A bad diet is a cause of so many lifestyle diseases today. Take the example of obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. These diseases leave you derailed and helpless. Once these set in, you are left with no choice but to rely on medication. However, some changes to your diet have the power to keep you many miles away from such lifestyle ailments.
This may not be surprising that several foods exist to keep you healthy and hearty. Moreover, food possesses the power to supply energy and reduce your risk of illness. Additionally, you can maintain a healthy weight through a proper diet. If you want to live long, you have to make nutrient-rich food a part of your daily regimen. Plant-based foods top most diet charts as they are from nature. However, there are certain nutrients that you can only derive from animal sources.
Here are the best foods that help you live longer.
Leafy and Green Vegetables
If you are looking forward to maintaining weight while ingesting nutritious food, these raw greens are the best choice. They can also guard the body against carcinogens, high blood pressure, and the risk of a heart attack. Moreover, they are rich in folates. Kale, collard greens, and broccoli top the food group. Furthermore, the sight of the color green makes the brain cells active and calm.
They have the power, similar to the greenery in the natural surroundings, to keep you happy as well. You will be amazed to know that many of these green vegetables and leaves contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. So your body is better equipped to fight off free radicals if you include them in your diet.
Beverages
Water is the best beverage that can keep you hydrated. You must know that the human body is made up of 90% water, so eight to ten glasses of water each day can help you stay full and content. The cells also need water to maintain their pH balance. Thus, you should make it a point to have as much water as you can.
You can also have loads of green tea and caffeine, apart from water. Green tea is also rich in flavonoids and antioxidants. Flavonoids are phytonutrients that can benefit your body by providing you with anti-inflammatory benefits. Moreover, they protect the cells from oxidation.
These also guard the body against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Tea also contains catechins, which are one of the best antioxidants that stop cell damage.
Meanwhile, coffee is the second most loved beverage. It also contains several active ingredients and antioxidants that help you live longer. With this in mind, you should always keep a handful of beans or ground powder and a modern coffee maker readily available in your kitchen if you are a health freak who wishes to lose some weight. The modern ones have built-in functions to rustle up the top variants that keep blood glucose at bay.
Aside from those benefits, you can de-stress and rejuvenate with a hot cup after a day’s work. It also helps you burn the midnight oil without any ill effects on your body.
Seeds and Nuts
These are full of antioxidants, minerals, and healthy fats. Moreover, few seeds also contain copious quantities of proteins. Flax seeds and chia seeds are the most trending ones you can have today. They are rich in breast-cancer fighting ingredients. If you are calcium-deficit or need more vitamin E, you should also have sesame seeds.
Nuts are a powerhouse of nutrients, too. You can have them soaked early in the morning or after a bout of activity. Additionally, you can snack on them without worries as they have low glycemic content. Hence, they are an essential part of a diabetes meal plan. You stand a chance to lower your cholesterol while munching on these. Any dietitian will ask you to use them generously with salads.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a nutrient powerhouse with sweet and tart-like flavors that will satisfy your taste buds while keeping you healthy. Most doctors ask anemic patients to have them in abundance.
Furthermore, pomegranate contains several anti-cardio and anti-carcinogenic ingredients. You can also get your daily dose of vitamin C from it. The juice promotes healthy blood flow, keeps the arteries in top condition, and improves digestion. No wonder the most health-conscious people out there always carry one for workouts, as it instantly replenishes the lost energy.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are packed with nutrients like lycopene, vitamins, beta-carotene—you name it. They mainly protect one against prostrate issues and heart ailments. Also, keep in mind that the amount of lycopene is higher in cooked tomatoes, so you should have more tomato sauce with your food.
These are the top foods you should eat for longevity, as they allow you to remain healthy and active. If you incorporate them into your diet, you will be as fit as a fiddle and live a more productive life.