A person’s diet is more or less responsible for keeping him/her healthy and also promotes longevity. As we grow old, the food we eat plays a huge role in defining our health. This is why we need to know what foods are good or bad for us. Foods rich in antioxidants help in fighting free radicals and prevent early aging. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that largely contribute to an individual’s aging process. Fresh fruits and vegetables are extremely beneficial as they not only help you stay young but also reduce the risk of developing cancer and heart diseases. You can also compliment a healthy diet with a mild but regular exercise routine to keep you fit and strong. Listed below are 10 foods that will help you live a longer and healthier life.
1. Eggs
Eggs, if eaten in moderation, are highly beneficial as they contain proteins, nutrients and unsaturated fats. Earlier, people believed that eggs were harmful because of their dietary cholesterol content. However, the cholesterol present in eggs has an almost negligible effect on blood cholesterol. So, an egg a day will not harm you but instead provide necessary nutrients, proteins and unsaturated fats.
2. Raw nuts
Nuts are also a good source of vitamins, potassium, zinc, selenium, copper and iron. Raw nuts are high in fiber and are healthy as they control your cholesterol level while strengthening your immune system. But keep away from salted or roasted nuts as they will most likely do more harm than good.
3. Fresh fruits
Fruits are one of the best nutritional sources. Eating fresh fruits or drinking fruit juice will keep you healthy as they contain essential vitamins, minerals and fibers that can protect you from chronic diseases like stroke and also from cardiovascular diseases. Eat as many fresh fruits as you can and drink plenty of fresh fruit juice to stay young and healthy.
4. Colorful vegetables
Consumption of colorful vegetables has been highly recommended by health experts. Colorful vegetables provide high levels of nutrients to help you fight diseases while helping you stay strong and healthy. Experts state that the different color of each vegetable holds different significance.
5. Whole grain Bread
Whole grain bread contains more fiber and nutrients than refined flour bread. Eating whole grain bread helps in lowering the risk of heart diseases and diabetes besides several other conditions that could prove harmful to your health. Whole grain bread made with nuts and seeds is very nutritious and especially beneficial for adults.
6. Fish
Fish is the leading source of omega3 fats and benefits people from all age groups. Eating fresh fish with omega3 fats will help in lowering the risk of abnormal heart rhythms as well as levels of blood fats. Omega3 fats are also believed to reduce the risk of dementia and help people suffering from joint problems.
7. Whole grain breakfast cereal
For your breakfast, you could rely on a whole grain breakfast cereal to get you going. Cut down on sugar and opt for a cereal made from whole grains along with low fat milk. For that extra sweetness, you could try adding raisins and fresh fruits instead of sugar.
8. Avocado
If you want to look young, then avocado is one of the best resources for you. Although, most people stay away from it because of its high fat content, it is high only in monounsaturated fat which reduces the level of cholesterol in a person’s body. Avocado contains vitamin E, one of the most essential vitamins to keep your skin smooth and young looking. Besides, it also prevents high blood pressure.
9. Whole meal pasta and brown rice
Consumption of whole meal pasta and brown rice also helps you stay fit and energetic the entire day. Whole meal pasta is high in fiber and iron, and is a great complex carbohydrate that keeps you energized throughout the day. Brown rice is high in fiber and B group vitamins. However, avoid frying brown rice. The ideal way to cook it is to steam it. The big benefit of complex carbohydrates is that it provides a consistent supply of energy to your body. Complex carbohydrates should form a major portion of your diet to keep you going. So, try to include both whole meal pasta and steamed brown rice in your meals to stay healthy.
10. Water
The most important thing keep that would help you look young and healthy is water. There is nothing like fresh, clean water to detoxify, and keep your skin healthy and smooth. Water gets rid of toxins and makes your skin look young. Water, apart from its natural form, can be obtained from fresh fruits, like watermelons. In warm weather, try to drink more than the prescribed 8-10 glasses of water.