neenie
Member since 5/05 22351 total posts
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Power Foods
Taken from Menshealth.com
I thought this was very infomative and useful, so i figured i'd post it in case anyone else was interested.
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Power 12
Meet the powerfoods that will shrink your belly and keep you healthy for life
The Power 12 are the foods that have been proven to do one or more of the following:
• Build muscle
• Help promote weight loss
• Strengthens bone
• Lower blood pressure
• Fight cancer
• Improves immune function
• Fights heart disease
#1: Almonds and Other Nuts
Superpowers: builds muscle, fights cravings
Secret weapons: protein, monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, fiber, magnesium, folate (peanuts), phosphorus
Fights against: obesity, heart disease, muscle loss, wrinkles, cancer, high blood pressure
Sidekicks: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, avocados
Imposters: salted or smoked nuts
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#2: Beans and Legumes
Superpowers: builds muscle, helps burn fat, regulates digestion
Secret weapons: fiber, protein, iron, folate
Fights against: obesity, colon cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure
Sidekicks: lentils, peas, bean dips, hummus, edamame
Imposters: refried beans, which are high in saturated fats; baked beans, which are high in sugar
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#3: Spinach and Other Green Vegetables
Superpowers: neutralizes free radicals, which are molecules that accelerate the aging process
Secret weapons: vitamins including A, C, and K; folate; minerals including calcium and magnesium; fiber; beta-carotene
Fights against: cancer, heart disease, stroke, obesity, osteoporosis
Sidekicks: cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts; green, yellow, red, and orange vegetables like asparagus, peppers, and yellow beans
Imposters: none, as long as you don't fry them or smother them in fatty cheeses
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#4: Dairy (Fat-Free or Low-Fat Milk, Yogurt, Cheese, and Cottage Cheese)
Superpowers: builds strong bones, fires up weight loss
Secret weapons: calcium, vitamins A and B12, riboflavin, phosphorus, potassium
Fights against: osteoporosis, obesity, high blood pressure, cancer
Sidekicks: none
Imposters: whole milk, frozen yogurt
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#5: Instant Oatmeal (Unsweetened, Unflavored)
Superpowers: boosts energy and sex drive, reduces cholesterol, maintains blood sugar levels
Secret weapons: complex carbohydrates and fiber
Fights against: heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, obesity
Sidekicks: high-fiber cereals like All-Bran and Fiber One
Imposters: cereals with added sugar and high-fructose corn syrup
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#6: Eggs
Superpowers: builds muscle, burns fat
Secret weapons: protein, vitamin B12, vitamin A
Fights against: obesity
Sidekicks: none
Imposters: none
***
#7: Turkey and Other Lean Meats (Lean Steak, Chicken, and Fish)
Superpowers: builds muscle, improves the immune system
Secret weapons: protein, iron, zinc, creatine (beef), omega-3 fatty acids (fish), vitamins B6 (chicken and fish) and B12, phosphorus, potassium
Fights against: obesity, various diseases
Sidekicks: shellfish, Canadian bacon
Imposters: sausage, bacon, cured meats, ham, fatty cuts of steak like T-bone and rib-eye
***
#8: Peanut Butter (All-Natural, Sugar-Free)
Superpowers: boosts testosterone, builds muscle, burns fat
Secret weapons: protein, monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, niacin, magnesium
Fights against: obesity, muscle loss, wrinkles, cardiovascular disease
Sidekicks: cashew and almond butters
Imposters: mass-produced sugary and trans fatty peanut butters
***
#9: Olive Oil
Superpowers: lowers cholesterol, boosts the immune system
Secret weapons: monounsaturated fat, vitamin E
Fights against: obesity, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure
Sidekicks: canola oil, peanut oil, sesame oil
Imposters: vegetable and hydrogenated vegetable oils, trans fatty acids, margarine
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#10: Whole-Grain Breads and Cereals
Superpower: prevents your body from storing fat
Secret weapons: fiber, protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron, calcium
Fights against: obesity, cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease
Sidekicks: brown rice, whole-wheat pretzels, whole-wheat pastas
Imposters: processed bakery products like white bread, bagels, and doughnuts; breads labeled wheat instead of whole wheat
***
#11: Extra-Protein (Whey) Powder
Superpowers: builds muscle, burns fat
Secret weapons: protein, cysteine, glutathione
Fights against: obesity
Sidekick: ricotta cheese
Imposter: soy protein
***
#12: Raspberries and Other Berries
Superpowers: protects your heart; enhances eyesight; improves balance, coordination, and short-term memory; prevents cravings
Secret weapons: antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C, tannins (cranberries)
Fights against: heart disease, cancer, obesity
Sidekicks: most other fruits, especially apples and grapefruit
Imposters: jellies, most of which eliminate fiber and add sugar
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