Power-Packed Foods Give You A Boost And Improve Your Health

Eating power-packed foods can give you an energy boost - and improve your health, says a leading expert on diet and nutrition.

"Certain foods give you so much physical and mental energy that including them in your daily diet can increase your stamina and well-being," says Dr. Charles Klein, nutritionist and weight-control specialist in Bronx, N.Y.

"A well-balanced diet, regular exercise and rest, combined with the following foods can fight fatigue and help you cope with life's stresses," he said.

Here are the power-packed foods Dr. Klein recommends for instant energy:

• SARDINES. This fish is an exceptional protein food. Low in cholesterol, sardines not only help fight the blahs, it slows down the aging process by strengthening the nervous system and replacing the energy that stress depletes from the body.
• LECITHIN. Derived from soy-beans, lecithin contains an important B vitamin which is known to enhance memory and intellect. Available in health food stores, one to two tablespoons per day of pure lecithin granules mixed in fruit juice or milk helps to increase mental awareness. It also helps rid the liver of fatty deposits and improves circulation.
• ALMONDS. For centuries these nuts have been eaten to increase stamina and endurance. They contain high amounts of minerals which researchers have found give instant energy. A small daily handful of almonds will noticeably increase your vitality.
• DATES AND BANANAS. These fruits contain high levels of potassium which is good for the heart and muscles. Potassium deficiency is a well-known hazard, especially among athletes and runners. It can result in chronic fatigue and depression. A combination of dates and bananas can be very rejuvenating. For example, you can blend them in a milkshake or with yogurt.
• SWEET POTATOES. These vegetables contain rich amounts of carbohydrates that burn energy slower than sugar for longer lasting pep. Sweet potatoes give enormous vitality to people who do a lot of physical activity because they supply an instant lift to the blood sugar level without the low that occurs 20 minutes after eating a candy bar.
• BEE POLLEN. The best form is purified bee pollen is from England. The properties in bee pollen have been found to raise vitality to an astounding degree and seem to increase resistance to colds and flu. Dr. Klein recommends you chew only one pod for about a half hour before breakfast. It tastes like honey and gives a lift for the entire day.
• PAPAYA AND PINEAPPLE. Eaten fresh, these two fruits supply energy due to the natural enzymes of papain in papaya and bromelain in pineapple. Either fruit eaten immediately before a protein meal such as meat, fish, or chicken, helps break down protein into fast energy.
• YOGURT AND KEFIR. Kefir is becoming very popular. It tastes like an interesting combination of yogurt and buttermilk, which is not as sour as yogurt. Aside from restoring the natural acid balance in the intestines, yogurt and kefir are good sources of calcium to make your bones stronger.
• ONIONS, RAW GARLIC, AND FRESH GINGER. These foods are known to help fight infection. They area great pepper-upper when combined in salads and certain dishes. They can also lower cholesterol, purify the blood and promote stamina to speed up your recovery from the flu.
• WHEAT GERM. Raw wheat germ - not toasted - works best to provide energy because the toasting process cooks out the health giving goodness. Wheat germ is rich in vitamin E and B. Sprinkled on food it works in 20 minutes to increase your vitality.

If you take a little time to find out which foods can give you a boost and then work them into a daily well-balanced diet, you can become a physically fit person!

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