Top 5 Power Foods

If you have been focusing on what's wrong with your diet, it may be time to take a different approach. A recent Harvard Medical School study shows that the amount of healthy foods that you eat is more important that your weekly burger and fries tally. The more high-fiber, nutrient rich foods that you include in your diet, the less room you will have for unhealthy high-calorie foods. Keep reading to learn about the top 5 power foods that will help you lose weight, get fit and live a longer, healthier life.

1. Berries

These include strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and cranberries. Berries are packed full of antioxidants that can protect you from diseases as well as reduce your risk of several types of cancer. For maximum benefits, eat 1 serving of berries 3-4 times a week.

2. Plain Low fat Yogurt

Low fat yogurt is an excellent source of high-quality protein, calcium and B vitamins. It can also help treat food allergies and aid digestion. The probiotic bacteria found in yogurts that contain L. acidophilus and B. bifidus crowd out disease causing bacteria and may help prevent colon cancer. To gain the maximum amount of benefits from low fat yogurt, eat 1 serving 3-5 times a week.

3. Green Leafy Vegetables

Some excellent choices for green leafy vegetables include: Bok choy, kale, romaine lettuce, spinach, swill chard and arugula. A study performed by Cornell University found that spinach scored higher than any other vegetable for inhibiting cancer cells. Green leafy vegetables supply powerful vitamins and minerals including: magnesium, vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin K, calcium, iron and potassium. These nutrients can lower your risk of heart disease and memory loss. They also help build strong bones. Green leafy vegetables boost your fiber intake and are a good source of phytochemical lutein, which can significantly lower your risk of macular degeneration and cataract problems.

4. Bright Orange Vegetables

The most nutrient rich bright orange vegetables include: Pumpkin, spaghetti squash, carrots, sweet potatoes and butternut squash. Orange vegetables contain beta-carotene, which helps to promote tissue and cell growth. 1 serving a day of orange vegetables is associated with a lowered risk of several types of cancer. It can also boost your immune system, which may decrease your susceptibility to colds and infections. Eating orange vegetables can also help protect your skin from sun damage.

5. Whole Grains.

These include: Whole-wheat breads, pastas, oatmeal, brown rice and buckwheat noodles. Compared to white breads, whole-grain breads contain four and half times more fiber, five times more magnesium, four times more zinc and seven times the vitamin B. Whole-grains are full of fiber and can lower your risk of several things including: Heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Whole-grains also help you feel full faster without packing on unnecessary extra calories. Whole-grains contain phytochemicals that can lower your risk of certain diseases. When grains are processed theses healthy phytochemicals are removed. To get the maximum benefit from whole-grains eat 5 servings per day.

For more information on health foods, visit http://www.healthfoods.com