"We dig our grave with our teeth." This old saying sounds funny and odd, but unfortunately it is true. We are told from the time we are young that food provides calories or energy. But there's so much more to food nutrition than that. Foods can make you feel healthier and younger - or they can make you deathly ill.
It is important to eat healthy with today's hectic lifestyles. Nutritious foods can help prevent heart disease or allow it to happen. The right foods can help you lose weight or get fat. Some foods even keep your hair and skin healthy and young looking well into your golden years - or allow them to fall out. If you think genetics is responsible then consider this - the nutrition you consume determines which genes are activated and which genes are dormant.
Making healthier food choices can help you look and feel healthier and younger while cutting the risk for disease. These changes may help cut your health care costs and lessen the chance of becoming dependent on medications as you age.
Knowing which foods to avoid can be easy. We all know what junk food is. The more processed the food, the less nutritious it may be. But, what should we eat? Here is a partial list of food that are high in nutrition to help you feel young and stay healthy.
Bananas contain vitamin c, magnesium and potassium and are a good source of fiber. They can strengthen the stomach lining against ulcers and since they are very high in potassium, they can help regulate high blood pressure.
Barley has traditionally been known as heart medicine in the Middle East. This grain can help reduce cholesterol levels and contains antioxidants important for cancer prevention. The dried grass of barley is also an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals.
Beans are high in fiber which can reduce cholesterol levels as much as 10 percent. Another powerful side effect of beans is that they help regulate blood-sugar levels.
Blueberries are a great antibiotic. A handful of these sweet, tart berries can help stop harmful bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract. This can help prevent bladder infections.
Cinnamon has been shown to stimulate insulin activity so may be helpful for those with adult-onset diabetes. Other studies have proven that it may help prevent blood clots.
Chili Peppers have long been known to help blood flow freely, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They contain capsaicin that helps fight inflammation. This substance is also used for pain relief from ailments such as arthritis and psoriases. Athletes like chili peppers for the effect it has on speeding up metabolism.
Dates are high in fiber and full of minerals such as iron, potassium, manganese, phosphorous, copper, magnesium and calcium. They also contain a natural aspirin.
Garlic stimulates the immune system. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It also helps your body kill off parasites and eliminate toxic substances including lead. It is now being researched by the National Cancer Institute for anti-tumor properties.
Ginger has long been known to relieve nausea. It is also anti-inflammatory helping to relieve pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Researchers have also found it to be helpful to block the effect of certain substances which cause inflammation of the brain that leads to migraines. Other research has discovered ginger to have a similar effect as does aspirin on thinning blood clots.
Parsley is rich in antioxidants and can help detoxify carcinogens, including those in tobacco smoke. It is a known to absorb toxins to assist their removal.
Tea is loaded with polyphenols. These antioxidants have been shown to protect from free radical damage as much as many fruits and vegetables! In addition, a recent study showed that just 2 cups of tea daily may lower the risk of ovarian cancer by 46%. Include it as part of your health regimen, because it is also known to help shed belly fat.
Adding many of these foods to your daily program is easy. Research is showing how powerful foods can be. Remember Hippocrates, the father of medicine, called on all physicians to let food be your medicine.
