Dear Fitness Coach,

It seems that every month they are coming out with a new cure-all food that is supposed to prevent disease, reverse aging and even help you lose weight! I would just like to know what is hype and what really works?

Skeptic

Dear Skeptic, 

Imagine something  powerful enough to help you lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, slow down the aging process and, for an added bonus, put you in a better mood - all without any side effects! This something is called a superfood, and it is as close as your supermarket. Superfood is not a scientific term, and nutritionists do disagree about which ones are effective or not. However, the effect nutrition and diet plays in how you look and feel cannot be overestimated. According to research, 50% to 70% of lifestyle-related ailments that fall under the metabolic syndrome disorder can be prevented or even reversed through eating the right foods. Try incorporating the following foods each time you eat. You must eat consistently from the listed foods. Just remember that superfoods are real foods.... They are not processed, and you cannot get their benefits from a pill.

• Beans
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Oats
• Oranges
• Pumpkin
• Salmon
• Soy
• Spinach
• Tea (green or black)
• Tomatoes
• Turkey
• Walnuts
• Yogurt