There are actually many “super foods”.
Foods that are super nutritious, low in calories, improve your overall health and help you succeed with your weight loss plan.
The next time you’re at the market, stock up on these…
Cabbage
This vegetable is a heavy component in Asian cooking and has tons of nutrients. It contains a chemical that increases your body’s creation of enzymes that combat damaging free radicals and can reduce your risk of cancer.
One cup of cabbage has just 72 calories, making it a fiber rich, health food that won’t expand your waistline. One easy way to incorporate cabbage into your diet is to add it to sandwiches and salads, replacing iceberg lettuce.
Swiss Chard
Another leafy green, this slightly salty, slightly bitter vegetable comes from the Mediterranean. Swiss chard provides lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect retinas from becoming damaged.
The more lutein and zeaxanthin you consume, the more protected your eyes will be. You can easily prepare chard in a saut?an or wok, adding garlic for flavor.
Guava
High in potassium, this obscure fruit is native to the tropics. A guava actually has 63 percent more potassium than one medium size banana. It’s also high in fiber, with nearly 9 grams of fiber to each cup of guava.
This super food is easy to prepare, you just eat it ‘ the entire fruit is edible. Not every grocer will carry guava, so try higher end grocery stores or markets that cater to the Latin population.
Cinnamon
This is a yummy spice that can be added to your diet in a variety of ways. You can sprinkle a little on top of your low fat latte, add it to your cereal, or oatmeal.
Cinnamon actually helps to control blood sugar, and helps your cells to metabolize sugar. Adults with type-2 diabetes, who consumed an average of teaspoon of cinnamon each day for 6 weeks, experienced a decrease in their blood sugar and their cholesterol, making cinnamon a super healthy addition to your diet.
Pomegranate Juice
This juice has actually been linked to decreasing blood pressure. It is high in Vitamin C and because it’s a powerful juice, you don’t need much. Look for brands that offer no added sugar.
Pumpkin Seeds
You don’t have to wait for Halloween to enjoy these yummy treats. Eat them shells and all. They are high in magnesium and low in calories, offering a healthy form of fiber. You can find them at the market, close to other nuts and seeds.
Prunes
They aren’t just for old people. Prunes are actually dried plums and in recent years have been marketed as such. They are extremely high in antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and reduce your risk of some cancers.
These super foods can easily be incorporated into your weight loss program without sacrificing your calorie conscious ways.
So take a few extra laps around the market next time and throw some of these into your basket for better health!
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June 20, 2011 
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