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HealthTrip: March is National Nutrition Month
Eat Nutrient Rich Foods Now to Prevent Disease and Stay Younger Longer
If you could arm yourself against the top two killers of both men and women, heart disease and cancer, would you? If you could keep your body looking and feeling “younger”, would you? There are certain foods that contain a nutrition-packed punch that may boost your health with every single serving. These foods, known as super foods, stand taller than other foods because they contain phytochemicals – non-nutrient compounds found in plant-based foods that are linked with a reduced risk for certain diseases (Cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cataracts, and macular degeneration, for example). Phytochemicals found in super foods may boost the immune system to better fight germs and reduce inflammation in the body to slow or stall the growth of cancer cells and tumors. Superfoods are also rich in vitamins and minerals that may help to keep your body “younger”. Some super foods can reduce the signs of aging, including skin damage and the loss of vision that is common as we grow older.
Dietitians have understood the benefits of eating nutritious foods for years. Evidence continues to grow proving how super foods provide key vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals to prevent the onset of chronic diseases. There are hundreds of super foods including dark leafy greens, berries, legumes, orange fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cold water fish, tomatoes and cultured diary products like yogurt. Consuming these foods as part of a balanced diet plus including daily exercise may give the body a boost against disease and aging.
There is no time like the present to begin adding nutrient-rich super foods to your diet. Try substituting or adding these foods to your regular meals and snacks for an added boost to your diet. The sooner you consume these super foods, the sooner your body will receive the benefits these foods offer. Replace potato chips with some whole-wheat crackers for a snack. Enjoy servings of nutrient dense fruits and vegetables at EVERY meal. Each little change in your diet may just improve your health and add years to your life.