You are what you eat, so why not eat foods that help you stay young. Here are some of my favorites:
Almonds -- An ounce of almonds (about 23) contains about 9 grams of heart-healthy oleic acid. A quarter of almond's calaories come from fiber and protein and so an almond snack will keep your tummy happy a lot longer than a rice cake. Best of all, almonds have been shown in laboratory studies to improve memory.
Eggs -- That's right. Eggs are healthy foods. A large egg contains 6.3 grams of high-quality protein and only 72 calories. An article in the International Journal of Obesity found that people who replace high carb breakfasts with eggs lost weight 65 percent faster. Egg eaters are half as likely as those who don't eat eggs to be deficient in vitamin B12, 24 percent less likely to be deficient in vitamin A and 36 percent less likely to be deficient in vitamin E. Worried about cholesterol? A study indicates that people who eat at least four eggs a week had significantly lower cholesterol levels than those who ate fewer than one egg.
Garlic -- Garlic should be considered a wonder drug. Allicin, found in high quantities in garlic, is a potent antibacterial and antifungal. This smelly but tasty herb fights cancer, strengthens your cardiovascular system, decreases fat storage and even fights acne inflammation. Don't over cook it, however, that will kills its nutritional value.
Green tea -- Green tea, like garlic, is a wonder food. Green tea is high in catechins, an antioxident concentrated in tea leaves. A 2006 AMA decade-long study of Japanese adults with a seven-year follow-up study found that those who drank five or more cups of green tea a day were 26 percent less likely to have died from any cause. A short term, 12 week study, found that green tea drinkers lost more weight than non-green-tea drinkers. This was believed to have been caused by the metabolic boost caused by green tea.
Grapefruit -- Want to lose weight? Try grapefruit. In a study of 100 obese people conducted by the Scripps Clinic in California those who ate half a grapefruit with each meal (yup, three serveings a day) lost an average of 3.6 pounds over 12 weeks and some lost as much as 10 pounds. The control group, those who didn't get to dine of the tangy fruit, only lost 1/2 pound. Ouch.
Bell Peppers -- I know that they cost a little more, but when you by Bell Peppers opt for the brightly colored ones, the yellow, orange and red ones. These peppers are highest in antioxidents (carotenoids) that will improve your immune function. Carotenoids also improve intercelluar communication, protect the body against sun damage and reduce the risk of some cancers. If you like it hot, cook with some chili peppers. In addition to carotenoids hot peppers contian capsaicins that have been shown to fight headaches, reduce arthritis pain, and boost metabolism.
Avocado -- Don't you just love slices of avocado on you salad? Keep enjoying them and every time you eat one remember that you are reducing your risk of heart disease at the same time. Some fat is good for you and more than half the calories in an avocado come from monounsaturated fat (also found in olive, canola, and peanut oils). Monounsaturated fats have been shown to improve cholesterol profiles and reduce triglyceride levels. Even better news . . . studies have shown that there is no link between monounsaturated fats and body fat.
