tomatoes

10 foods you must eat to stay healthy this summer

It’s summer time, that time of the year when there is abundance of fresh, healthy and delicious choices of food. Be it a slice of watermelon, or a handful of berries, these are all classic summertime foods and as it turns out, also great choices to keep you healthy.

Here are 10 food items you should stock this summer.

1. Watermelon: One often feels dehydrated and weak in summers. Watermelon keeps your body cool during hot months. It not only keeps you hydrated but also keeps your memory sharp and mood stable. It also delivers more nutrients per calorie, as it is very water-dense.

2. Tomatoes: Many studies claim that tomatoes contain lycopene, the carotenoid that makes tomatoes red. This component helps in protecting skin from sunburn. Other studies suggest that in Japan, a compound in tomatoes can help break down lipids in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of vascular diseases.

3. Blueberries: These berries, one of the few foods that are naturally blue, have sky-high levels of antioxidants, which combat the damage done by inflammation. Anthocyanins, the natural plant compounds that give blueberries their deep color, may have antidiabetic effects as well.

4. Peaches: Summer’s favorite stone fruit, peaches are rich in betacarotene, which promotes eye health. Vitamin A and C make peaches a great natural moisturizer. These are often used in cosmetics. These vitamins can help regenerate skin tissue. Peaches are often referred to as the ‘Fruit of Calmness’ in Hungary. It’s a healthy stress reliever that helps reduce anxiety.

5. Cherries: Tart cherries have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. Sweet cherries have cancer-preventive components including fiber, Vitamin C and carotenoids, according to the USDA. Cherries are also an excellent source of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure by getting rid of the excess sodium in our body.

6. Cucumbers: This water-packed vegetable easily bulks up salads without adding calories and contributes to your daily hydration needs. Cucumbers contain high amounts of dietary fibre. These are extremely rich in Vitamin Bs, which help regulate the functioning of your adrenal glands and counters the harmful effects that stress can have on your body.

7. Zucchini: Thanks to relatively high water content, zucchini can be used as a healthy, low-calorie baking substitute. Regular intake of zucchinis can reduce painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Phosphorus and magnesium found in zucchini are useful in maintaining healthy bones. It helps women to keep osteoporosis at bay.

8. Yellow squash (summer squash): Summer squash and other members of the squash family are high in beta-carotene and antioxidants. Like most vegetables, yellow squash contains little fat and no measurable cholesterol. It’s also abundant in antioxidants that keep free radicals at bay

9. Sugar snap peas: It contains many vitamins that benefit the entire body. They are a source of Vitamin K, which activates osteocalcin and helps keep calcium in bones.

10. Corn: It is very high in fibre, which helps you fight digestive problems like constipation. Fibre also helps lower cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of colon cancer and is also useful in helping to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Source: Khaleej times

10 Tasty Anti-Aging Foods

There are so many products that claim to combat aging, and many of them aren’t cheap. But a simpler and potentially more effective way to look and feel youthful is to take control of what you put in your body. Here are nutritious foods that research has found to have anti-aging qualities.

Carrots

Carrots are a sweet and crunchy snack that contains loads of beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. That stimulates skin cell growth (for healthy scalp and shiny hair) and builds collagen. Beta carotene also is packed with antioxidants, which protect the skin from free radicals–molecules associated with aging. Carrots are also nature’s toothbrush because they clean and whiten teeth with each munch.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are also rich in beta carotene, which helps balance the skin’s pH and combats dryness, resulting in improved skin texture and tone. As an added benefit, sweet potatoes are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a nutritional winner.

Nuts

Nuts are an excellent source of protein, calcium, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids – all of which promote healthy, youthful skin. Essential fatty acids also help reduce swelling and inflammation, which is a common side effect of many skin conditions. Nuts also are packed with the mineral selenium, which helps repair cell damage and slows down the skin’s aging process.

Red wine

Yes, it’s true that a glass of red wine a day can protect you from heart disease. To sweeten the benefits, red wine also contains the antioxidant resveratrol, which can help prevent blood clots and soaks up free radicals that can damage your both your appearance and your health.

Avocados

This delicious fruit is packed with vitamin E, which protects against free radicals, and potassium, which helps maintain heart and bone health. It also contains antioxidants, which can ward off disease and slow the aging process.

Garlic

Garlic packs quite a healthy punch as it is an anti-viral, antibacterial food that can boost your immune system, and may also help reduce the spread and growth of cancer cells and lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.

Blueberries

Blueberries contain more antioxidants than all other berries which makes them excellent for fighting free radicals. They also have strong anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin redness and wrinkles. Perhaps most surprising is that they may also help reduce the mental effects of aging because of the ingredient anthocyanin, which can slow the deterioration of mental function.

Leafy greens

Leafy greens are packed with lutein, an antioxidant which protects skin from sun damage and wrinkles. Leafy greens, including kale and spinach, are also rich in vitamin C, which is essential in building collagen. That can break down as we age, giving skin a gaunt, dull appearance.

Citrus

As with leafy greens, citrus fruits are high in vitamin C which boosts collagen production. Citrus fruits such as blood oranges and lemons are also rich in bioflavonoids that help defend the skin from sun damage.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain the powerful antioxidant lycopene,  which reduces skin redness and prevents UV damage. Tomatoes can make an excellent face mask, but will still work for your skin if you choose to just eat them.

 

Source: health central