Although most of us are aware of what foods are good for us and which are not, here are five of the best to consider and the reasons why:
1.) Watermelon-Great source of vitamin C and lycopene-an antioxidant that helps protect us from heart disease and cancer. Also, as watermelon is 92% water, it keeps us satisfied on less calories. Cucumbers (95%) water), salad greens (90%), and strawberries (91%) are a few others to try.
2.) Green beans-High in fiber which helps prevent weight gain and promotes weight loss without dieting. Boosting fiber intake by 8 grams for every 1000 calories consumed results in losing and average of 4 1/2 pounds.
3.) Blueberries-Keep your heart healthy because they contain polyphenols such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Eating just under a cup of blueberries daily for 8 weeks can increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Red raspberries and strawberries also provide these same healthy attributes.
4.) Tomatoes-Want smoother skin? Then try some tomatoes which are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is known to have youthful effects on the skin and can lower the risk of wrinkles and age-related dryness in middle-age women. Its antioxidant properties help protect against ultraviolet rays and keep the skin firm via collagen synthesis. Similar foods that can make these same claims include oranges, strawberries and broccoli.
5.) Salmon-The omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish can boost your skin’s defenses against UV damage. Those who ate a little more than 5 ounces of omega-3 rich fish each week decreased the development of precancerous skin lesions by almost 30%. Scientists think that omega-3′s act as a shield, protecting cells walls from free-radical damage. Try tuna fish as well.
