There are many way to keep your body healthy. One of the main routes is to keep healthy diet. Nuts, vegetables and some type of meats can be highly nutritious. Here are some of the best examples of these foods for healthier life:
1) Almonds
Almonds are among those nuts which are rich in nutrients, it is a good source of magnesium , vitamin E, iron, calcium , fiber, and riboflavin. Based on a scientific review published in Nutrition Reviews Almonds is a marvelous food to maintain healthy cholesterol levels (1).
2) Oatmeal
Oatmeal is meal made from rolled or ground oats. Since 20 years ago there is a growing trend in oatmeal consumption because of its health benefits. It has been investigated through several researches that the cereal's soluble fiber content helps lower cholesterol levels. This is why western countries show a great desire in this food! This is nearly 2 decades that FDA allowed the food companies to label foods with high levels of rolled oats or oat bran about their cardiovascular heart benefits. Oatmeal contains carbohydrates, as well as water-soluble fiber, which slow digestion down and stabilize levels of blood-glucose. Oatmeal is also rich in B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, folate , and potassium (2).
3) Broccoli
Broccoli is a green vegetable rich in fiber, calcium, potassium, folate, and phytonutrients. This is well accepted that phytonutrients can reduce the risk of developing heart disease , diabetes , and some cancers. Broccoli also considered as a good source of antioxidants as contains vitamin C and beta-carotene. Due to considerable Vitamin C content 100-gram of broccoli can provide the body 150 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Sulforphane, is another ingredient of broccoli that has been shown to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effect (3).
4) Apples
Researchers at Florida State University said that apple is a "miracle fruit." as it is an excellent source of antioxidants. Free radicals are dangerous molecules which are being produced in everyday life due to normal physiology and cause undesirable changes. Free radicals are involved in the aging process and some diseases like cardiovascular and cancer. Results of some pre-clinical studies indicated that an antioxidant found in apples (polyphenols) might extend lifespans (4).
5)Brazil nut
Brazil nuts, ( Bertholletia excels ) are some of the most healthful nuts on the planet. These nuts are rich in protein and carbohydrates. They are also excellent sources of vitamin B-1 (thiamine), vitamin E and minerals like magnesium, and zinc. Brazil nuts are one of the main sources of selenium of any food; selenium is a vital mineral for maintaining immune system healthy, thyroid function and has an antioxidant property (5).
6) Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Although phytonutrients are not necessary for our health, they may help prevent disease and keep the body working properly. It is demonstrated in a study at Harvard Medical School that eating plenty of blueberries (and strawberries) in older adults cause the prevention of cognitive decline (6). Scientists at Texas Woman's University found that blueberries is against obesity. Blueberries polyphenols, have impact on the development of fat cells (adipogenesis) , and can help lipolysis.
7) Avocados
Avocados are rich in healthy fats, as well as B vitamins, vitamin K, and vitamin E and have very high fiber content. Studies have shown that regular avocado consumption lowers blood cholesterol levels. There are some ongoing studies to see whether Avocado might be useful for treating diabetes or hypertension (7).
8) Leafy green vegetables
It is well accepted through several researches that high intake of dark-leafy vegetables, such as spinach or cabbage, may significantly lower a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Spinach, for example, is a good source of antioxidants. It is rich in vitamins A, B-6, C, E, and K, as well as selenium, niacin, zinc, phosphorus, copper , folic acid, potassium, calcium, manganese, betaine, and iron (8).
9) Oily fish
Salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines, and anchovies are among oiy fishes which have several health benefits for our body. Their lean fillets contain up to 30 percent oil, specifically, omega-3 fatty acids. These oils are known to provide benefits for the heart, as well as the nervous system. Omega 3 from fish meat is a good supplement for patients with inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. They are also rich in vitamins A and D (9).
10) Kale
Kale is a popular vegetable, a member of the cabbage family (Brassica oleracea). One cup of raw kale is a rich source of vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, K and C. It also contains minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium and iron. Kale is enriched in some powerful antioxidants like Quercetin and Kaempferol (10). Results of several studies have shown that kale can cause cardioprotective, blood pressure lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-depressant and anti-cancer effects (11-13)
References:
1- Wien M, Bleich D, Raghuwanshi M, Gould-Forgerite S, Gomes J, Monahan-Couch L, Oda K. Almond consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in adults with prediabetes. J Am Coll Nutr. 2010 Jun;29(3):189-97.
2- Truswell AS. Cereal grains and coronary heart disease. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Jan;56(1):1-14.
3- Bayat Mokhtari R, Baluch N, Homayouni TS, Morgatskaya E, Kumar S, Kazemi P, Yeger The role of Sulforaphane in cancer chemoprevention and health benefits: a mini-review. H. J Cell Commun Signal. 2017 Jul 23. doi: 10.1007/s12079-017-0401-y.
4- Peng C, Chan HY, Huang Y, Yu H, Chen ZY. Apple polyphenols extend the mean lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster. J Agric Food Chem. 2011 Mar 9;59(5):2097-106.
5- Martens IB, Cardoso BR, Hare DJ, Niedzwiecki MM, Lajolo FM, Martens A, Cozzolino SM. Selenium status in preschool children receiving a Brazil nut-enriched diet. Nutrition. 2015 Nov-Dec;31(11-12):1339-43.
6- ROBERT KRIKORIAN, MARCELLE D SHIDLER, TIFFANY A NASH et al. Blueberry Supplementation Improves Memory in Older AdultsJ Agric Food Chem. 2010 Apr 14; 58(7): 3996–4000.
7- Füeßl HS. [An avocado a day keeps the doctor away]. MMW Fortschr Med. 2015 Mar 5;157(4):33.
8- Chen GC, Koh WP, Yuan JM, Qin LQ, van Dam RM. Green leafy and cruciferous vegetable consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: results from the Singapore Chinese Health Study and meta-analysis. Br J Nutr. 2018 Feb 19:1-11.
9- Calder PC. Marine omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: Effects, mechanisms and clinical relevance. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2015 Apr;1851(4):469-84.
10- Sikora E, Bodziarczyk I. Composition and antioxidant activity of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) raw and cooked. Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. 2012 Jul-Sep;11(3):239-48.
11- Shashank Kumar, Abhay K. Pandey. Chemistry and Biological Activities of Flavonoids: An Overview. The Scientific World Journal. 2013, Article ID 162750, 16 pages.
12- Calderón-Montaño JM, Burgos-Morón E, Pérez-Guerrero C, López-Lázaro M. A review on the dietary flavonoid kaempferol. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2011 Apr;11(4):298-344.
13- Larson AJ, Symons JD, Jalili T. Therapeutic potential of quercetin to decrease blood pressure: review of efficacy and mechanisms. Adv Nutr. 2012 Jan;3(1):39-46.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Products are not entitled to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
The information provided in this website is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content of this website is based on research and sources believed to be reliable, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The authors and publisher of this website are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information presented herein. Readers should consult their healthcare professionals before making any dietary changes or starting any new health regimen, especially if they have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking any medications.
The statements made regarding specific foods, ingredients, or dietary approaches have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory body. The information provided in this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Individual results may vary. The benefits of foods discussed in this website may not be experienced by all individuals, and the effectiveness of any dietary recommendations may depend on factors such as individual health, genetics, lifestyle, and adherence to the recommendations.
The reader assumes full responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided in this website. The authors and publisher disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the use of the information contained in this website.
It is always recommended to seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional for any questions or concerns related to one's health.