The Power of Power Foods

By Carolyn Brown MS, RD

I try to avoid talking about foods as “good” or “bad,” but realistically, certain foods are just better than others. Here are some power foods to be on the lookout for and add to your menu this year.

• Blueberries & Strawberries: The berry family is known for being loaded with antioxidants. And now you can have them all year round with Simple Truth® frozen berries. These are a freezer staple and I add them to smoothies winter, spring, summer and fall.
• Coffee: Yes, that little coffee habit can be a good thing! Research shows the cognitive and heart-health benefits of drinking 1-2 cups of coffee a day. Just don’t counteract that goodness by overdoing the sugary add-ins.
• Green Tea: On that note, after you’re done with your 1-2 cups of coffee, fill up your cup with green tea and you’ll continue hitting the antioxidant jackpot. Green tea can have anti-cancer and heart-healthy benefits, not to mention it’s also hydrating.
• Quinoa: Quinoa was once called “the gold of the Incas” – little did they know that these little seeds (generally considered a grain) are protein powerhouses.
• Beans: Can be good for your heart and are loaded with fiber and B vitamins. They can also help lower cholesterol.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The gem of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is full of mono-unsaturated fatty acids. It’s a mouth full, but all you need to know is that it’s great for every cell in your body – from your heart to your hair.
• Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is less processed than its milky cousin. Dark chocolate is full of benefits like lowering blood pressure and boosting mood. When milk is added to chocolate, it may actually interfere with absorption of these antioxidants. So dark chocolate is not only allowed in a healthy diet, it’s highly recommended.