The vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are found in plant foods are finely balanced and work together to combat diseases such as cancer, hypertension, heart disease and other diseases associated with aging. Because some minerals and nutrients are unable to be absorbed by the body without the presence of other nutrients / minerals, so many of these important pairings cannot be duplicated in pill form.
Switching to a healthy diet that includes plenty of plant foods rich in vitamins and minerals is the best way to feel healthy today, and prevent illness or disease in the future.
Making the Switch to Healthy Eating
It is important to remember that an unhealthy diet is a bad habit just like smoking or drinking. When adding major changes to a diet, it is best to treat it like any bad habit and take it slowly. Try adding one new healthy food and getting rid of one unhealthy food each week until eventually, only healthy foods are being eaten.
Top 10 Super Foods
There is an ever growing list of what are being touted as super foods because of their healthy properties. Unlike a prescription medicine, there is no specific food that should be eaten to help with a specific ailment. The addition of any or all of these amazing foods will help to lower cholesterol, fight disease and boost energy.
Soy
- Soy is useful in fighting certain 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 packed full of iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium. Legumes help to lower high blood pressure and reduce high cholesterol levels.
- Legumes also help to regulate the menstrual cycle and to inhibit breast cancer.
Fish
- Fish contains Omega 3s which are helpful in reducing the risk of cancer and stroke.
- Fish also helps to enhance brain and memory functions, diminish the effects of arthritis and treat certain skin diseases, such as psoriasis.
Berries
- Berries are packed with vitamin C, potassium and anti-oxidants that help to clean the blood and aid in circulation.
- Berries help to heal the kidneys and gall-bladder.
- Strawberries are especially helpful in the fight against wrinkles
Oats
- Oats are rich in iron and can effectively prevent or eliminate anemia.
- Oats aid in digestion, calm stomach irritations and lower blood sugar levels
Leafy Greens
- Leafy greens are the perfect food for weight management because they are low in calories.
- Leafy greens are great cancer fighters because they are low in fat, high in fiber, and rich in folic acid, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium, as well as containing phytochemicals, including lutein, and beta-carotene.
Tomatoes
- Tomatoes contain large quantities of anti-oxidants including lycopene, vitamins C, A and K, potassium, and fiber that help strengthen the immune system, prevent cancer, stroke and heart attacks.
- The lycopene found in tomatoes is more easily absorbed when heated, so canned tomatoes, tomato juice and tomato sauce are all good dietary choices.
Garlic
- Garlic has the ability to fight viral infections and colds. It also strengthens the immune system, reduces high blood pressure and is good for breathing problems such as asthma.
- Garlic acts much like Aspirin because it has the ability to thin the blood. Thinning the blood helps prevent clotting, thus reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and hypertension.
Bananas
- Bananas contain anti-oxidants, beta-carotene and vitamin C, that help in the fight against insomnia, PMS and depression.
- Bananas are high in vitamin B 6, which helps maintain a healthy nervous system and prevent heart related diseases.
Peppers
- Peppers contain high levels of vitamin C, zinc and beta-carotene.
- Peppers help to strengthen the immune system, prevent heart attack and stroke and stimulate digestion.
There are some cases where diet alone does not provide the proper amounts of various nutrients and a dietary supplement can be taken. Vegetarians, and those who are anemic or suffer from food allergies can benefit from supplements as long as they contain no more than the recommended daily nutrient levels.
Laurie Pizans - I am a wife and the mother of three grown children and one silly yellow dog. I quit work a few years back due to health problems, but work ...
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