We are what we eat. So, to get power in our body we should eat the right foods. Many so-called power foods are passed over because they are unusual and have names that most people have never heard of.
That’s a loss and probably explains why some diets are lacking in the essential nutrients that turn our bodies into well-run machines with strong immune systems and well-developed muscles. Add these foods to your diet. You owe to yourself to help your body reach its full potential.
Spinach
Leafy greens are always great for you. Spinach in particular is high in Vitamin K and calcium as well as folate which is a must-have for pregnant women.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cruciferous plant that, as most people know, looks like white broccoli. In fact both vegetables are nutritional heavyweights but cauliflower takes the title in terms of its anti-cancer powers thanks to its high content of indole-3-carbinol. This compound works well to protect and repair DNA.
Apples
These sweet fruits are rich in quercetin and antioxidants that turn your immune system into a disease-fighting powerhouse. A study run by Appalachian University in America showed that test-subjects who took in a higher quantity of quercetin were 45 percent less likely to come down with respiratory illnesses than those who did not.
Kamut
Grains are amongst the best sources of energy. Rice and wheat are good but they cannot compare to kamut. This little-known grain has close to double the nutrient content that wheat has and is rich in fiber. The nutrients that it contains include cartenoids, selenium and a high quantity of anti-oxidants. When shopping for kamut always go for the unrefined grains. Whole-grains are always a wiser choice over refined grains as the refining process tends to strip grains of their nutritional value. Most supermarkets don’t stock kamut so look out for it in the health-foods shop.
Broccoli
A few of you pulled a face as you read ‘broccoli’, one of the most dreaded of vegetables. Some studies have shown that the foods we need the most are sometimes the hardest to enjoy eating. It has been argued that this is an evolutionary mechanism that came about because we only have to eat a relatively small amount of these nutrient dense foods to get the necessary amounts of essential vitamins that we need to prosper. One cup of broccoli provides you with 100 percent of your daily intake of vitamin C which is important for the production of collagen. Along with beta-carotene, calogen keeps your skin looking healthy so the more broccoli you take, the better your skin will look.
Kefir
Kefir is made by adding kefir-grains to cow or goat milk (or coconut milk for the dairy-free option) during the fermentation process. Fermented milk is the best way to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Healthy gut bacteria enable the body to efficiently digest any nutrients that are ingested and a healthy gut makes for a healthy person. Yogurt may have similar probiotic benefits but it can’t match kefir for sheer nutrient density. Kefir contains calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. It also has a high content of vitamin K12 which increases bone density. This makes it a great addition to the diet of people who suffer from osteoporosis.
Bison Meat
Bison are massive beasts that roam the colder regions of the northern hemisphere. They are closely related to cows however they have a fraction of the fat content and over 40 percent more protein than beef while still packing a number of nutrients such as zinc and selenium that are optimal nutrients for the production of testosterone. Bison meat is so healthy, it’s one of the few red meats that are even healthier than chicken.
Avocados
Avocados are all-rounders. They have plenty of minerals such as copper, folate and potassium and they’re packed with the right kind of fats; monounsaturated fats. These fats are so healthy that actually help you lose weight. Their dense mix of fat soluble vitamins such as Vitamin E and Vitamin A that keep your skin and hair skin and strong while the lycopene and vitamin C in them fight off precancerous cells in your body.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkins are only ever popular around Halloween. If you are tasked with the job of scooping out their insides to make jack-o-lanterns then keep the seeds as a healthy snack for later. They are particularly great for promoting prostate health thanks to all of the zinc that they have.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts have all of the benefits of almonds and walnuts packed into one. They’re packed with antioxidants and mono-unsaturated fats such as oleic acid. The only catch is that to get the best benefits out of them you should try to have them in small quantities. A handful a day will suit you just fine.