more power foods

pix courtesy: oprah.com

BEST FOODS FOR YOUR BODY

Best protein choices (these are also rich in essential fatty acids, which help facilitate weight loss): Wild Alaskan salmon, herring, trout, anchovies and sardines.

Best seafood choices »
Shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, crab, lobster, cod and flounder.

Best poultry choices »
Skinless chicken breast and skinless turkey breast.

Other good sources of protein »
Plain yogurt, high essential fatty acid eggs, cottage cheese and tofu.

Grains and legumes »
Oatmeal, lentils, chickpeas, dried beans, buckwheat and barley.

Fruits and vegetables : Apples, artichokes, asparagus, avocado, bamboo shoots, bell peppers (green and red), berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries), broccoli, broccoli , brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, celery, cherries, chives cucumbers, dark green leafy lettuces (baby greens), eggplant, endive, fresh lemons, garlic, green beans, grapefruits (red and pink), melon, hot peppers, kale, leeks, mushrooms, onions, pears, pea pods, radish, scallions, spinach, sprouts, summer squash, tomatoes, turnips, water chestnut and zucchini.

Nuts and seeds »
Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and flaxseeds.

Herbs and spices: Cinnamon sticks, dill, parsley, turmeric, ginger root, basil, oregano, thyme, lemon balm, mint, sage and rosemary.

Beverages: Green tea, water, Açaí, pomegranate juice (unsweetened).

Condiments: Extra-virgin olive oil (look for Italian or Spanish high quality), cayenne pepper, salsa.

Açaí fruit
This berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world. It can often be found in juice form in health food and gourmet stores.

Anything in the "Allium Family"
Garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, chives and shallots can all help the liver eliminate toxins.

Barley
This can be used as a breakfast cereal, in soups and stews, and as a rice substitute. Also high in fiber, helping metabolize fats, cholesterol and carbohydrates.

Green Foods
Green foods like wheat and barley grasses can be bought in powder, tablet or juice form, and offer greater levels of nutrients than green leafy vegetables. They also help cholesterol, blood pressure and develop immunity.

Buckwheat: Seed and Grain
Buckwheat is loaded with protein, high in amino acid, stabilizes blood sugar and reduces hypertension.

Beans and Lentils
You can reduce cholesterol while beefing up on antioxidants, folic acid and potassium. Try kidney, black, navy, pinto, chickpeas, soybeans, peas and lentils.

Hot Peppers
Both bell and chili peppers contain antioxidants, have twice the Vitamin C as citrus fruit and work as great fat burners.

Nuts and Seeds
A handful of nuts a day—walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds and pistachio nuts contain omega-3 fats, which are great for your heart. Raw, unsalted nuts and seeds are best.


Sprouts
Numerous varieties of sprouts are great with any meal. They're a great source of protein and Vitamin C. Try adding them to any dish and your immune system will get a boost.

Yogurt
These cultured foods contain healthful bacteria that aid immune function, and the calcium helps burn fat. Try using them as a base for a smoothie.


pix courtesy: oprah.com