Food is sustenance for the body. What we put into our bodies each day can greatly affect how we feel, our energy levels and our overall health. Some foods have been found to be more beneficial to our health. Some believe that they can help to prevent many disease processes and ailments that can be brought about by poor dietary choices. Below is a list of ten healthy food choices.
High Fibre Products
The best sources of fibre can be found in fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and in whole grain products such as breads and cereals, pastas, brown rice and legumes.
High fibre maintains good bowel function. It also prevents constipation, in addition to lowering the risk of heart disease and colon cancer. Fibre makes us feel fuller for longer and it can prevent weight gain by stemming off hunger.
Blueberries
Blueberries are very rich in antioxidants. They are the highest form of antioxidant of all the fruits available. Blueberries have been found to boost the immune system, thereby preventing disease and infections. They can also improve urinary and circulatory health. Some believe that they can also help reverse some effects of aging and blueberries even have a profound positive effect in Alzheimer's patients. It's believed that blueberries can improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Salmon
Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. It’s a source of healthy fat that should be include in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. It is also beneficial to good brain function and memory improvement.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a good source of fiber, therefore this food promotes healthy bowel function. It is also excellent at lowering cholesterol levels, which can serve to reduce the chances of developing heart disease. Oatmeal also has properties that ward off cancer. It also allows you to feel full for longer, while simultaneously boosting your energy levels.
Walnuts
Walnuts are a rich source of protein that are important for maintaining healthy muscle mass and function. They are also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Eating walnuts as a snack is a healthy alternative to less healthy snack options.
Turkey
Turkey meat contains the lowest amount of cholesterol compared to other meats. Regularly eating Turkey reduces your risk of heart disease. It also contains cancer fighting properties, and this meat is thought to enhance your mood, while also boosting the immune system.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are good for promoting healthy skin, purifying the blood and improving liver function. By eating tomatoes, you can lower your risk of developing heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. Tomatoes are also said to have cancer-fighting properties.
Avocados
Avocados lower cholesterol levels, which serves to prevent heart disease. They are also excellent for preventing cataracts and macular degeneration. Avacados are believed to prevent some common forms of cancer and it's said that they're also beneficial in preventing stroke.
Garlic
Garlic is regarded as a miracle food. Scientists don't completely understand how garlic benefits health. It is thought to have profound immune boosting qualities, which serve to prevent infection.
Green Tea
Green Tea can help you live a longer and healthier life. By drinking Green Tea, calories are burned faster, which helps you to maintain a healthy weight. It also has cancer-fighting properties and the tea can improve heart health.
If you work to include the above foods in your daily diet, you will be well on the road to good health. Making healthy food choices occurs one day at a time.
Sources
- Harvard.edu, "What Should You Eat?" Accessed October 31, 2011.
- Nutrition-And-You.com, "Blueberries Nutrition Facts." Accessed October 31, 2011.
- SalmonFacts.org, "Omega 3." Accessed October 31, 2011.
- HealthCastle.com, "Health Benefits of Walnuts." Accessed October 31, 2011.
- Elements4Health.com, "The Health Benefits of Turkey." Accessed October 31, 2011.
- Avacado.org, "Nutritional Information." Accessed October 31, 2011.
- Nutrition-And-You.com, "Garlic Nutrition Facts." Accessed October 31, 2011.
- OrganicFacts.net, "Health Benefits of Green Tea." Accessed October 31, 2011.
Sandra Markcrow - I'm a health care professional. Am interested in the latest research available on all aspects of health care.
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