Top Five Healthy Foods
As a caregiver you might often find yourself without a lot of time for preparing meals and as a result just eating whatever happens to be available, which often means consuming unhealthy foods. You can counteract this by trying to have certain foods on hand which can actually improve your health.
Apples – an excellent source of antioxidants, which combat free radicals, those damaging substances that are generated in the body and are involved in the aging process and can also cause disease. Recently researchers at Florida State University found that older women who ate an apple a day experienced a 23% drop in their LDL and a 4% increase in good cholesterol, HDL after just six months.
Almonds – this nut is filled with copper, magnesium, vitamin E, iron, calcium, fiber and riboflavin. According to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, by eating just a handful a day could help you live longer and lower your risk of death from heart disease and cancer.
Broccoli – This plant is rich in fiber, calcium, folate, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, the antioxidant beta-carotene and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are compounds which reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
Blueberries – These little gems are full of fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Scientists at Texas Women’s University have found that blueberries can help curb obesity because plant polyphenols, which are abundant in blueberries have been shown to reduce the development of fat cells. In addition, this super berry also contains anthocyanins, which can help to reduce the risk of hypertension.
Oily Fish – Salmon, trout, herring, sardines, anchovies and mackerel are filled with omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to provide benefits for the heart as well as the nervous system.
Most of the above listed foods are easy to keep on hand and can provide a great snack that will not only curb your hunger, but also contribute to your good health.
