Thursday, December 4, 2008

5 Powerful Foods to Include Into a Weight Loss Diet

By Ada Denis

Some foods not only low in calories but can help with different health conditions that lead to weight gain. Try to include the foods below into your diet.

1. Cucumber. It contains vitamin E that plays an important role in proper thyroid functioning and thus can help regulate the weight. It can also help in prevention of edema (water retention)

2. Seaweed. It is an important source of vitamins and minerals as well as protein. It can help bind toxic metals and eliminate them from the body. Among many harmful effects of toxic metals on the body are weight gain and weight loss. Iodine contained in seaweed can help with hypothyroidism that is one of the causes of weight gain.

If you have thyroid problems and are on any medication consult a medical practitioner before starting the regular consumption of seaweed.

3. Pineapples contain an important enzyme, bromelain, that is involved in the digestion of proteins.

4. Tomatoes promote the excretion of wastes through stimulating the liver. It can help reduce the excess blood fat level. It also contains an important phytochemical, lycopene, a powerful anti-oxidant with anticancer properties. It is better absorbed from mashed or cooked tomatoes.

5. Garlic is a source of Allicin. Allicin is released when the garlic is crushed so it is better to crush the garlic and leave for at least 2-3 minutes before eating. In the body it converts into Sulphur compounds that help body get rid of some toxic metals and extra estrogen. Estrogen dominance is one of the reasons of weight gain. - 16004