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Image by Pomarc on Flickr via Creative Commons
“The health of people is really the foundation upon which all their happiness and all their power as a state depend.” Benjamin Disraeli
To pursue your Lifestyle Project you probably want to stay as fit and healthy as you can. If you get this covered then it is one less thing to worry about and allows you to focus on your goals.
It is thought that roughly one third of all Cancer deaths may be diet related. You are what you eat is a good mantra to eat by. Here is a list of 10 great foods that are widely available but perhaps don’t feature enough in many people’s diets. Remember it is better to get many of the benefits of Vitamins and Minerals from natural food sources rather than supplements, and remember to try for Organic sources if you can.
Avocados
Thought to be good for the liver, avocados are rich in glutathuine which is a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body. They have more potassium than bananas and are a strong source of beta-carotene.
Chilli Peppers (and Jalapenos)
Apart from adding great flavour to foods (I’m a big Chilli fan), Chillies contain a chemical called capsaicin which can neutralise certain cancer causing substances and may help prevent some cancers such as stomach cancer. Add a little spice to your life.
Flax
I take a tea spoon of Flax seed oil (which you can buy at most larger supermarkets) at morning and night. It tastes pretty horrible but you can’t have everything. I has antioxidant properties and can block or suppress cancer changers. Flax is also high in Omega-3 fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory properties, good for joints and aches and the overwhelming evidence is that they help reduce the risk of heart disease. Your body can’t produce Omega-3 so it is important to get it from your food (and better from food than supplements).
Garlic
I love garlic and use it to flavour most hot meals (get the mints out). It contains immune enhancers that appear to increase help break down cancer causing substances. Garlic also has anti-bacterial effects and aside from helping protect against major diseases as well as colds and flu.
Kale (and other Cruciferous Vegetables).
Government recommendations are that you should eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale and cabbage contain antioxidants (zeaxanthin and lutein) which help decrease prostate and other cancers. They also contain loads of excellent vitamins and minerals. I’ll often have a side dish of broccoli with my meal to top up my intake.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds such as brazil nuts, almonds, pumpkin and sunflower seeds contain great levels of natural protein and EFAs (essential fatty acids). These are good for cell repair and growth, Omega-3 content and energy. Seeds in sprouted form are excellent in salads to add some nice crunch and are extremely good for you.
Papayas
These are packed full of vitamin C that works as an antioxidant and may reduce absorption of cancer causing nitosamines from soil and processed foods (though aim for Organic if you can). Papayas also contain folic acid which is a B vitamin and is great for your Liver amongst other things.
Seaweed (and Sea Vegetables)
These are good sources of protein, vitamin B12, fiber, beta-carotene and chloropyll (remember that from science class?). Many also contain minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium. These great sources of the vitamins and minerals could be why Japanese and eastern diets have so such low rates of cancer and heart disease. Sushi anyone?
Green Tea
I’ve been drinking green tea in place of ordinary black tea for years (although black tea still good for you). Green tea is excellent antioxidant are good for general well- being. It is a constant source of research for cancer treatments due to their evidence of healing properties. Green tea is also thought to reduce the likely hood of getting sunburn (and I would support this view through my own experience).
Turmeric
This is a new one on me. Turmeric is believed to have medicinal properties (in fact some medical companies are currently using it in trials) and acts as anti-inflammatory for inflammation-related enzymes associated with some cancers (it is thought to strangle them!). Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb. In India, it has been used traditionally as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments and to heal sores. I have turmeric with my eggs in the morning which is a great way to get a daily intake easily.
So there you go. Obviously there are loads more foods that are healthy for you, but I picked these ten as there which fairly mainstream foods they are perhaps ones that people don’t have enough in their diets.
Let me know suggestions for other healthy foods in the comments!
DISCLAIMER: The information and advice contained in this post are intended as a general guide to healthy eating and are not specific to individuals or their particular circumstances. All content within this article is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.
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