Brightly Coloured Fruit And Vegetables

Research suggests that those who eat more fruit and vegetables tend to live longer than those who don’t, due to the nutrients they contain. While all fruit and veg is good for you, brightly coloured produce is particularly beneficial as the natural pigments which give them their color can also help prevent cancer. The Okinawans – who are reputed to have the world’s longest life expectancy and who have low rates of heart disease and cancer – have a diet that is rich in fruit and veg, especially dark green and yellow varieties. In particular, the Okinawan diet features large quantities of sweet potatoes, having

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Dark Chocolate

Good news for chocoholics – chocolate can help you live longer!  Cocoa beans are packed with antioxidants which studies have found can help cut your risk of heart disease – the biggest killer in the Western world.

This may be why Jeanne Louise Calment, who lived a grand total of 122 years and 164 days (the oldest verified age of any human being ever) put her good health down to her regular chocolate consumption. However, before you go stocking up on chocolate bars, it is worth bearing in mind that one square a day is enough to boost your health. Also, make sure you go for the over 70 per cent cocoa bars which contain more flavonoids and less sugar.

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Oily Fish

People in Japan have the longest life expectancy in the world, which may be down to their traditional diet which is high in fish. Not only does opting for fish over meat reduce your risk of many of the health problems associated with red meat, such as heart disease, but oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout are renowned for their health benefits. Oily fish are a good source of vitamins A and D which are good for the immune system. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which have been linked to a lowered risk of heart disease, brain damage and stroke. Scientists have also discovered that the DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in fish is the key to combating Alzheimer’s: DHA slows down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, making this the key ingredient for a healthy brain and, ultimately, a healthier lifestyle too.

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Green Tea

Another staple of the Japanese diet, green tea boasts an impressive array of health benefits, helping to improve cardiovascular health, regulate blood pressure, boost the immune system, and lower cholesterol. Studies have even suggested that drinking green tea – which is rich in health-boosting flavonoids – can help to lower your risk of cancer. Research findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association appear to back up these health claims, as the Japanese study of more than 40,000 participants found that those who drank five or more cups of green tea a day had a death rate that was 16 per cent lower than those who drank one cup, over the course of 11 years.

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Olive Oil

Many of us stay away from fats and oils in a bid to stay trim and healthy; however, ‘good’ monounsaturated fats, which are found in olive oil, are actually essential for good health. Studies have found that regularly consuming olive oil can help cut your risk of stroke and heart disease, due to its high content of micronutrients called phenols which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The oil is also a staple of the healthy Mediterranean diet, which studies suggests can help you live longer. Research has found that those who follow this eating plan have a 20 per cent higher chance of living longer, gaining an estimated average of two to three years.

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Garlic

More and more evidence seems to be emerging that, of the many compounds found in garlic, 10 of them help to combat cancer. Garlic also contains immune-enhancing compounds that help to break down the substances that cause cancer. For example, diallyl sulphide, a component of garlic, is known for its ability to break down carcinogens in the body, which may have led to cancer if they weren’t destroyed. According to research, people who consume garlic regularly face half the risk of stomach cancer than those who eat little or none.

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Cranberries

It would take a long time to list the many health benefits of cranberries but, in short, this tiny fruit is a life-saver (literally) when it comes to our health. Indeed, the little cranberry is full of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immune-boosting properties, as well as being jam-packed full of phytonutrients. The more phytonutrients we have in our body, the greater the protection. Moreover, the phytochemicals found in red fruits and berries help to combat cancer-causing molecules. In a study conducted by Cornell University, researchers tested cranberry extracts on human breast cancer cells and discovered that, over four hours, many of the same breast cancer cells had begun to die. So not only do they taste amazing, but these little red gems make a powerful addition to any diet.

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The Coffee Bean

A study by the University of Scranton found that the flavonoids contained in coffee can prevent heart disease. The professor who led the experiment, Dr. Joe Vinson, says that “antioxidants are your army to protect you from the toxic free radicals, which come from breathing oxygen and eating sugar, that start chronic diseases”. The antioxidants in coffee ward off life-threatening diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. It’s worth bearing in mind though, that caffeine raises your blood pressure, so if you’re drinking a large amount it’s best to opt for decaf, which offers the same amount of antioxidant properties as regular coffee. So let’s raise our warm mugs of coffee to health, by gideon atikpo

Find Ways To Improve Nutrition In Your Life

A healthier diet should be of interest to everyone. However changing your dietary habits can seem daunting. There is no need to do a complete overhaul of your diet. This article has easy tips to help you improve the diet you eat.

White flour items can easily be substituted with whole-grain or whole-meal products. Compared with refined flour products, products made with whole grains are more rich in fiber and protein. While helping to lower your cholesterol levels, the whole grains will also work to make you feel full for a longer period of time. Make sure that the first word in the ingredients list says “whole”.

When choosing foods for optimal nutrition, pick food items that are as close to their natural state as possible. Unprocessed, fresh food is the ideal way to make sure that all your nutritional needs are met while reducing chemicals and unwanted fats.

Pregnant Women

Lactating and pregnant women must keep nutrition as their number one priority. Protein is one of the top nutritional needs for pregnant women. To start your day off right, mix egg whites to get a protein-rich smoothie. Because there are few calories in egg whites and three grams of protein in each egg, this can be an excellent source of protein. Pasteurized eggs must be used to reduce the risk of contracting salmonella.

Be sure to bring your lunch to school or work so that you can be sure of eating healthy, properly prepared foods. If you pack meals yourself, there is no need to rely on whatever unhealthy options may be available. It takes less than 10 minutes to whip up a nutritious, filling meal.

