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 More of us now understand the relationship between food and the health benefits that can be gained by making better choices about what we eat. The growing baby boomer population wants to take back the responsibility for their health and more focused on overall wellness and disease prevention. As with other parts of their lives, they want to control their destiny when it comes to their health and they want to fight the normal aging process. Among their weapons of choice is food. This "smart food" revolution is being fought with garden-variety fruits and vegetables and other super nutritious foods such as:
Apples are an excellent source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can lower cholesterol. They also provide vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects your body's cells from damage and help forms collagen.
Almonds are packed with nutrients - fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron and calcium. One serving provides half of your body's RDA of vitamin E.
Blueberries are a rich source of plant compounds (phytonutrients) that give fruits and vegetables their bright colors. Anthocyanin, the phytonutrient that gives this fruit its bright blue color acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent. They may improve memory and promote healthy aging and are a low calorie source of fiber and Vitamin C.
Broccoli provides calcium, potassium, folate and fiber. It also contains phytonutrients that may help prevent heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. This hearty vegetable offers a good amount of Vitamin A and C - antioxidants that protect the body's cells from damage.
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids - a type of fat that makes your blood less likely to form clots that may cause heart attacks. Omega-3s may also protect against irregular heartbeats that may cause sudden cardiac death, decrease triglyceride levels and the growth of artery-clogging plaques, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.
Red beans including dark red kidney beans are a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and thiamin. They are also an excellent low-fat source of protein and dietary fiber. They also contain phytonutrients that may help prevent chronic diseases.
Spinach is high in Vitamins A and C and folate. It's a good source of riboflavin, vitamin B-6, calcium, iron and magnesium. The plant compounds in spinach may boost your immune system and help keep hair and skin healthy.
Sweet potatoes are high in antioxidant beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A, may help slow the aging process and reduce the risk of some cancers. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins B-6, C and E, folate and potassium and are fat free and low in calories.
Vegetable juice has most of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in the vegetables and is an easy way to include vegetables in your diet. The juice is a good source of lycopene, and antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of heart attack, prostate cancer and other types of cancer.
Wheat germ is a highly concentrated source of nutrients, including niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin E, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc. It also contains protein, fiber and some fat. |
