Sneak Peek into the High Energy Eating Food Guide © 2007 Carole Pagan Since it's a sneak peek, I picked the letter 'P' Parsley - Freshens breath, soothes upset stomachs, and so much more…Contains a compound of oils called myristicin, which can slow down the growth of tumors in the lungs. It also helps neutralize the effects of carcinogens like smoke. Also high in anti-oxidants, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic acid. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin K. If you have kidney or gallbladder problems, avoid parsley. Do not take calcium supplements for 2 or 3 hours after eating parsley, as parsley can interfere with calcium absorption. Pasta - Another food that has gotten a bad rap. Pasta actually is a safe carb. It releases glucose slowly into your system, which increases endurance and helps control appetite. Whole grain pastas are better for you, marginally. Peanuts - High in magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is linked to eyesight problems, bone loss, heart disease, colon cancer, and even MS. Also contains phosphorus, zinc and vitamin E. Peanuts also contain resveratol - a compound also found in red wine that blocks a key protein that cancer cells need to survive - actually starving them to death. Nuts also contain L-Arginine which helps reduce blood clotting that causes clogged arteries, helps your body repair tissue, and supports your immune system. Peanut Butter - Contains healthy monounsaturated fats that may help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Add to that the benefits of the nuts and you've got a real healthy, great tasting food! Replace the butter or cream cheese on your morning bagel. Peppermint - Soothes stomach, and decreases spasms due to irritable bowl syndrome. Usually used in hot tea form, though sucking on a peppermint candy works too. Also contains perillyl alcohol which was recently found to stop cancer formation in human cells under intense UV light. Peppermint tea is also used in Germany, France and Holland to sooth headaches. Peppermint tea is used throughout Europe on a soaked cloth, or in a bath to sooth inflamed joints. In China, peppermint mixed with sage is used to relieve kidney and bladder infections. You can also rub 1 or 2 drops of peppermint oil onto your forehead to alleviate headaches. Peppermint dilates blood vessels which reduces pain and inflammation. Just the scent of peppermint is said to improve your mood and make you feel more motivated which helps you stay focused and get more done. Peppers - Bell Red peppers are very high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids. They are much higher in carotenoids than green or yellow peppers and contain vitamin B6 as well as capsaicin, a natural painkiller which is considered to be useful for arthritic pains. Experts consider red peppers to be especially beneficial against cancer and heart disease. Like all peppers, they also contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which helps protect again certain age-related eye problems. And, Bell peppers are also one of the few sources of flavones which help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Peppers - Chili or hot Capsaicin (antioxidant) Blood thinning properties, lowers cholesterol, fights carcinogens, and releases endorphins (mood enhancing). Capsaicin is also thought to have pain killing properties. Pickles - The vinegar in pickles can reduce your blood sugar spikes after meals. It can also help you lose weight by preventing your body from digesting some carbohydrates. Pineapple, Kiwi, Papaya- High amounts of enzymes thought to help in the fight against autoimmune disease (AIDS), allergies, and cancer. For centuries, Island cultures have eaten fresh pineapple - high in the enzyme Bromelain, to reduce pain from arthritis or muscle swelling or tenderness. Bromelain is similar to human gastric juices and helps digestive problems. Pineapple juice will reduce body heat in hot weather. Plums- Also contain anthocyanins, which are a natural energy enhancer. Anthocyanins also protect our blood vessels from damage that can cause clogged arteries. Anthocyanins are also good for keeping your brain healthy and your memory strong. Pomegranate- Very high in antioxidants and flavonoids and phytochemicals and potassium. Oddly enough, no vitamin C. Popcorn- Whole grains with lots of fiber, but like potatoes, it depends on what you put on it! The microwave varieties are mostly full of bad trans fats and/or saturated fats. Read labels carefully. The best is air popped with a tablespoon of butter and a little salt for taste. Another option is to add coco powder instead of salt - weird, but good. Potatoes- High in potassium and antioxidants. You know, it's what you put on it that makes it unhealthy. Pumpkin- Lutein, which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke, and age related macular degeneration. And that's just the letter 'p'! Can you imagine how many more healthy food choices you can find? Get Your High Energy Eating Package >>>