Sunday, June 14, 2009

Ten Power Foods To Give You Better Health

By Spencer Gabato

What is the secret to a healthier life? It is in the food that we ingest. As you well know, all foods are not created the same. Choosing and eating the proper foods may aid to increase your life expectancy as well as the quality of your life.

Need vitality, energy and good health? Here are the top ten super foods.

1. Oatmeal - Oatmeal is coming into popularity as a food that lowers blood cholesterol. You can make it yourself with rolled oats or eat the instant variety if you are in a hurry. Oatmeal is a filling grain that also contain much needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar constant.

2. Beans - If they give you gas, take precautions before you eat them. Soaking them first can help. Beans of all kinds (kidney, navy, lentils, chickpeas, Northern) are high in protein. This is plant protein so it [carries|contains very little fat, carbs and calories. If fiber is a problem in your diet, eating a healthy portion of beans each day can keep your digestive system healthy.

3. Allium foods - Garlic, leeks shallots and onions all have allium which is health promoting. Garlic can lower your cholesterol. Vegetables with allium help prevent the risk of cancer. They can prevent blood clots and lower your blood pressure. More health benefits can be acquired if you eat these foods raw.

4. Fruits - Talk about antioxidants which neutralize free radicals and prevent cancer, fruits are filled with them. Berries such as acai, goji, blueberries have high contents of antioxidants. Eating a variety of fruits is recommended since each fruit has its own strengths. Antioxidants in fruit can boost the immune system and has anti aging properties.

5. Flax seed - Like salmon it contains omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes with this seed. Ground flax seed can be added to fruit smoothies, sprinkled in yogurt, ingested with cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.

6. Salmon - Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids minimizes the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis. Wild salmon is a fatty fish but it contains good fats that has been proven to improve health in children and adults. Salmon is rich in protein which is of great use after a workout session to build muscle tissue.

7. Nuts and seeds - Fats found in these food are the good kind. Brazil nuts, peanuts, almonds, pistachios and walnuts all provide good fat and protein. It can help lower cholesterol and it can be eaten raw untarnished by preservatives.

8. Peppers - Just like other fruits and vegetables, they contain antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. Some peppers can be very hot so eat little bits rather than large chunks. One notable substance found in peppers is the capsaicin which has pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, lowering heart disease risk and lowering cancer risk properties. They can be combined with all sorts of dishes.

9. Yogurt - The fat free variety is good for you. Yogurt contains calcium, Vitamin B, and protein. If you hate milk, yogurt is an alternative to get your calcium in to build healthy bones and teeth. Live yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy digestive system.

10. Acai - This berry has been in the news lately. It is rich in antioxidants and increases energy. You can get more done and look better while doing it. You can get Acai berry juice and supplements in your health food store.

Building a better healthier and stronger body begins with the kinds of food you eat. Try these super foods to get your feet on the road to healthy living.

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