Healthy foods fuel the body with dense nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These important foods boost the immune system and nourish the organs, the blood and the tissues. The body can flourish with energy and good health when these healthy changes are made to the daily diet.
Berries
Blueberries, blackberries, acai berries, strawberries, raspberries or cranberries--these super-healthy foods are packed full of antioxidants. According to a 2006 study published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," of the 50 food products highest in antioxidants, five are berries. Antioxidants are compounds found in certain foods that help to fight oxidation, a process that contributes to disease and aging. A study published in 2004 in "Nutrition Journal" revealed that a diet high in antioxidant-rich foods should help prevent oxidative stress, thereby helping to stave off chronic disease and slow aging.
Leafy Greens
Rich in vitamins and minerals and full of fiber, leafy greens such as spinach, romaine, arugula, collard and dandelion are healthy foods to be eaten every day. According to a 2006 study in the "Journal of Nutrition," the buildup of plaque in the arteries was reduced by 38 percent in mice that consumed a diet rich in green and yellow vegetables. In addition, a recent study in the the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" revealed that a healthy diet is a way to prevent cardiovascular disease. This particular study notably found that the consumption of fruits and vegetables, in particular green leafy vegetables, may have beneficial effects on heart health.
Green Tea
Green tea is another healthy choice for the daily diet. Green tea contains potent nutrients called catechins. Catechins are phytochemicals that are naturally occurring antioxidants. A 2002 study published in the "Journal of Nutrition" concluded that green tea has more health benefits and antioxidants than regular black tea.
References
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Content of redox-active compounds (ie antioxidants) in foods consumed in the United States; Bente L Halvorsen; July 2006
- "Nutrition Journal"; Apple phytochemicals and their health benefits; Jeanelle Boyer and Rui Hai Liu; May 2004
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; A diet rich in green and yellow vegetables inhibits atherosclerosis in mice; Michael R Adams; July 2006
- "The Amercian Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Fruit, vegetable and fish consumption and heart rate variability; Sung Kyun Park; March 2009
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Antioxidant activity of black tea vs. green tea; Ki Won Lee and Hyong Joo Lee; 2002
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