More Super Foods for Staying Young

Merriam-Webster's Medical Desk Dictionary defines anti-aging as "used or tending to prevent or lessen the effects of aging."  With more than 80 million Baby Boomers in this country, wrinkling as I write, it's no wonder this word is plastered everywhere in stores?on vitamins, shakes, powders and potions. But the real deal may be just a few steps away - in your very own kitchen.

The best antidotes for slowing the aging process may be in your cupboard or your fridge right now. Though we don't have volumes of scientific evidence yet, scientists are weighing in on the anti-aging properties of some our favorite foods: oranges, spinach, lentils, cocoa and agave nectar.

Tangy Barbecue Lentils

Mark Boughton

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lentils , mustard , tangy , barbecue , olive

A great make-ahead for a potluck or a picnic, this dish is loaded with fiber and antioxidants.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon powdered mustard
2 cups lower-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
¾ cup tomato sauce
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1½ cups dry lentils, rinsed
½ teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté about 3 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder and powdered mustard. Sauté about 1 minute or until fragrant.

2. Add broth, tomato sauce, vinegar, mustard, honey and lentils. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer about 30 minutes or until lentils are tender but intact. If lentils are not tender, add ¼ cup water and simmer for 5 minutes longer. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 8.

Recipe by Cheryl Forberg, "Relish the Healthy Table," May 2006.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 220 calories, 2g fat, 12g prot., 33g carbs., 6g fiber, 330mg sodium.

Chocolate Fudge Pudding

Mark Boughton

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chocolate , fudge , pudding , unsweetened , cocoa

Super-creamy and not too sweet, this pudding uses agave nectar, which is extracted from the wild agave plant and is high in antioxidants. It has a clean sweet flavor and cam be found in natural and specialty stores. It’s also great as a sweetener for tea.

Ingredients

¼ cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups skim milk or plain soymilk
½ cup agave nectar or honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Combine cocoa powder, cornstarch and salt in a 1-quart saucepan. Add just enough of the milk to make a smooth paste. Gradually stir in remaining milk and agave nectar.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into individual serving dishes and chill. Serves 4.

Recipe by Cheryl Forberg, "Relish the Healthy Table," May 2006.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 230 calories, 0.5g fat, 5g prot., 51g carbs., 1g fiber, 210mg sodium.

By Cheryl Forberg, R.D., a nutrition expert living in Napa, Calif. Visit her website at www.stoptheclockcooking.com

Related Stories

• Super Foods for Staying Young
• Super Zuppa
• Comfort Food
• Double Dips
• Berries of the Season

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