Talking About Green

There is a lot of racket these days about switching to a healthy diet.  Some people say you should limit yourself to protein, others tout the benefits of eating only carbs, and there are subsets that swear by vegan or organic fare.  Of course, they can’t all be right.  In truth, there is some validity to just about any fad diet on the market (as well as those that espouse eating habits for a long-term, healthy lifestyle). There are many people that can help you put a diet in place which include naturopath and health consultants. There are also outlets to learn in this field, or other trades and then monetise this hobby. Either way, the food industry is a rapidly growing consumer environment. But if your goal is to adopt a method of consumption that is not only easy but healthy and well balanced as well, you’re going to want to start with the inclusion of several items, known as super foods, that will boost your metabolism, eliminate free radicals, regulate digestion, and give you huge amounts of energy.

1. Spinach.  This leafy green is not only high in vegetable protein and low in calories; it also contains a host of health benefits for wise consumers.  Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, folic acid, magnesium, iron, and potassium (just to name a few), it is a literal powerhouse of vitamins.  And it’s good for a lot more than regulating your digestion (yay, fiber!).  Popeye had the right idea because spinach does indeed increase muscle strength, including your heart.  It can also regulate your blood pressure and lower your chances of cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis, as well as provide a laundry list of other benefits.  In short, it may just be the king of super foods.
2. Yogurt.  You probably know that most dairy products contain calcium, which is great for building strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.  And you may have heard that yogurt also contains active cultures (read: good bacteria) that aid in digestion.  So far, so good.  But did you also know that it also contains a ton of vitamins, including vitamin B12 which is good for both red blood cells and the nervous system?  It can also help to lower blood pressure, fight infection, and recover after a workout.  Talk about super!
3. Salmon.  The beauty of this fish lies in its inherent heaping dose of omega-3 fatty acids (although it is also rich in cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fats).  Salmon is known to lower the risk for heart disease as well as aiding in swelling and pain caused by arthritis and memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s.  Wild salmon is probably the best choice.
4. Blueberries.  These are more than just a tasty treat for a hot summer day or a nice addition to your ice cream.  Studies have shown that in addition to boasting potassium and vitamin C, they are also high in antioxidants that help to prevent heart disease and cancer.  They also come complete with anti-inflammatory properties, which make them an excellent choice for the prevention of many chronic diseases.  Eat them fresh or frozen; it makes no difference.  Just look for berries with a deep color to ensure tons of antioxidants.
5. Quinoa.  While this grain is hardly new (it’s been grown and consumed in South America for years), it has certainly broken onto the health food scene in the United States in a big way over the last few years.  What puts it ahead of the pack is the fact that it is the only whole grain known to contain complete proteins (like those found in meat and animal products), making it a revelation for those who prefer a vegetarian or vegan diet.  It’s also a great choice for anyone with gluten allergies.  But beyond that, it contains tons of useful vitamins and nutrients such as manganese (an antioxidant that may lower the risk of cancer), potassium and magnesium (which reduce the risk of hypertension and heart disease), calcium (for strong bones), and of course, fiber (to aid in digestion).  All in all, this grain could be a strong contender for the title of number one super food on the market today.

Sarah Danielson writes for Helpdesk where you can find all the best in help desk software solutions on the market today.