Power Foods

I just got home from work and I have a splitting headache. I think the dry air is wreaking havoc with my sinus function (as it is several of you I've spoken with lately). I'm sorry to say that it's interfering with my desire to write today so I think I'll just pass along some good info I read in my Prevention magazine this morning.

A recent surge in clinical research reveals a new crop of superfoods that can help to lower your risks of everything from cancer and heart disease to macular degeneration and osteoporosis. Here is the abridged version of the article -

To protect your heart, fill up on-
Barley
Pinto Beans
Grapes
Macadamia nuts
Mineral Water (1 liter daily)
Avoid Energy drinks*

To strengthen your bones, fill up on-
Lean Top Sirloin
Broccoli
Broccoli Rabe
Spinach
Avoid salt*

To promote digestion, fill up on-
Blueberries
Air popped popcorn
Bananas
Avoid Dried Plums (try dried apricots instead)*

To sharpen your vision, fill up on-
Collard Greens
Low or nonfat milk
Nuts
Avoid refined foods*

To protect your breasts, fill up on-
Cauliflower
Sweet potatoes
Tomato sauce
Avoid grapefruit*
(I was surprised by this- Eating just one quarter of a grapefruit each day or one-half every other day may increase a postmenopausal woman's chances of deveoping breast cancer by up to 30%. Although doctors aren't exactly sure why, several studies show that grapefruit interacts with estrogen and increases its potency - so much so that the FDA requires hormone replacement medications to carry a warning label concerning grapefruit juice.)

To clear your lungs, fill up on these-
Pears
Edamame
Brown rice
Avoid Soft drinks*

To painproof your joints, fill up on these-
Olive Oil (two tsp. a day plus 3 g of fish oil)
Oranges
Avoid Beer or hard liquor*

To boost your memory, fill up on these-
Apples
Chicken Breast
Coffee
Avoid Liver*

To smooth your skin, fill up on these-
Canned light tuna
Dark Chocolate (there is a God!)
Black Tea with citrus peel
Carrot juice
Avoid alcohol*

If you want more specifics about any one of these foods, let me know and I'll be happy to give you the unabridged version (or of course you can just buy the January 2010 Prevention Magazine!).

xo,
Carrie