A body can be considered fit and healthy when it receives a balanced diet of the correct nutrients. These are obtainable from eating the right foods and/or supplementing with the vitamins and minerals which are to an extent present in high enough levels within the foods anyway. Supplements are a way of making up for not having absorbed enough nutrients from the various foods for whatever reason. This may be because we do not like that particular food or drink, so will never have it, or perhaps because we have an allergy to it. Nut allergies are an example. In the UK, 1 in 50 children will be affected by this, when their immune systems react badly to the protein found in nuts.
So, ignoring nuts if you need to, let us think about some common foods that our body will appreciate us seeking out in our mission to keep fit and healthy.
Broccoli
If there is a vegetable to try and be fond of then it has to be broccoli. This is because it contains Fibre, calcium, folate, potassium, and phytonutrients.
Fibre, or roughage as it is also known, has been linked to lowering the risk of strokes, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and also bowel cancer. These are the major conditions that you might avoid by adding broccoli to your diet. However, you can also benefit from more fibre to help as a preventative measure against constipation and to improve digestion. So, there are some immediate benefits to consider as well as the potential long-term gains.
Thinking about the other nutrients in broccoli:
Calcium is good for maintaining strong bones. Folate assists the body in producing red blood cells and so preventing anaemia. Potassium, apart from regulating muscle contractions as well as nerve signals, may help reduce blood pressure and prevent osteoporosis and kidney stones. Now, I feel sure that you are wondering what phytonutrients are. Well, these are natural compounds found in plant foods like fruit and vegetables. They work with other essential nutrients in promoting good health.
Apples
An apple a day is supposed to keep the doctor away, if not the dentist. According to experts in dentistry, while apples are indeed a nutritious fruit and contribute to a balanced diet, they should be consumed with caution in terms of oral health. Although apples contain beneficial nutrients and fiber, they also contain citric acid, which can erode tooth enamel if given the chance. Therefore, it is important to practice good dental hygiene and follow the advice of an expert dentist (such as this dentist in san francisco, ca) to minimize any potential negative effects on teeth. Nonetheless, fruits in general are still a vital component of a healthy diet, and experts recommend consuming at least five servings of fruits per day for their numerous health benefits.
Oily Fish
Only certain fish are considered oily enough in terms of their health benefits in this regard. These will include anchovies, herring, mackerel, salmon, and trout. They contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that will benefit your heart and nervous system. Also, of course, fish is considered to be one of the brain foods.
Eggs
There are few foods better for protein than an egg. Protein maintains and repairs tissues in the body. Also, an egg contains vitamins B-2 and B-12, which are vital to preserving energy and generating red blood cells.
Not surprisingly, most of the egg’s vitamins and minerals are contained within the yolk of the egg.
As a cautionary note, you should not consume too many eggs because they do contain cholesterol which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. You are allowed seven eggs per week without it having any effect, though, according to a study on the subject.
Nuts
Ignore nuts at your peril, unless you have a nut allergy. They contain many nutrients that the body will benefit from. Also, your allergy may just be to peanuts.
Almonds contain calcium, fibre, iron, magnesium, riboflavin, and vitamin E. The body will use iron to make haemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from our lungs to other parts of the body. Almonds have also been associated with reducing total cholesterol levels.
Brazil nuts or Bertholletia excelsa are a wonderful source of protein and carbohydrates. In addition, they contain significant amounts of Vitamin B-1 and E, as well as magnesium and zinc. A combination of magnesium, zinc, and melatonin has been proven to help with insomnia, and zinc supports your immune system and your muscles. There are a variety of supplements available for those who are looking at incorporating zinc into their diets, so you may benefit by doing a quick Google search on key phrases such as ‘what is a zinc ionophore?’ and ‘will I benefit from taking zinc with my current diet?’ which will give you a better starting point.
Rich in selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties, brazil nuts reduce inflammation and support brain functions. So, think about them before an exam, perhaps.
Any nut has the advantage of being a quick snack to eat and obtain the nutrients from, providing you are good with nutcrackers. Although, thankfully, many can be purchased in packets with their shells already removed.
Apart from the foods mentioned above, you may also try drinks like mushroom coffee from Beams Collective, which is known to improve focus, energy, and overall immune system wellness. Similarly, you can look into other drinks and foods that may be beneficial to your body and incorporate them into your routine
So, that’s five common foods that are beneficial to the body by way of the nutrients they provide. Just be careful not to eat too many apples or eggs. But then, everything needs to be in moderation to adhere to the thinking that a balanced diet is a solution to staying fit and healthy.
