Look and Feel Younger and Healthier With These Foods

An old saying that is odd but true states, "we dig our graves with our teeth." Unfortunately, from the time we are young we are taught that food merely provides calories and energy. But food nutrition is far more important than that. The foods you eat can make you healthier, as well as feel and look younger or they can kill you.

It is important to eat healthy with today's hectic lifestyles. Nutritious foods can help prevent heart disease or allow it to happen. The right foods can help you lose weight or get fat. Some foods even keep your hair and skin healthy and young looking well into your golden years - or allow them to fall out. If you think genetics is responsible then consider this - the nutrition you consume determines which genes are activated and which genes are dormant.

By making easy changes to your diet, you can feel and look better while drastically reducing the risk for disease. In the long run, these dietary changes can cut your health care costs and reduce your chances of having to be dependent on medications later in life.

We mostly know what foods are unhealthy, such as junk foods. Add to this that the more processed a foods is, the more unhealthy it may be. So, what can we eat? Here is a list of food that is high in nutrition to help keep you young and healthy.

Bananas contain vitamin c, magnesium and potassium and are a good source of fiber. They can strengthen the stomach lining against ulcers and since they are very high in potassium, they can help regulate high blood pressure.

Barley has traditionally been known as heart medicine in the Middle East. This grain can help reduce cholesterol levels and contains antioxidants important for cancer prevention. The dried grass of barley is also an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals.

Beans are well-known to help regulate blood-sugar levels. They are high in protein and fiber, which may help reduce your cholesterol levels by as much as 10%.

Blueberries are a great antibiotic. A handful of these sweet, tart berries can help stop harmful bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract. This can help prevent bladder infections.

Cinnamon has been shown to stimulate insulin activity so may be helpful for those with adult-onset diabetes. Other studies have proven that it may help prevent blood clots.

Chili Peppers are known to help keep blood flowing freely which helps lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. They contain a substance called capsaicin, which fights inflammation. It is currently being studied for pain relief such as in arthritis and psoriasis. Many athletes advocate using chili pepper sauce on foods to speed up metabolism.

Dates are packed with minerals including iron, manganese, potassium, phosphorous, calcium, copper and magnesium as well as being high in fiber. These treats also contain a substance that acts as a natural aspirin.

Garlic is one of the most well-known foods that heal. stimulates the immune system and is a known to be anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. In addition it helps your body cleanse by killing parasites and eliminating toxic substances such as lead and zinc. It is being studied by the National Cancer Institute for its anti-tumor properties.

Ginger has long been known to relieve nausea. It is also anti-inflammatory helping to relieve pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Researchers have also found it to be helpful to block the effect of certain substances which cause inflammation of the brain that leads to migraines. Other research has discovered ginger to have a similar effect as does aspirin on thinning blood clots.

Parsley is a great source of antioxidants that help fight carcinogens, including those found in tobacco smoke. It has long been known to cleanse the body by Absorbing toxins and helping to move them out of the body.

Teas, especially green, are a great source of polyphenols. This antioxidant protect from free-radical damage which many believe to start the premature aging skin and hair. Drink it for health reasons as just 2 cups daily can help lower the risk of ovarian cancer by 46% and help you shed belly fat at the same time.

Adding many of these foods to your daily program is easy. Research is showing how powerful foods can be. Remember Hippocrates, the father of medicine, called on all physicians to let food be your medicine.