What is the secret to a long and healthy life? One factor is the food that we eat.
As you well know,
all foods are not created equal.
Choosing and eating the right foods
may help increase your life expectancy
as well as the quality of your life.
Here are eight of the top power packed foods designed to give you energy,
vitality and all around good health!
1. 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
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.
2. 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
kind if you are in a hurry, but really it doesn't take that long to cook.
Oatmeal is a filling grain that also provides
much needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar consistant.
3. Fruits – Fruits are filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and
A. Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body and reduce the risk
of cancer. Berries such as blueberries and grapes have the highest amount
of antioxidants. But choose an array of fruits in a wide variety of colors
for maximum health. The antioxidants in fruit boost the immune system to
fight the effects of aging in the body.
4. Allium foods – This class of foods includes garlic, onions, leeks and
shallots. Garlic is known for lowering cholesterol. Allium
vegetables healp guard the body against the risk of cancer and many other
ailments. They also help lower blood pressure and prevent blood
clots. Eating these power packed vegetables in their natural state
especially garlic increases their health benefits.
5. Flax seed – 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, eaten with
cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.
6. Peppers – Peppers are colorful. They contain antioxidants like
beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Peppers range from mild and sweet to so hot
you’ll be calling the fire department. All peppers contain a substance
called capsaicin. Capsaicin has the properties of an anti-inflammatory, a
pain reliever, lowers cancer risk and heart disease. They are good in
salads, salsa and all sorts of dishes.
7. Nuts and seeds – Nuts are high in fat but those fats are the good
kind. Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios are all
providers of good fats and protein. Crush them into a fine powder and use
as a coating instead of higher carb bread crumbs. Nuts help to lower
cholesterol. Eat them right out of the shell with no additives.
8. Yogurt – The fat free variety is good for you. Yogurt contains
calcium, Vitamin B, and protein. If you don’t drink milk, yogurt is an
alternative to get your calcium in to build strong bones and teeth. Live
yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy digestive
system.
Building a better healthier body begins with what you eat. Try these
super foods to get started on the right foot.
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