They say you are what you eat. If that's so, the foods on this page are some of the world's healthiest foods and are a nutritional gold mine. and, by eating them, can pay big health dividends.
By and large, I'm sure that most of you are aware that fruits and vegetables are good for you. But you may not be aware that eating the right foods may actually extend your life.
Furthermore, you may not realize what additional nutritional benefits some of these foods can offer you and how they can improve your quality of life.
With that said, let's begin our discussion on 10 of the healthiest foods on the planet.
food fact: Broccoli also decreases the likelihood you will develop cataracts.
1. Broccoli
For those looking to lose weight, broccoli also contains caretonoids, which are antioxidants thought to promote weight loss.
As broccoli is high in calcium, it helps to build strong bones.
Broccoli is a very healthy food, one that contains large amounts of vitamin C. It also contains large amounts of vitamin D, beta-carotene, folic acid, and the minerals phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
It is also high in fiber, which will provide protection from cancers, such as breast, colon, and lung cancers.
It is also thought to provide protection from heart disease.
It is also considered to be an energy booster.
food fact: One of the Flavonoids found in the white pith of oranges, shows great promise in lowering blood pressure.
Consumption of one serving of citrus fruits daily, can decrease you risk of having a stroke as much as 19%.
2 Citrus Fruits
Many of these Flavonoids have been found to be anti-inflammatory in nature and prevent the development of blood clots.
The next of our world's healthiest foods are citrus fruits. First of all, citrus fruits are high in vitamins, including vitamin C.
They also contain high amounts of Flavonoids, which are chemicals that help protect our bodies from disease. including cancer.
Oranges alone contain over 60 different types of Flavonoids.
food fact: Quercetin may also help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
In one study of 10,000 people, those eating apples were at a 50% lower risk of developing lung cancer. This is thought to be attributed to the fact that apples contain high amounts of Quercetin.
3. Apples
The next of our 10 healthiest foods are apples. Apples are an excellent source of pectin, a type of fiber that helps lower cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood. Apples are also good sources of vitamin C.
French researchers have discovered a Flavonoid, found only in apples, may help protect postmenopausal women from developing osteoporosis, while simultaneously increasing bone density.
food fact: Honey is also useful for treating burns, infected wounds, and ulcers.
Honey is low in calories. When compared to the same amount of sugar, it has 40% fewer calories. Although it gives energy to the body, it does not add weight.
4. Honey
Honey promotes normal functioning of the kidneys and digestive system, make it beneficial for a healthy digestive system.
The fourth of our world's healthiest foods is honey.
Honey contains many important minerals and vitamins, but its most important function is its antibiotic action. This makes it an excellent treatment for sore throats, as it contains ingredients that coat the throat and reduce throat irritation.
It has been found to be superior to some prescription medications in treating certain infections.
Honey is also a wonderful treatment for most allergies.
food fact: Tomatoes are high in riboflavin, which is thought to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches.
Tomatoes also contains lycopene, a chemical that is well known as a preventer of prostate, and other cancers. Lycopene has also been shown to help prevent heart disease.
5. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins, and contain high amounts of vitamin C, A, niacin, and the minerals calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. T
hey are also a good source of fiber. Tomatoes also function as an antioxidant protecting our bodies from the damaging effects of free radicals.
food fact: Sweet potatoes may be a healthy food for Diabetics, as they stabilize blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance.
6. Sweet potatoes
In addition, sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin B6, which is needed to convert homocysteine into other benign molecules. Since high homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of a heart attack and stroke, having a little extra vitamin B6 on hand is a good idea.
Next on our list of the world's healthiest foods are sweet potatoes. The deep orange-yellow color of sweet potatoes indicates that they contain high amounts of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, and may slow the aging process, and also minimize the risk of developing some cancers. 1 cup of sweet potatoes contains 23 times more vitamin A, then broccoli.
food fact: Research indicates that by just smelling cinnamon, you can boost memory function.
In one study, cinnamon was found to reduce the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.Cinnamon also has a anti-clotting effect on the blood. This capability may provide protection from heart disease.
7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an excellent source of dietary fiber, iron and calcium, and manganese.
The combination of fiber and calcium helps to remove bile, which prevents damage to colon cells, which can help prevent the development of colon cancer.
food fact: Eating one guava daily will supply you with 250% of your daily vitamin C requirement.
Due to their high lycopene content, guavas provide protection from cancer-causing free radicals.
Guavas also help to lower cholesterol levels, and provide protection from heart disease.
8. Guavas
Guavas improve skin texture when applied directly to the skin.
Continuing on with our overview of the world's healthiest foods, we have guavas. Guavas are an excellent source of vitamins A, B2 and E, and contain large amounts of calcium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and folate.
Eating guavas can also help to promote weight loss, due to their high fiber content.
Guavas are a healthy food that can help keep diabetes under control.
food fact: Eating yogurt may help to prevent vaginal yeast infections in women, according to research.
Eating 2-3 servings of yogurt daily may reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure by 50%.
Helicobater pylore, the bacterium that is responsible for most ulcers, can be suppressed by yogurt consumption.
Yogurt contains a protein that boosts the growth and activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building bone.
Daily consumption of 3 ounces of probiotic yogurt can significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels, while raising HDL cholesterol levels.
9. Yogurt
Yogurt contains bacterial cultures that may help you live longer, while strengthening your immune system.
Yogurt is a very good source of calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, vitamin B5, and the minerals phosphorus and zinc.
Eating yogurt on a regular basis can make weight loss much easier.
10. Garlic
The last of the world's healthiest foods we will cover is Garlic. Garlic has a long history as a natural antibiotic. Its active ingredient is called allicin, and is only activated when garlic is crushed.
This is why you should eat your garlic instead of taking garlic capsules,as garlic capsules contain very little allicin.
food fact: Garlic may slow the growth of cancer cells.
Inside the body, garlic works to prevent infections by stimulating white blood cells and other immune system cells.
These cells help the body to fight viral and bacterial infections as well as kill cancer cells.
Garlic has shown promise as a possible cure for the super-bug MRSA, in early clinical trials.
In a study done in London, England, on individuals with MRSA, it was found to heal open areas in those tested,when all other treatments to heal these areas had failed.
In conclusion, I hope that the health benefits of the above-mentioned foods will convince you to make them regular additions to your current diet. You will certainly improve your quality of life, and may live longer to boot!
By eating these foods, you can minimize your risk of developing numerous conditions such as heart disease and cancer. as well as promoting a stronger immune system. Additionally, you will guarantee you will receive adequate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals each day.