Power Foods

What is a Power Food? A Power Food is a food which packs a nutritional wollop, containing important phytonutrients (phyto is derived from the Greek work for plant.) Fruits and vegetables contain hundreds of health-supporting phytonutrients that work together to support immune function, lower serum cholesterol, fight the effects of aging and assist in making you a less-susceptible host for cancer. A diet rich in these foods has helped people loose weight, feel better, improve skin and increase vitality.
Some of the names for phytonutrients (or phytochemicals) are carotenoids, flavanoids and lignans, to name some of the more familiar. Increasing the consumption of the following list of foods is a big step towards improved health.
-Red, green and yellow peppers
-Carrots, winter squash, tomatoes, onions, garlic, hot peppers, cucumbers, parsley, chives, leeks, scallions
-Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale (eat more leafy greens!) and cabbage
-Melons, strawberries, grapes, raspberries, blueberries, apples and citrus
-Flax seeds, whole grains, soybeans, legumes

How many portions should you eat a day? 5 to 9. It's not as hard as you think. Throw some vegetables in your omelette. Your salad at lunch is a great opportunity to add a lot of vegetables. At dinner half your plate should be vegetables.
To read more about these foods, read Power Foods by Stephanie Beling, M.D.
Be well!
Patty