Diet trends that promote chemical laden, prepackaged foods with little or no nutrient content like Nutrasystem and The Taco Bell diet may help you shed a few pounds of unwanted fat but can they empower you to live life as your ultimate self? Here are five Power Foods that can help you slow aging, prevent disease, and boost immunity. Become an educated consumer, reach your weight loss goals, and improve your quality of life. Here’s to glowing skin, quick thinking, and fewer trips to the Doc’s office:
• Berries: Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries. These deep pigment berries contain an abundance of phytochemicals, which are elements like the flavonoids and anthocyanins that plants make to protect themselves against bacteria and viruses and other environmental threats. "These compounds protect against oxidants that damage the brain and other tissues," says Gary Stoner, Ph.D., professor in Ohio State University's department of internal medicine. Berries also offer potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Add berries to yogurt, cereal, or a smoothie.
• Almonds: These tasty little nuts are high in monounsaturated fats, the same type of health-promoting fats as are found in olive oil, which have been associated with reduced risk of heart disease.
• Green Tea: The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
• Grapefruit: An excellent source of vitamin C, a vitamin that helps to support the immune system. Vitamin C-rich foods like grapefruit may help reduce cold symptoms or severity of cold symptoms; over 20 scientific studies have suggested that vitamin C is a cold-fighter. Vitamin C also prevents the free radical damage that triggers the inflammatory cascade, and is therefore also associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Fat Free or Low Fat Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese has long been considered a dieter’s staple. It’s no wonder when you consider its nutritional profile, especially when it is of the low-fat variety. A half-cup serving typically contains 80 to 100 calories, just a few grams of fat, and upwards of 10 grams of protein. Such a protein-rich snack is sure to satisfy any grumbling tummy in no time.

By Kiya Knight
http://kiyaknight.com