Don’t eat at warp speed. A lot of people, especially those who are stressed out and hurried, rush through their meals. Instead of rushing through each meal, take your time. Relax when you eat and slowly consume each bite of food. Doing so will help you feel much fuller faster. This will get you full quicker, so you do not eat more calories.

Olive Oil

You can use olive oil to improve the texture and appearance of your skin. It seals the moisture on your skin. If you don’t get good nutrition, you’ll eventually pay a price for it. Use olive oil on salads along with balsamic vinegar.

If you have a history of sleep problems, you might be able to improve your sleep by eating healthier. Certain foods help you to ease your mind and relax, while others will make you more energetic. You should also not consume any food a couple hours before bedtime so that your body can take a break from breaking down food.

Including nuts in your diet is a nutritional option as long as the selections that are made in them are right. Almonds have a high level of fiber and taste good too.

Though it may appear to be unusual, check out the option of putting seaweed in your recipes. You can actually get a large amount of minerals through seaweeds such as kombu and nori. Cultures close to the ocean have consumed these plants for many thousands of years.

Make sure your diet is rich in calcium when pregnant. You need to give your baby some calcium so they can have great teeth and strong bones, and if they don’t get a lot of calcium it will make you calcium deficient.

Fresh Fruit

It is wise to consume fresh fruit, rather than fruit juices. Fruit juices that are store-bought have added sugars, but fresh fruit contains natural sweeteners. Some fruit juices are higher in sugar than a can of cola. Other benefits of eating fresh fruit includes essential minerals, fiber and vitamins that will keep you healthy in the long run.

Shop strategically when searching for whole grains. The color of the food does not mean it is whole grain. Terms such as multi-grain or 100% wheat don’t necessarily mean that the item is whole-grain. Pay attention to the ingredients to ensure you are buying actual whole grain food.

Processed Foods

Try eating natural foods for better nutrition. All those processed foods aren’t good at all for your health. You should eat lean meats and fresh produce. If you’re tempted by the many processed foods at the supermarket, avoid the aisles that contain them.

If you start to feel unmotivated, try reviewing your initial goals. This is different for everyone, but by going back to the beginning, and thinking about what it is you really want, it can help you to better understand and get your mind back in tune with your goals.

Try to reduce the whites in your diet, with the exception of cauliflower. This will help your diet a lot. This helps get rid of excess sugar and starch in your diet. You are going to feel better than ever and be without as many calories as before.

Zinc, selenium and L-Carnitine are not widely known nutrients that are good for the skin. You can take L-Carnitine in the form of a capsule or pill. Zinc is something that you can find in many nuts and whole grains, as well as mushrooms and eggs. Selenium is often found in the soil that grows vegetables. Vegetables raised hydroponically usually do not. Eating a variety of organic foods and taking a supplement of L-Carnitine will ensure you get adequate nutrition.

Dry cereals that are loaded with sugar are not a healthy breakfast option. The fact is that your cereal may be hiding preservatives, trans and saturated fats and even harmful chemicals. Oatmeal is a good alternative to sugary cereals, with its combination of fiber and whole grains to keep you feeling full a little longer.

Similar to many other things you will do in life, starting a diet is a huge step to take. You can make the process easier by dividing the task into small steps. Following a nutritious diet daily will help you achieve your goal. The information here can assist you with developing better eating habits.

Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.

— Oscar Wilde.

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Sex Drive Foods: Top 12 foods to improve sex drive

It’s commonly perceived that foods that look like body parts can boost your sex drive. Dr Vijay Singhal, Sexologist with Delhi based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute lists out the truth behind foods and fruit that can improve your libido.
Sexologist, Dr Vijay Singhal explains the concept of foods for sex and how they can improve the libido. “Any healthy food is good for sex. However, there are certain items that are particularly beneficial- Walnuts, strawberry, avocados, watermelons and almonds. One must note that alcohol is bad for a healthy sex life – it increases the desire but decreases the performance.”

Walnuts
Walnuts improve the quality of sperm. It is known to improve the shape, movement and vitality of the sperm. Include walnuts in your diet to improve fertility.

Strawberries and raspberries
The seeds of these fruits are loaded with zinc which is essential for sex for both, men and women. If women have high levels of zinc their bodies find it easier to prepare for sex. In men, zinc controls the testosterone level which is responsible for producing sperm. It is important that men load up on zinc as their zinc levels reduces during intercourse.

Avocados
Folic acid and vitamin B6 are both necessary for a healthy sex drive. Folic acid pumps the body with energy, while vitamin B6 stabilises the hormones.

Watermelon
Watermelon improves your erection and increases your libido. They also contain citrulline which releases amino acids and arginine in the body. Arginine is responsible for vascular health.

Almonds
Almonds contain arginine which improves circulation and relaxes blood vessels. This amino acid found in almonds helps you maintain an erection.

Chocolate
Dark chocolate releases serotonin and endorphins that improves your mood. It doesn’t improve libido but you will not be a grouch.

Eggs
Consume eggs for healthy erection. Eggs contain amino acid L-arginine that can improve erectile dysfunction.

Vitamin C present in peaches improves sperm count and the quality of the sperm. Peaches contain high levels of vitamin C that is great for reducing infertility.

Coffee
Coffee is a stimulant, hence spikes your sex drive. Coffee can stimulate the brain to heighten arousal.

Saffron
Saffron is a natural aphrodisiac and should be consumed to improve your sex drive and your performance in bed. Saffron can also boost stamina and energy.

Steak
Steak is a great ingredient to boost your sex drive–it contains zinc, vitamin B, iron and protein. These compounds are essential for both men and women as they help improve the libido.

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