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10 Foods You Should Add to Your Diet
Let Your Food Be Your Medicine
Your food should be your medicine. It should nurture you in good health, promote longevity, and reduce the effects of aging. Adding 10 of the most powerful foods to your diet can dramatically change your health. These foods contain phytonutrients (plant nutrients) and proteins known to sustain vibrant health.
1. Apples
Yes, an apple a day can keep the doctor away. Apples contain pectin, which is known to protect against cancer, excessive weight accumulation, and damage caused by inflammation. Apples are a rich source of usable fiber that assists in the cleansing of bowel toxins and reduces the likelihood of colon cancer. Antioxidants in apples, known as quercetin and catechin, are known to protect human cells from free radical damage and increase the longevity of healthy cells.
2. Avocados
Avocados are a rich source of monounsaturated fat known to decrease the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The average amount of fiber contained in one fruit is about 10-18 grams, which is valuable to detoxifying the colon, stabilizing blood sugar, and preventing diabetes. A vital nutrient known as lutein in avocado increases the health of the eyes and skin.
3. Blueberries
If you ever choose one food to help slow down the aging process, it should be blueberries. They are rich in carotenes, proanthocyanidins, and other biochemical nutrients that stop inflammation, increase circulation, nurture and strengthen vision, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and diabetes. This simple fruit is the most powerful brain fruit.
4. Cabbage
This powerful food is known for its ability to reduce colon cancer risk by over 60%. It is also known for its cleansing properties, as it assists in detoxifying blood of impurities. Cabbage juice is often used in detoxification programs. Cabbage also kills bacteria and viruses, and it has nurturing antioxidants that prevent inflammatory diseases.
5. Garlic
Garlic is an amazing food that is known to lower blood pressure, increase circulation, stimulate immune function, and kill harmful bacteria and viruses. Raw garlic is an excellent food in cleansing diets. If you cannot stand garlic breath, both fennel and parsley help to take away the offensive odor. Freshly crushed raw garlic is best. Two to three cloves per day are recommended.
6. Fish and Fish Oil
I cannot say enough about the nurturing and medicinal properties of fish. Fish and fish oils are known to reduce inflammation, strengthen immune health, reduce diabetic risk, decrease heart and vessel damage, improve mental function, and reduce depression. Avoid mercury-containing varieties like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and albacore tuna. Wild white tuna is fine, as is white flesh fish in general. Exotic fish are known to have more mercury. A serving of 3-6 times weekly is recommended.
7. Flaxseed
Flaxseed has been used for centuries for medicinal and health reasons. The seeds contain Omega-3 and -6 essential fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and strengthen cell health. It has nutritional value, very usable protein, healthy fatty acids, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Flaxseed is also a rich source of fiber.
8. Mushrooms
Research has proven that maitake, reishi, and shiitake mushrooms have anti-cancer properties. These mushrooms also are known to reduce inflammatory disease and assist in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
9. Pomegranates
Pomegranates are known to have 3 times the antioxidants of red wine and green tea. This fruit reduces the formation of plaque and fat buildup in the arteries, which results in heart attach and stroke. Research shows that long-term consumption of pomegranate juice may also help to slow aging and protect against cancer.
10. Red Wine
One to two small glasses of red wine per day is proven to assist in digestion, reduce cardiovascular inflammation, support blood sugar balance, and decrease cancer risk. Excessive alcohol consumption, however, does not improve any of the health benefits mentioned above. A small amount of red wine each day can be nurturing and medicinal. There are many biochemical components in red wine that contribute to overall health, such as reservatrol and saponins, two powerful compounds that are known to reduce inflammation and cancer risk. Boost your health by trying some of these power foods. They will make a difference to your health. If you want to learn more, consult The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth by Jonny Bowden.