Healthy foods not only keep you fit and fine but also help in keeping your body beautiful and charming. There are certain foods which are always available on all the health food stores and shops. These foods must be added to your diet list. The best point about these health foods is that these are very low on your pocket and rank very high in nutritive values. These healthy foods are:
Fruits
Various researches have proved that eating 5 servings of fresh fruits each day provide enormous health benefits. Eating fruits give a lot of fiber and prevent heart diseases and certain types of cancers.
Garlic
Garlic is a well known antioxidant which protects the body from cancer. It also lowers body’s cholesterol level and helps in reducing blood pressure.
Yogurt
In addition to it being a soothing meal, it is a rich source of vitamin B and D.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)
These are also known as good fat. Essential fatty acids are necessary for building healthy cell membranes, proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system. EFA is also good for healthy skin and hair growth. These are available in:
o Flax seeds
o Canola oil
o Walnut oil
o Soybeans
o Peas
o Berries
o Green Salads and green leafy vegetables
o Oat and wheat grains.
Green Tea
Green tea is quite rich in antioxidants - an element which is proven to reduce risk of cancer. It also empowers immunity system.
Green Vegetables
Fiber, Vitamin A and E are found in abundance in Green leafy vegetables. While Fiber takes care of digestive system, Vitamin A is good for health and Vitamin E keeps skin healthy and shining.
Sprouted Cereals
Sprouted grains have abundance of vitamins and minerals. If you want to get all the vitamins (especially the vitamin C) you require, then it is advised that you make sprouted grains a regular part of your diet. Most of sprouted grains will be available in your supermarket or in your health food stores and shops.
But it's very easy to make grains sprouted at your home. Buy all good quality whole grains from your health food stores or shops and keep them in a utensil and water them. Keep themsoaked at 18°C-25°C. They will start sprouting after 2nd day. Your can eat them within 2 to 7 days.
Following grains can be used for sprouting:
o Soya
o Gram
o Rice
o Alfalfa
o Quinoa
o Oats
o Barley
o Wheat
To make it tastier, you can add chopped onions, tomatoes, and fresh lime juice.
Milk
It is called perfect food. It contains a lot of Vitamin D and calcium. These vitamins are essential to keep the bones and teeth healthy. It also helps in preventing osteoporosis. Milk also contains Vitamin B2 and B12 which help in producing more red blood cells. Red blood cells help in keeping hair and skin healthy.
Soya
It is a well known antioxidant and rich source of Vitamin E. It helps in keeping the skin’s smoothness.
Vitamin C
It increases immunity in the body and makes body to fight diseases. Vitamin C is also good for skin. It keeps body beautiful. It produces endorphins and serotonin hormones that generate pleasant feeling for the body.
Following are rich source of Vitamin C:
o Red Pepper (raw)
o Yellow Pepper (raw)
o Guava
o Kiwi
o Broccoli (raw)
o Brussell Sprouts (raw)
o Papaya
o Papaya
o Strawberry
o Orange
o Lemon
o Cantaloupe
o Cauliflower
o Grapefruit
o Spinach
o Raspberry
o Cabbage
o Tangerine
But be careful – overdose of Vitamin C can cause stones in bladder and kidneys. Excessive intake of Vitamin C also destroys Vitamin B12 which makes the blood thicker, destroys calcium and can cause nose bleeding and diarrhea.
Water
Water prevents dehydration and it keeps the skin smooth and healthy. It also increases shine of the hair. One must take at least 4-5 liters of water every day. It is still better if you start your day with four glasses of water.
And a Little Exercise
Remember only healthy foods will not do everything in keeping you fit and fine. Above all a regular exercise at least 30-45 minutes per day is vital for your health and fitness. Your exercise must include morning or evening walk and never forget to include one exercise related to breathing. If you can include Yoga/Pranayama in your routine exercise, it is still better. Sedentary life style and good health can’t go on together.