'Superfoods' can be holiday food

DALLAS, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- A new generation of so-called superfoods such as cranberries and broccoli sprouts prevent illness and can be holiday fare, as well, a U.S. dietitian says.

Stephanie Dean, a dietitian with Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, says a traditional Thanksgiving favorite -- cranberries -- are high in flavonoids, an antioxidant that can help prevent everything from infections to strokes to cancer.

"The crimson color of cranberries signal that they are full of flavonoids," Dean said in a statement.

Broccoli sprouts, a close cousin to broccoli, contains 20 percent more anti-cancer agents than regular broccoli, Dean says. Broccoli sprouts are sold by the package and can be thrown on top of salads or can be a great addition to sandwiches, Dean suggests.

Kiwis are a fruit that are full of antioxidants, vitamin E and lutein that help ward off vision problems, blood clots and lower cholesterol.

Barley, a grain that can be added to soups, served with meat or eaten as a hot breakfast cereal, can lower cholesterol.

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that barley specifically could lower your low-density lipoproteinor 'bad' cholesterol by 17.4 percent, which is a phenomenal percentage," Dean said.