Many people believe that they are doing themselves a favor by finding a couple of healthy foods and eating only those things day after day. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Take fish or vegetables for example. Both are very healthy food choices, yet by themselves they do not provide the body with the valuable nutrients that can only be found in other foods. There has to be balance.
Foods that must be avoided include those containing trans-fats ( These fats do occur in very small quantities in meat and dairy foods, but are most commonly found in partially hydrogenated plant oils) as well as foods containing pathogens ( a type of germ) and foods that contain large amounts of sodium.
Like quitting any long-term habit, changing your diet may take some time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it.
Basing your diet around the following nutrition packed foods will not only help you to feel better and live longer they will help you to think and look better too.
Berries
Berries are packed with anti-oxidants help to clean the blood and aid in circulation. They also help in the healing of the kidneys and gall-bladder. Strawberries are especially helpful in the fight against wrinkles.
Cabbage
Cabbage strengthens the immune system, aids in digestion, refreshes the skin and cleans the liver.
Broccoli
Broccoli helps to detoxify the body and prevent cancer and heart disease. It also helps fight against depression and keeps the skin healthy.
Carrots
Not only are carrots beneficial to eyesight, they are also reduce the risk of cancer, are good for teeth and bones and are said to have an energizing effect.
Garlic
Garlic fights off viral infections and colds. It also strengthens the immune system, reduces high blood pressure and is good for breathing problems.
Soy
Soy is useful in combating forms of cancer that are influenced by hormonal disorders such as breast, cervical and prostate cancer. Soy also helps to reduce the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and helps to fight fatigue.
Legumes
Legumes are full of iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium. Legumes help to reduce cholesterol and lower high blood pressure. They also help to regulate the menstrual cycle and inhibit breast cancer.
Peppers
Peppers and packed with vitamin C , beta-carotene and zinc. Peppers strengthen the immune system, help prevent heart attack and stroke and stimulate digestion.
Nuts
Nuts contain large amounts of vitamins B and E. Nuts are beneficial in the prevention of heart related diseases and fortifying the nervous system.
Oats
Oats are rich in iron and can effectively prevent anemia. Oats also aid in digestion, calm stomach irritations and lower blood sugar levels.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain a large amount of anti-oxidants that help strengthen the immune system, prevent cancer, stroke and heart attacks.
Yogurt
Yogurt reduces cholesterol and prevents bacterial infection. Yogurt also helps to protect the stomach and intestines.
Spinach
Spinach is high in calcium, making it good for teeth and bones. Spinach also relieves and prevents constipation, lowers high blood pressure and strengthens the immune system. It also helps improve eyesight.
Seeds
Seeds nurture skin, regenerate cells and reduce heart diseases.
Olive Oil
Olive oil improves skin, prevents heart disease and lowers cholesterol.
Honey
Honey strengthens the immune system and is a natural antiseptic. Honey also provides energy.
Fish
Fish contains vitamin E and is helpful in reducing the risk of cancer and stroke. Fish also helps enhance memory and other brain functions, diminish the effects of arthritis and treat certain skin diseases, such as psoriasis.
Bananas
Bananas are high in vitamin B 6, which helps maintain a healthy nervous system and prevent heart related diseases. Bananas also contain anti-oxidants, beta-carotene and vitamin C, that help in the fight against insomnia, PMS and depression. For more information on the benefits of this amazing fruit, go to Go Bananas.
Beets
Beets stimulate the brain and helps rid the body of toxins. Beets are also good for the liver and kidneys and can prevent kidney stones.
Remember that change does not always come easy and that you do not have to completely change your diet overnight to achieve better health. Integrating these foods into your diet a few at a time will help you to have them as part of your regular diet, and have you on your way to a happier, healthier life.
