by Lucie Shores

Created on: September 04, 2009

These foods are not measured like pharmaceuticals and none of them will cure diseases or address the specific health needs of everyone. But, for a healthier lifestyle, simply incorporate a variety of "super foods" into a balanced diet and keep them there! "What is ultimately the most important to good health is a dietary pattern that includes all these foods, along with a wide variety of other nutritious foods and regular physical activity," says Tufts University researcher Alice Lichtenstein, DSC. It's easy to spot the newest health food craze in the marketing of the chains that offer them. Since acai berry extract has been proven to be a world-class antioxidant, other more familiar foods have popped up touting health-boosting characteristics of their own.

Dark chocolate has anti-oxidant properties that relax blood vessels and promote good blood pressure, however raw cacao has 20 times the antioxidant value of red wine and 30 times that of green tea, according to David Wolfe's "Naked Chocolate". It diminishes appetite and is high in fiber, promoting all kinds of health.

Black currants have become known for high Vitamin C content as well as Gamma-Linoleic Acid, a very rare Omega-6 essential fatty acid, and potassium. They have twice the potassium of bananas, four times the vitamin C of oranges, and twice the antioxidants of blueberries. All round effects of currant juice are anti-inflammatory action, powerful anti-oxidant action, perhaps helping to prevent cancer and reduce of the effects of arthritis.

"Inflammation is a key driver of all chronic diseases," says Ann Kulze, MD, of Charleston, S.C., author of Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet, A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss & Lifelong Vitality. "Frozen are just as good as fresh, she reminds readers." Be sure to include lots of other fruits and vegetables in your diet as well. In general, the more color they have, the more antioxidants.

Old standbys and new stand-ins; Sushi, soy and the umpteenth round of coffee pushers still make book with the ongoing statements about what their products don't do to us, such as leech minerals or add calories, and the ever-growing category of natural drinks has promoted health claims for years. A wary public is lured away from conventional beverages, turning health conscious drinkers into first-time soda buyers. Some drink brands like Santa Cruz Organics, Blue Sky, and Izzes contain fruit juice, organic sugar and often, vitamins. Some market analysts say the success of

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