Without a doubt, food intake is at the epicenter of our health. Exercise and other healthy habits are secondary. If your diet is optimum everything else falls into place. Let us see some of the foods that are critical to your healthy lifestyle.
1. Coffee
Coffee (my personal favorite) acts as a kick starter to your day. To the layman, it’s just a caffeine intake necessary to get you through your hectic day but there’s something else too. Coffee packs antioxidants which protect against cell damage and reduces your vulnerability to chronic diseases such diabetes.
2. Wild Salmon
Are you afraid that untimely aging effects will begin to show on your face? Well, there is a cure. Wild salmon carries healthy omega-3 fatty acids to lower that risk. In addition, it preserves the DNA bits known as telomeres which are responsible for early aging effects and death if they are in short supply.
3. Avocado
On average avocado contains 22gs of fat which is akin to one-third of fat needed for daily by the body. Imagine having one each day? It can serve as a great source of glutathione – an antioxidant which prevents inflammation and adds to your whole hormone structure.
4. Basil + Mint
Chinese in their tradition have been benefiting from the amalgam of basil and mint for over a thousand years. They both act as a medicine in curing digestion problems alongside inflammatory complaints. It contains strong traces of luteolin that helps boost your immune (read defense) system in your body (to combat diseases, duh!)
5. Olives and Olive Oil
An integral element to the diet of Mediterranean people and is known for its property in lowering hypertension and lipid profile levels (medical terms for blood pressure and cholesterol respectively). Studies show that olive oil prevents stroke in people aged 50 and older. When used in cooking, it substantially lowered the hazard by 41 percent in such people.
6. Walnuts
Walnut contains two times the antioxidants than any other nut. Also, it has in greater proportion; vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids which have been proven to improve heart’s fitness.
7. Green Tea
Very popular among those seeking to reduce weight or are taken up with weight loss. Green Tea is laden with catechins, another type of antioxidant that acts to protect cells and in turn reduces the risk of certain type of cancers. Research has shown that women who drank green tea at least three times prevented the risk of stomach cancers and esophagus by 17 percent.
8. Sweet Potatoes
A source of vitamin B6 and potassium, sweet potatoes help in building the immune system and controls blood pressure. With its skin intact it even provides the much-needed fiber for the body than a cup of oatmeal.
9. Dark Chocolate
Ah, my favorite again! Can I be biased here? I don’t wish to talk about how healthy it is for you, hell do you even need a reason to have chocolate? Well for those seeking a reason, it helps lower down your blood pressure as well as cholesterol. Dark chocolate is full of flavonoids.
I think I’m having a stroke, excuse me but while writing this I have developed a craving for chocolate. Wait here till I consume some.
10. Asparagus
OK, I’m back. Asparagus is rich in potassium and vitamin B12. It repairs your cellular structure and keeps it under check. Researchers have concluded that it boosts auditory levels in an individual as opposed to those who are low on B12 vitamin, the hearing loss statistic rests at 39 percent.
11. Garlic
Garlic has sulfur compounds embedded in it which are responsible for its powerful aroma. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties help fight heart attacks. In the crushed state, it’s most effective because it emits allicin leading to reduced hip osteoarthritis, especially in women.
So, above are some foods to get you going and your passport to living for 100 years.
Author Bio
Stephen Bishop is a foodie and an Assignment Help Writer. He also writes blogs on cuisines from the world over. He loves to travel and try different foods. His insights can be sought in the matter by following or contacting him via his Twitter.