Contributed by Steven Madison
An apple a day keeps the doctor away…and so do these…
We are what we eat so many of us like to enjoy healthy foods. We have all heard the age-old adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But what about other foods that have health benefits? What else can we eat once we get sick of apples? Many of the below listed foods won’t surprise you, but perhaps you never knew exactly what the benefits of broccoli, nuts and cantaloupe really are.
Broccoli has become the symbol of healthy foods and for good reason. It acts as a detoxifier, helping to flush toxins from your system. It’s also good for your allergies, eyes, skin, digestion, blood pressure, bones, blood sugar, and heart.
Who doesn’t love strawberries? Fresh and juicy all summer long, they taste as good as they look and look as good as they taste. Good news: they’re also good for your heart health and lower your chances of getting diabetes.
Nuts are more than just a great ice cream topping. They’re also packed with protein and recent reports show pistachios could protect against cancer.
Melons including cantaloupes and watermelons are a great source of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Laboratory studies show beta-carotene reduces inflammation, builds immune systems, protects DNA and reduce cancer.
A hot mug of chamomile tea is more than just a steaming cup of relaxation. It’s also been known to reduce menstrual cramps and get a cold under control. Research suggests it builds the body’s immunity and amino acids.
Another tea full of health benefits is Rooibos tea, currently gaining in popularity. It has been shown to slow the aging process, boost immune systems, relax muscles, strengthen bones, and like chamomile, relieve stress.
You can buy pomegranates whole and raw or processed into a juice. The seedy fruit is a great source of antioxidants and natural blood thinners. It also prevents diarrhea and arthritis, boosts your blood’s oxygen level, fights prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction. But if you’re buying the juice, be careful there isn’t an excessive amount of sugar in the bottle!
Next time you’re making a sandwich, swap out the mayo for a few avocado slices. This creamy, delicious vegetable is filled with fiber and “good fats” and has been known to help with nutrient absorption and lowering blood sugar and cholesterol.
Blueberries are not just fun to pop in your mouth, they’re a sweet and tasty way to take in some vitamin C and fiber. They’re good for your gums and skin, and at only 80 calories per cup, they’re a perfect low cal snack.
About the Author: Steven Madison is a fitness trainer and loves all things health and body related, and he’s recently started studying anatomy models to learn more about the way we work. In his free time, he’s snacking on many of the foods you see above!