The Top ten list of Better Health
Thursday, January 10, 2013 @ 12:40 PM
It is really confusing trying to figure out which supplements to take and which health foods to eat to stay healthy and you can end up spending
a fortune on stuff that just doesn't work. It all ends up sitting in a cupboard and eventually it is thrown away.
So what does work? Keeping it simple is one important factor and listening to your body plus adjusting lifestyle accordingly is the
other main factor.
Here are some cost effective ideas which can help you to improve your health. If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment.
Omega 3 Fish Oil - this is one of the best supplement available and it has been well researched. Heart associations around the world recommend taking a Omega 3 Fish Oil supplement and so does the well respected Mayo Clinic in the United States.
Omega 3 fish oil contains the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA which have been clinically proven time and time again to lower triglycerides (blood fats), cholesterol and prevent many cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks.
Vitamin D - until recently the importance of vitamin D was more or less dismissed. It is vitally import to our bone health and together with magnesium plus calcium it can help to support our skeletal integrity.
Although vitamin D is fat soluble not much of it is stored long term in the body and we need to top in up on daily basis. It is found in vegetable oils however sardines are an actual source of vitamin D. The main reason I would consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement is very simple - Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a very painful condition and can lead to so many other health problems as well.
Vitamin B Complex - a vitamin B group responsible for many of the functions in the body and it is water soluble so the body cannot manufacture it.
It is destroyed by pollution and convenience food, and lack of vitamin can cause nervous disorder, heart problems and strokes.
Sadly to today we eat less fresh food and this had led to a lack of vitamin B. The first symptom of a vitamin B deficiency is general tiredness.
Vitamin B supports the nervous symptoms, the DNA process, immune system, energy production and blood health. Vitamin B can be found in all fresh food and in whole grains.
Cruciferous vegetables - the Cruciferous vegetable family is nutritionally very important. It consists of the following vegetables: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Courgettes and Kale. For instance 100 grams of cauliflower contains more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. This family of vegetables also contains sulphurous compounds which can help to prevent many forms over cancer. We used to eat a lot of fresh Cruciferous vegetables but for some reason they are less popular today.
Turmeric - turmeric can easily be called a spice of life. The active ingredients in turmeric helps to reduce inflammation, improves circulation, have an anti-bacterial action and can protect against cancer.
Flax seeds - flax seeds are the world's richest source of lignans. Lignans are phytoestrogen which can play a very important role in our health. We used to eat a lot of flax seeds but as it is not added to bread anymore we have lost out of this cheap and effective health food. Research has shown that people with a high amount of lignans in their diet has less risk of cancer. Lignans are also strongly associated with lower risk of cardio vascular diseases, bowel problems and arthritis. I don't very often call a food a superfood but for flaxseeds I am happy to make an exception. Great for people with skin problems , allergies and asthma.
Alfa Alfa - the humble Alfa Alfa sprout are packed with vital micro nutrients and an excellent source of protein. As a matter of fact Alfa Alfa contains all the things we need to sustain life so let's get sprouting. Scientists believe that Alfa Alfa will be even more important in the future as the world population continues to grow. It only takes a small space to grow this wonderful herb and it is packed with nutrition. One serving of Alfa Alfa sprouts (33 grams) contains 1 gram of protein and the highest concentration vitamin B known to man.
Chlorophyll - chlorophyll is unique to our planet and to date it has not been found anywhere else in the universe. The best way to obtain chlorophyll is to eat your green vegetables. Chlorophyll aids our body to destroy germs, remove heavy metals, and blocks the metabolism of pro- carcinogens ( dangerous substances which can cause cell mutations i.e. cancer)
Potassium - potassium is essential for life and without none of our major organs such as heart, kidneys and liver would function. A low level of potassium can lead to increased stroke risk, diabetes and an abnormal heart beat. Muscle disorders and cramps are common signs of potassium deficiency. Potassium is found in fresh fruit and vegetables. Bananas and almonds are both excellent sources of potassium. Sadly potassium deficiency is one of the most common deficiences which goes unnoticed.
Zinc - our bodies exist to replicate. Every day millions of replications of cells take place in our bodies with help of RNA and DNA. Without zinc our DNA cannot replicate more cells and the result is aging, poor skin quality and problems with mental health subsequently brain health. Zinc also protects the integrity of the cells i.e. it makes the replication is correct. When this works we avoid inflammatory diseases, cancer and problems with our mental health and agility. All green vegetables along with chicken and salmon are high in zinc. Zinc works together with vitamin C and can help to protect against the common cold.
Learn more about herbs which can support your health
Parsley
Rosemary
Comfrey
Lavender
Don't forget about CHOCOLATE - it is naughty and really good for you!