Top 10 Foods For Better Health

What are the top 10 foods for better health? Imagine a choice of foods that were tasty, nutritious and good for your health. Foods that helped you maintain a healthy body weight, improved your overall mood, reduce your risk of developing diseases. According to several sources, surveys and researches, the following 10 foods are considered overall for better health. Some foods really are more special. “They are foods that let you eat your medicine instead of buying them at the pharmacy”.

Here is the list of Top 10 Foods for Better Health.

10. Tea

From green tea to hibiscus, from white tea to chamomile, teas are chock full of flavonoids and other healthy goodies. Although most people think of tea as a soothing and delicious beverage, it possesses a remarkable wealth of antioxidants. Green tea can boost metabolism and oolong teas can lower blood sugar. Black tea has the highest caffeine content. It may protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. It also may reduce the risk of stroke.

9. Lean Proteins

Protein is an important part of every diet, and can be found in fish, skinless chicken and turkey, and certain cuts of beef. Protein is crucial for tissue repair and building and preserving muscles. Proteins are made up of amino acids, some of which cannot be made or stored by the body and must be provided by your daily diet. However, the quality of protein foods varies. Eating lean protein helps lower cholesterol levels and decreases the risk of developing heart disease and other life-threatening illnesses.

8. Apples

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away". It’s no surprise that apples are good for you. but what exactly are the health benefits of apples.? The pectin in apples lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent. They prevent lung cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer and breast cancer. They are helpful in weight loss. A flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in apples may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones. Apple juice is very helpful for children suffering from asthma.

7. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a fat obtained from the olive. The oil is produced by grinding whole olives and extracting the oil by mechanical or chemical means. It is commonly used in cooking. It is an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that may lower the bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol. It contains Vitamin-E and antioxidants. It’s an excellent replacement for unhealthy saturated fats like butter. It is also beneficial for soft smooth skin.

6. Nuts and Seeds

Each type of nut or seed has its own set of benefits. Almonds, pecans and pistachios are rich in protein, while walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acid. Those who consume nuts five times a week have about a 50 percent reduction in the risk of a heart attack. Almonds added to the diet have a favorable effect on blood cholesterol levels. They protects artery walls from damage. They help build strong bones and teeth. They provide healthy fats and aid in weight loss. They help provide good brain function. They nourish the nervous system. They alkalize the body.

5. Fish

Fish is a superfood packed with vitamins and minerals, and a major source of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish can help to protect against a range of diseases, from cancer to heart disease, depression to arthritis. A salmon-packed diet can help smooth out wrinkles. It also contain vitamins A and D.

4. Dark Greens Vegetables

Greens are an excellent source of iron, vitamin A and lutein for eye health. Studies have shown that a high intake of dark leafy vegetables, such as spinach or cabbage may significantly lower a person’s risk of developing Type-2 diabetes. Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, seaweed and other dark-colored greens are packed with powerful anti-cancer and anti-viral compounds. Most significantly, greens are packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation that can lead to cancer and heart attacks.

3. Legumes

The inexpensive legume family, which includes beans, peas, peanuts and lentils, has priceless benefits. They are rich in folic acid, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc and antioxidants. Their contents are high in protein and complex carbohydrates.They have anti-HIV effects. According to the protein combining theory, legumes should be combined with another protein source such as a grain in the same meal, to balance out the amino acid levels. Common examples of such combinations are dhal with rice by Indians, beans with corn tortillas, tofu with rice, and peanut butter with wheat bread.

2. Berries

These are fleshy fruits produced from a single ovary. Grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries are a few examples. They are high in vitamin and fiber content. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, compounds that protect our bodies from the stress of day to day living. The antioxidant anthocyanin has triple the stress-fighting power of vitamin C and is known to block cancer-causing damage as well as the effects of many age-related diseases.They give your memory a boost. The antioxidants in berries are believed to enhance brain function.

1. Dates

Dates contains calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, B6 and other vitamins, folic acid, proteins, sugar and are rich in natural fibers which contribute to healthy body and mind. Eating dates eases pain during childbirth, helps produce milk for nursing mother and also prevents blood loss after childbirth. Eating dates daily can protect against atherosclerosis - a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. Modern medicine has shown dates are effective in preventing abdominal cancer.

Source : http://www.wonderslist.com