There’s nothing better than a good book, unless it’s free! Last spring my mother-in-law received the book SuperFoods Rx, by Dr. Steven G. Pratt and Kathy Matthews, from my brother-in-law who’s an athletic trainer. She liked its premise so much, that she sent a copy to her other three children, including our family. I was thrilled to read it because I’ve really been striving to eat healthier, whole foods in the last couple of years. Well, Dr. Pratt’s bestseller did not disappoint.

SuperFoods Rx is not a dieting book, it’s about changing your eating lifestyle to include foods that “will give you more energy, greater protection against disease, and a healthy overall lifestyle now and for the future,” as the book jacket states. The way to do this according to Dr. Pratt is to incorporate 14 “super foods” into your daily/weekly diet. I was surprised to find that these fourteen foods are not obscure at all, but that most of them are foods I already enjoy.

These 14 super foods are chosen for being “nutritional powerhouses,” full of antioxidants and other micronutrients (i.e. vitamins & minerals). The good news is that it’s not only these fourteen foods that are super, but Dr. Pratt also gives several “super sidekicks” that correspond to each of the main 14 foods and provide similar health benefits.

Here are the 14 super foods and a highlighted function (although they generally each have many more benefits):

1. Beans –help reduce obesity
2. Blueberries –lower the risk for cardiovascular disease
3. Broccoli –lowers the incidence of cataracts and fights birth defects
4. Oats –reduce the risk of type II diabetes
5. Oranges –help prevent strokes
6. Pumpkin –lowers the risk of various cancers
7. Wild Salmon –lessens the risk of heart diseas
8. Soy –lowers cholestorol
9. Spinach –decreases the chance of cardiovascular disease and age-related macular degeneration
10. Tea –helps to prevent osteoporosis
11. Tomatoes –raise the skin’s sun protection factor
12. Turkey –helps build a strong immune system
13. Walnuts –reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancer
14. Yogurt –promotes strong bones and a healthy heart

The book itself is organized very simply in three parts: Part 1: SuperFoods Rx: The Basics {where the science is briefly discussed as are the dangers of our current diet, etc.}; Part 2: The SuperFoods {with a chaper for each food, mentioning its sidekicks and its specific benefits}; and Part 3: The SuperFoods Rx Menus and Nutritional Information {including recipes by renowned chef of The Golden Door, Michael Stroot, and an awesome suggested shopping list with recommended brands/items and where to find them}.

Overall, this book is educational and full of information but not overwhelming to someone like me, who’s not very scientifically-minded. We’ve been trying to incorporate these foods into our diet and it’s easy and delicious. I love knowing that I’m serving my family food that is boosting their health in so many ways. Check this book out and be sure to comment if you’ve already read it.

Nicole (otherwise known as Gidget, in the blogosphere) is a wife & stay-at-home mom currently living Colorado. When she’s not trying out new “super” recipes, you’ll find her blogging at Gidget Goes Home.

A special thank you to Nicole (aka Gidget) for contributing this article.

Until next time,

Dr. Mommy