With summer on the horizon, the promise of BBQ’s and festivities in the sun (I’m an optimistic guy), what better way to complement your grilled chicken and lean steaks, than with the top 5 power foods you probably aren’t eating!
What are power foods?
Power foods have powerful, drug-like effects on human physiology – they can not only make you healthier and potentially boost your lifespan, but they are also foods that support your physical appearance and athletic goals.
In other words, they’re foods that will help you look good naked, and keep you looking and feeling good for years to come.
Here are my top 5 that should be on everyone’s shopping list:
Eggs
The much-maligned egg has received a lot of bad press over the years. Particularly over cholesterol (unsurprising given that the study responsible was funded by a breakfast cereal manufacturer). It’s true that eggs do raise cholesterol but it’s the good kind of cholesterol – HDL. Scientific reviews of dozens of studies have shown no connection between egg consumption and heart disease and increasing research suggests that nutrients in the egg yolk are beneficial to your health.
Eggs are also an excellent source of food-based protein, second only to perhaps whey protein powders in their protein absorption and quality.
Coconut Oil
Ounce for ounce, coconut contains even more saturated fat than butter does, as a result health experts have warned that it will clog your arteries. Huh? Never fear, there’s no need to panic! This plant-based saturated fat isn’t exactly the same stuff that’s found in fast food and chemical-laden red meats. In fact, it’s quite good for you since it’s a natural saturated fat consisting of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and can actually help reduce the risk of heart disease.
In addition it can support the immune system, improve insulin sensitivity, act as a healthful antibiotic, has substantial antioxidant power, and you can cook coconut oil without ruining any of its healthful properties.
Mushrooms
At least 700 different species are known to have a medicinal effect. This is attributed to metabolites; byproducts that are created when mushrooms are broken down during the digestion process. Research has shown that these metabolites can boost immunity and prevent cancer growth, magic shrooms, indeed!
Cabbage
Cabbage can taste great raw or in Asian dishes and is a bona fide superfood with the following benefits:
– Contains loads of disease-preventing phytochemicals like indoles, sulforaphane, dithiolethiones, and isothiocynates. That means it can help battle breast cancer, prostate cancer, and environmental toxins.
– Is loaded with fibre and has practically no calories – making it a perfect ‘volumised’ diet food to help keep you full.
– Contains powerful antioxidants to help prevent heart disease.
– Has anti-inflammatory effects.
– Is a natural source of glutamine.
– Finally, kale (a type of cabbage). Think of it as a sort of ‘super-spinach’; it’s the highest-ranking veggie when it comes to antioxidant capacity.
Avocados
This buttery fruit is full of healthy monounsaturated fats, shown to lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising ‘good’ HDL cholesterol… and that spells less heart disease. Monounsaturated fat has also been linked to reduced risk of cancer and diabetes.
Also, avocados are:
– High in beta-sitosterol, which is protective of the prostate.
– Proven to lower bad cholesterol by 22% in as little as one week in people with high cholesterol. The same patients saw an 11% increase in good cholesterol.
– Loaded with fiber and lutein, which is good for the eyes and the skin.
So ditch the mayonnaise, throw those avocados in with your breakfast eggs, use them in salads, or spread them on those grilled chicken steaks!
