Monday, March 14, 2011

35 Power Foods! Heart Healthy , Did You Know?


Did you know that power foods are items you should include in your diet ?
They give you:
  • The richest amount of nutrients,
  • The least amount of calories,
  • And the most health benefits
  • To decrease your risk of heart disease

Vegetables

Food Supplies:
*What's a carotenoid? A carotenoid is a type of phytochemical, which has strong anti-oxidant effect. You may be familiar with beta-carotene, one of the 600 known carotenoids. A diet, rich in carotenoids, helps to protect against cancer and heart disease and contribute to healthy eyes.
*What's a phytochemical? A phytochemical is a plant chemical that helps to keep plants healthy. These are now thought to help humans protect against disease and boost the immune system.
1 Asparagus B6, folate, fiber
2 Bell peppers B1, B2, B6, folate, C, fiber
3 Bok choy B6, C, K, Calcium, fiber
4 Broccoli B6, C, E, K, folate, fiber
5 Carrots A, C, Fiber, carotenoids*
6 Garlic, onions, leeks, shallots Phytochemicals*, fiber
7 Spinach, watercress, Swiss chard, romaine, kale, Beets and mustard greens A, B2, B6, C, E, folate, calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, zinc, fiber
8 Potato (with skin) B6, C, potassium, magnesium, fiber
9 Sweet potato A, C, E, copper, fiber
10 Tomato A, C, E, potassium, fiber
11 Acorn or butternut squash A, B1, B6, C, folate, calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, fiber
Serving Suggestions:
  • Go for at least 1 to 2 cups of these vegetables at 2 meals each day.
  • An average of ¼ cup of chopped onion and 1 clove of garlic each day have healthy benefits.
  • Choose fresh and cooked tomato products every week

Protein Foods

FoodSupplies:
*What are omega-3 fatty acids? A special type of fat found in some fish, grains and legumes. In limited amounts, may be helpful in boosting the immune system, limiting blood clots and protecting against heart attacks.
12 Tuna: canned in water or fresh B12, D, Protein, niacin, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids*
13 Salmon: fresh or canned pink B6, B12, D, Phosphorus, potassium, selenium
14 Natural peanut butter E, protein, fiber, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus
Serving Suggestions:
  • 1 three to 6 ounce fillet or 3 ounce can of fish per week.
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons natural peanut butter per week.

Fruits

Food Supplies:
*What's a flavonoid? A flavonoid is a type of phytochemical that is found in fruits, vegetables, teas and wine with strong antioxidant properties, thought to protect against cancer and heart disease.
15 Apples C, fiber, flavonoids*
16 Apricots A, C, E, K, fiber
17 Bananas B6, C, magnesium, potassium, fiber
18 Berries C, folate, manganese, potassium, fiber
19 Cantaloupe A, B6, C, folate, potassium, fiber
20 Citrus A, B6, C, folate, potassium, fiber
21 Kiwi C, E, magnesium, potassium, fiber
22 Papaya A, C, E, folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium
23 Peaches C, E, K, fiber, potassium
Serving Suggestions:
  • 3 servings of fresh (best), frozen or canned fruit each day. For those with difficulty controlling blood sugars or triglycerides, whole fruits in place of fruit juices are recommended.

Soy Foods

FoodSupplies:
*What's a phytoestrogen? A phytoestrogen is a type of phytochemical, found in soy products, thought to inhibit estrogen-related cancers, relieve symptoms of menopause and protect against osteoporosis.
24Soy milk and cheese B1, B12, D, protein, niacin, folate, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc
25 Soy nuts Folate, magnesium, manganese, protein, phytoestrogens*
26 Tofu and tempeh B1, protein, niacin, folate, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc
Serving Suggestions:
Use serving size in place of meat source.

Grains

Food Supplies:
26 Barley A, B2, Protein, fiber, niacin, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc
27 Brown rice B1, B6, fiber, niacin, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc
28 Bulgur Fiber, niacin, manganese, selenium, magnesium
29 Flaxseed Fiber, iron, omega-3 fatty acids
30 Oatmeal Soluble fiber, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc
31 Wheat germ B1, E, niacin, folate, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc
Serving Suggestions:
  • Use barley in place of refined, processed grains and rice to boost nutrients.
  • Eat two to 4 cups of cooked oatmeal per week; try to avoid instant oatmeal.
  • Try to eat 2 tablespoons wheat germ each day.
  • Eat 2 tablespoons to ¼ cup of milled or ground flaxseed per day.

Legumes

FoodSupplies:
32 Black beans B1, Protein, folate, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc
33 Black-eyed peas B1, B6, niacin, folate, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc
34 Kidney Beans B1, niacin, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids
35 Lentils B1, B6, protein, fiber, niacin, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc
Serving Suggestions:
  • Include 1 cup of legumes in your diet each day. Include an extra cup on 2 days of the week.
  • Use legumes as your lunchtime protein source and for 2 dinner meals.
  • Great in stews, soups, salads and mixed with other beans.

God Bless!
Simone :)

Copyright@SimoneBonda

Disclaimer - The herbal information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only. It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. Please see a medical professional about any health concerns you have. Disclaimer - These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information on this web site is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

No comments: