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June 2011
July 2011
August 2011
September 11
October 11
November 11
December 11
January 2012
February 2012
March 2012
April 2012
May 2012
June 2012
July 2012
August 2012
September 12
October 12
November 12
December 12
January 13
February 13
March 13
April 13
May 13
 
Media
Partners
  El Pais
  Inside Costa Rica
  Costa Spirit
  Q Costa Rica
  Today Costa Rica
  El Sabanero
connect
FaceBook
Twitter
 
CLASSIFIEDS
 
community
  Nosara Animal Care
   
  Nosara Info
   
Esquelita de Nosara
  Friends of Nosara
   
  Nosara Civic Association
  Nosara
Wildlife

Six Local Costa Rican Superfoods to Incorporate Into Your Diet Now

By Mary Serphos
Certified Health Coach and Licensed Psychotherapist
 

Food alone may not cure disease but more and more research shows that certain ones may help prevent them. A recent study done by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that those who ate the most fruit and vegetables had a significantly lower risk for heart disease than those who ate the least. Here in Costa Rica we are blessed with accessibility to an abundance of fresh local "plant" foods. Mangos ripe and swollen with the colors of sunset or avocados that are creamy and dense And what about all the foods we think are decadent like coconut in all it's forms such as coconut milk or coconut oil. And then there is everyone's favorite: chocolate. Yes, these all are "Superfoods" too in their pure and simple state.

So, a Superfood is a natural food, often from a plant or tree and regarded as especially beneficial because of their health-protecting qualities. These foods are nutritionally dense, often high in fiber, help improve mood and energy and are high in phytochemicals, which are the good chemicals that help fight disease and increase longevity. These uncomplicated foods don't require any processing or refining and are abundant with antioxidants which work as catalysts to boost our immune system and high vitamin and mineral content, necessary for cellular function and energy.

The following list contains many superfoods that are abundantly available here in Guanacaste and great ones to put on your plate:

1. Beans: filled with high quality protein, iron, high in fiber, and packed with the antioxidant folate, a B vitamin required for the production of new immune cells, beans are a true superfood abundantly eaten and grown in Costa Rica in "gallo pinto" the "casado" or black bean soup.

2. Plantains: naturally sweet, nutrient dense and filling, plantains contain ample fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C and like beans, provide long lasting energy. Cooked in a variety of ways and at varying stages of ripeness, they're a great addition to the "casado" or "olla de carne" or any meal for a little something sweet.

3. Avocados: not only do avocados contain the best kind of fat (monounsaturated oleic acid) but also help your body block the absorption of bad fats (cholesterol). They're high in lutein, which aids eyesight, and in potassium and folate, which may reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. And they're low in pesticides.

4. Coconuts: edible from outer flesh to inner "water" and prepared into coconut milk or oil. Often cheaper than bottled water but yet filled with a multitude of enzymes and electrolytes for hydration- a great choice on a hot day. The fat in coconut milk and flesh, although saturated, is highly nutritious.

5. Mangos: known as the "King of Fruits," mangos are packed with Vitamin A and beta carotene and as well as being rich in potassium, mangos are great for promoting glowing skin. With it's unique flavor, fragrance, taste, and heath promoting qualities, mangos are great eaten fresh or try blended with plain yogurt and a bit of cinnamon or fresh mint.

6. Chocolate: A study reported by the BBC indicated that melting chocolate in one's mouth produced an increase in brain activity and heart rate and was more intense than that associated with passionate kissing and also lasted four times as long after the activity had ended. And Dr. Aviva Romm, President of the American Herbalists Guild, says that the high antioxidant levels make chocolate a perfect indulgence. Enough said! It goes without saying that the best chocolate is dark with minimal sweeteners and additives.

 

 

More Health News

Sitting for Over Four Hours May Have a Serious Impact on Your Health

Each day we must all travel from one place to another and, regardless of the means of transportation we use, it will involve sitting for long periods of time in a car, bus or airplane, many times for over four hours. Believe it or not, being in this position for a prolonged time may cause serious consequences to your health.

 

 

Contact us: NOSARA [email protected] / PUBLICITY and ADVERTISING [email protected]
Copyright 2012© The Voice of Nosara