Super diet-boosters

The following is copied from an article on the Carmichael Training Systems website.

Next time you make a sandwich, salad, smoothie, or bake; add a healthy nutritional punch with one or more of the following ingredients. Your body -- and your taste buds -- will be glad you did.

Ground Flaxseed
ADD TO: Warm oatmeal in the morning, cold smoothie following a workout, or mixed into yogurt as a snack
WHY: In the ground form, 2 Tbsp of this sweet and nutty tasting seed provides 140% of the recommended amount of cholesterol-busting omega-3 fatty acids which also act as anti-inflammatories, and maintain your vision.

Almonds
ADD TO: A great topping to any salad
WHY: One-quarter cup of almonds contains 41% of the daily value (DV) for Vitamin E to boost your immune system, 19% DV for magnesium to maintain normal nerve and muscle functioning and 18% DV for dietary fiber to control blood sugar levels and regulate your digestive system.

Wheat Germ
ADD TO: Homemade breads or sprinkle it in yogurt or smoothie
WHY: Wheat germ has more potassium and iron that any other food source per weight. Its rich B-Vitamin content helps to maintain energy levels and maintain healthy muscles, organs, hair and skin.

Olive Oil
ADD TO: Whole grain bread as a spread instead of butter or margarine
WHY: Numerous studies have shown olive oil to be protective against heart and other degenerative diseases. Also, the high phenol content found in this kind of oil provides antioxidant properties.

Pumpkin
ADD TO: Any recipe calling for butter; substitute pumpkin for half of the butter listed
WHY: You reduce the fat you eat and receive 310% of your daily Vitamin A. Plus pumpkin delivers high doses of potassium, magnesium and iron.

Hummus
ADD TO: Any sandwich or use as a vegetable dip
WHY: Hummus replaces typical spreads (i.e. ranch dressing, mayonnaise, butter) that are extremely high in saturated fat and cholesterol. And hummus serves up a hefty portion of protein and iron, as well as manganese which plays an important role in energy metabolism and the body's immune system.

Lemon Juice
ADD TO: Water, to add a zesty kick
WHY: Limonoids (found in lemon juice) have been shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon, and may have the potential to lower cholesterol.

Spinach
ADD TO: Any sandwich or in place of lettuce in a salad
WHY: One cup of spinach can do wonders in maintaining your bone health by working with calcium to maintain bone structure. This leafy green also contains lutein, a key nutrient in preventing degenerative diseases in the eye.

Garlic
ADD TO: Homemade dressings and marinades and pasta sauce in crushed form
WHY: It's an excellent source of manganese, Vitamin B6 and selenium. Research has shown positive results of regular garlic consumption on blood pressure, platelet aggregation, serum triglyceride level, and cholesterol levels.

Cinnamon
ADD TO: Cereal, baked potato, or in any baked good
WHY: Cinnamaldehyde found in cinnamon prevents blood platelets from clumping together and hindering blood flow. Cinnamon can also help even out blood sugar levels by slowing down carbohydrate absorption in the stomach.