Are you eating enough power foods?  If you are feeling tired, sick, or unusually stressed, that answer may be no!  Eating power foods is easy, effective in boosting immunity to colds, and downright delicious!  Take a moment to review these power food recommendations from your local Miami dentist.

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Staying healthy through the winter is usually lost in the midst of holiday planning, gift giving, and travel.  Nevertheless, the combination of cold weather, natural stress, and poor diet makes this time of year ripe with infection.  This season, take a holistic approach to the holidays.  Anticipate getting run down before it happens, and safeguard against sickness by incorporating these 5 power foods in your diet!

Garlic

Yes, it makes your breath smell.  But this cooking-essential is packed with antioxidants to help your body fight the free radicals that lead to sickness.  Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory, as well.

Suggested Use:  Chop garlic and sauté over medium heat in coconut oil.  Add onion, cooking until onion becomes clear.  Next, add broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or your favorite vegetables.  Cook until vegetables become tender.  And Voila!  This garlic vegetable medley goes well with chicken, beef, and pork entrees.

Broccoli

These tiny tree-like vegetables are a triple threat.  Loaded with naturally occurring vitamin A, C, and glutathione (a high powered antioxidant), broccoli is an absolute must this Holiday Season.

Suggested Use:  Sautee broccoli in garlic and coconut oil (see above).  Add egg whites, scrambling until all contents are cooked thoroughly.  The result:  a broccoli omelet with enough vitamins and antioxidants to power through the toughest December morning.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are more than just a great energy source.  These guys contain high concentrations of vitamin A and beta carotene, an antioxidant known for disarming malicious free radicals.

Suggested Use:  Rinse potato well in water.  Slice into thin circular disks.  Sautee in garlic and coconut oil (see above).  Serve as is, or combine with egg whites, peppers, and onion for a hearty potatoe-scramble.

Acai Berries

It’s hard to visit the grocery store without finding 101 different acai juices, nutrition bars, pills, or powders.  Acai berries are more than just a fad, however, containing overwhelming amounts of antioxidants per serving.  Opt for the whole berries, whenever possible.  This will give you the added benefit of consuming the berry’s skin and pulp, which is naturally rich in fiber.  If you cannot find whole berries, choose a quality Acai juice.

Suggested Use:  Consume 1 cup of whole berries, or a single 8 oz glass of juice, with breakfast and dinner.

Mushrooms

We saved the best for last.  Mushrooms are a necessity when it comes to building a strong immune system because they naturally have high amounts of B vitamins, niacin, and riboflavin.  Moreover, the selenium in mushrooms helps the immune system fight off viruses and bacteria.

Suggested Use:  Sautee mushrooms in garlic and coconut oil (see above).  Add your favorite vegetables, and serve over brown rice.

Don’t let the hectic Holiday Season get you run down.  Simple additions to your daily diet can fuel your body with the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary to ward off infection and keep you healthy.  Happy Holidays, from this Miami dentist and Assure a Smile team!