No. 1: Oysters
Could there be something to the legend that oysters are
the food of love? Well, it's true that just a few oysters
each day will deliver a full day's supply of the antioxidant
mineral zinc. Zinc is involved in hundreds of body
processes, from producing DNA to repairing cells.
"Research shows that adequate zinc may protect against
cellular damage that leads to prostate cancer," says
Grotto. "Sexual functioning of the male reproductive
system, including increased sperm counts, is also
enhanced with zinc."
You can also get your daily recommended dose of 11
milligrams a day by eating other shellfish, lean beef, lean
pork, or legumes. No. 2: Bananas
Bananas are a great portable source of quick energy and
are rich in potassium, which is needed to regulate nerves,
heartbeat and, especially, blood pressure. Diets rich in
potassium and magnesium (which is also found in
bananas) can reduce the risk of stroke.
As a super source of vitamin B-6, bananas can also aid
your immune system, help form red blood cells, ensure a
well-functioning nervous system, and assist protein
metabolism. So enjoy a banana each day, at breakfast on
your whole grain-cereal or before your workout at the
gym.
Not a banana fan? Orange juice, milk, tomato products,
and beans are other good sources of dietary potassium. No. 3: Fatty Fish
No list of superfoods would be complete without the
healthy fat, omega-3 fatty acids. These polyunsaturated
fats are the preferred form of fats in your diet for many
reasons. They can benefit the heart, circulation, and
immune system and reduce the risk for prostate cancer,
among other things.
"Omega-3 fatty acids are potent anti-inflammatory foods
that can help lower triglyceride [blood fat] levels, reduce
aches and pains in athletes, and offer relief with certain
kinds of arthritis," says Bauer.
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, herring) are
the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact the
American Heart Association recommends that everyone
eat fish twice weekly.
You can also get omega-3s in plant-based foods, like
flaxseed, walnuts, soy, canola oil, and fortified products
such as eggs. But there are other good reasons to eat fish.
"Fatty fish are also a good source of vitamin D, a nutrient
that tends to be deficient in our diets and [which] in
adequate supply can help prevent cancer, type 2
diabetes, high blood pressure and bone disease," says
Bauer.
Could there be something to the legend that oysters are
the food of love? Well, it's true that just a few oysters
each day will deliver a full day's supply of the antioxidant
mineral zinc. Zinc is involved in hundreds of body
processes, from producing DNA to repairing cells.
"Research shows that adequate zinc may protect against
cellular damage that leads to prostate cancer," says
Grotto. "Sexual functioning of the male reproductive
system, including increased sperm counts, is also
enhanced with zinc."
You can also get your daily recommended dose of 11
milligrams a day by eating other shellfish, lean beef, lean
pork, or legumes. No. 2: Bananas
Bananas are a great portable source of quick energy and
are rich in potassium, which is needed to regulate nerves,
heartbeat and, especially, blood pressure. Diets rich in
potassium and magnesium (which is also found in
bananas) can reduce the risk of stroke.
As a super source of vitamin B-6, bananas can also aid
your immune system, help form red blood cells, ensure a
well-functioning nervous system, and assist protein
metabolism. So enjoy a banana each day, at breakfast on
your whole grain-cereal or before your workout at the
gym.
Not a banana fan? Orange juice, milk, tomato products,
and beans are other good sources of dietary potassium. No. 3: Fatty Fish
No list of superfoods would be complete without the
healthy fat, omega-3 fatty acids. These polyunsaturated
fats are the preferred form of fats in your diet for many
reasons. They can benefit the heart, circulation, and
immune system and reduce the risk for prostate cancer,
among other things.
"Omega-3 fatty acids are potent anti-inflammatory foods
that can help lower triglyceride [blood fat] levels, reduce
aches and pains in athletes, and offer relief with certain
kinds of arthritis," says Bauer.
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, herring) are
the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact the
American Heart Association recommends that everyone
eat fish twice weekly.
You can also get omega-3s in plant-based foods, like
flaxseed, walnuts, soy, canola oil, and fortified products
such as eggs. But there are other good reasons to eat fish.
"Fatty fish are also a good source of vitamin D, a nutrient
that tends to be deficient in our diets and [which] in
adequate supply can help prevent cancer, type 2
diabetes, high blood pressure and bone disease," says
Bauer.
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