Good, nutritious food keeps you healthy and strong. It’s as simple as that. The world we live in becomes more health threatening as time goes by, and if we do not look after ourselves and our health, we risk the chance of catching some random virus – of which there seems to be a new one in the air every other day. Remember, with a weak immune system, death comes easily.
I turned to one of my favorite sources of advice, Men’s Fitness, to find more information about the ideals foods for men to keep strong and in great health.
Almonds are great for your heart, digestive system and skin, and are loaded with healthy unsaturated fats, as well as protein, fibre and vitamin E. Keep a bag of dry-roasted or lightly seasoned almonds closeby as a snack throughout the day.
Two teaspoons of olive oil per day is ideal for heart health with its richness in good, unsaturated fat. Apart from the fact that olive oil will reduce the risk of heart disease, it also has potent anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce pain and swelling equivalent to a dose of Ibuprofen.
Cancer can be prevented with one to three cups of green tea per day, say experts.
It also helps with weight loss and can potentially slow the development of Alzheimers. Green tea is said to help fight almost every major medical illness.
Three to seven eggs per week will help build your muscles. Eggs contain a heavy-hitting four grams of pure muscle-building amino acids inside every shell. It also boasts some of the highest naturally available doses of a vitamin called choline, which is thought to help enhance memory.
We all know that milk does a body good, but very few know that skipping dairy makes your body angry. When you are not getting enough milk, your body releases hormones that cause your cells to retain calcium, and fat. A glass of milk a day should do the trick.
Three to four servings of beef per week will play such an impactful role in your health because this protein is not only high in muscle-building amino acids, but is also a powerhouse of iron and zinc. Protein, vitamin B6 and B12, selenium, phosphorus, niacin and riboflavin are all found in beef.
We all know we have to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. It flushes toxins from your system, regulates body temperature, acts as an insulator for joints, prevents kidney stones, and supplies the body with a raft of crucial minerals.
Eat six slices of wholewheat bread per week and stay away from white flour bread which doesn’t only rob you of fibre and protein, but also digests incredibly quickly in the body – giving you a rapid spike of energy, but which comes crashing down as fat. When you buy your wholewheat bread, make sure to check the ingredients list on the package for 100% wholewheat or whole grain.
Not everybody likes it, but broccoli should become an essential part of your grocery shopping, especially as an adult. This vegetable contains a healthy supply of iron, calcium, fibre, and vitamin C, meaning it’s good for your circulatory system, bones, and immunity.
I was happy to see oats on the list. Experts say oatmeal is filled with stress-fighting and immunity-boosting zinc. Oats can also help promote weight loss and lower your risk of heart disease. It is filled with high levels of soluble fibre that protects your heart and arteries by trapping and expelling cholesterol. Stick with the big tub of instant oatmeal, instead of using those flavoured, single-serving packs which contain added sugar, therefore excess calories.
Another favourite food of mine is also on the list. Sweet potatoes are said to be a good supply of beta carotene, iron and vitamins C and E. One average size per week should do the trick. They’re also one of the best foods for muscle recovery after a tough workout.
One of the critical contributions tomatoes make to your body is that it can help prevent prostate cancer. Eat four servings per week and you will be on your way to well-balanced sexual health because of its single nutrient: lycopene. This powerful antioxidant, which comes from the pigment that gives tomatoes their red colour may actually help fight off a number of diseases and ailments, including prostate cancer.
Salmon is quite an expensive food, I know. However, the medics say this delicate fish is loaded with omega-3s, which are said to slow memory loss as you age, and boosts heart health by regulating heart rhythms and keeping arteries and veins supple and free of blockages. It is also an excellent source of protein.
I hope the above inspires you to keep a healthy diet.
Till next time, cheers!
