Simple Health Cures

   Every aspect of a food, it’s color, shape, scent and texture, can make it sexy. In addition, certain foods contain substances that make us feel good by interacting with our hormones or stimulating our brain. Consider incorporating some of the following into your next candlelight dinner to help you and your partner get in the mood.

   Oysters are a good source of minerals like selenium and zinc, and are also high in protein. A perfect appetizer to a beautiful meal but be careful when purchasing, as some can have high levels of pollutants and PCB. If you’re pregnant, oysters should be avoided.

   Chocolate has been a symbol of love and lust for centuries due to theobromine, a stimulant to the brain that creates a pleasurble effect. Chocolate also contains antioxidants that may lower cancer and heart disease risk. However, chocolate is also very high in fat, so self-restraint should be exercised. Dark chocolates are usually lower in sugar, but higher in antioxidants and theobromine than milk chocolate.

   Kiwi and papaya are colorful fruits have an alluring and interesting aspect about them that can help flip the switch. Loaded with antioxidants, tropical fruits help fend off heart disease and cancers. Kiwi actually has more Vitamin C in it than an orange, and papaya is rich in beta-carotene and high in fiber.

   Honey was thought in medievel times to sweeten the marriage when mixed into a drink. Bear in mind, however, it’s still pretty high in sugar, so use sparingly.

   Asparagus can also help get your partner in the mood. It’s one of the few good sources of Vitamin E and is a Natural diuretic. Steaming is the best way to prepare them without losing nutrients, and they can easily be eaten by hand.

   A good cup of coffee or tea after that romantic dinner stimulates the release of epinephrine, which contributes to stimulation in the body. It can also be found in dark chocolate. Just don’t consume too much caffeine before bed, unless you plan on being awake all night long!

   We’ve all learned through the years that a well-balanced diet is healthy for our body and critical for optimal health and preformance. Our hair is no different a mixture of protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and iron are all required for healthy, strong hair.

   Good hair nutrition begins with getting enough protein, which is the building block of your hair. Then you need complex carbohydrates to help assemble the proteins for hair growth. Other important vitamins and minerals include B complex, which is associated with energy production and building good hair and skin issues, folic, B12, and zinc.

   Hair follicles can have low energy levels just like we do. Therefore, it’s very important that you eat a high protein mean at the start of each day. Consider the following food choices for breakfast and the other daily meals in order to give you hair the healthest opportunity to grow and thrive.

   If you don’t have high cholesterol, try eating red meat twice per week. It has the protein your hair needs, but also is full of Vitamin B, iron, and zinc, which are all important for healthy hair. Bacon  is another great choice as it’s also full of Vitamin B, zinc and protein, but since it’s also high calorie, it’s not the best choice if you’re also trying to lose weight. Eggs and eggs whites are another great protein option, especially for vegetarians or those who cannot eat red meat or bacon due to dietary restricitions. Salmon is another great protein choice, and works great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You’ll find it’s also full of Vitamin B, including B12, and other vitamins and minerals.

   Just be sure to keep in mind that you should also have complex carbohydrates, which feed you energy over a longer period of time than refined carbohydrates, with your protein source at meals. Brown short-grain rice is an ideal form. It’s also a good source of Vitamin B and some fiber. Whole grain choices complement your protein consumption by helping organize the proteins for the hair to utilize for optimal growth and health.

   Recent research shows that specific chemicals in foods such as sulforaphane, a phytochemical in broccoli work with your genes to ratchet up your body’s natural defense systems, helping to inactivate toxins and free radicals before they can do the damage that leads to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and even premature aging.

   And the hope for the future is to be able to tell someone what diseases or maladies they are might be genetically predispositioned to early on, so their diets can be focused accordingly. We’ll know which ones to add, which ones to avoid, and be able to take a proactive role in preventing or deterring a genetic disease. In the meantime, many foods have been determined to pack a punch to the aging process.

   Lycopene, the pigment that makes tomatoes red, also appears risk for cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and macular degeneration. It’s also  been associated in greater self-sufficiency in elderly adults. While fresh tomatoes have a good hit of lycopene, the most absorbable forms are found in cooked tomato products, such as spaghetti sauce and soup and prepared salsas. pjnk grapefruit, guava, red bell peppers, and watermelon are also rich in lycopene.

   Eating at least two cups of orange fruit like sweet potatoes, squah and carrots boosts intake of beta- carotene, which converts to Vitamin A, essential for healthy skin and eyes, and which may also reduce the risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Lutein and lycopene, also found in orange produce, also helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration and may protect skin from sun damage and even reduce wrinkling as well. Mangos and cantaloupes are also beta- carotene endowed.

   And if you don’t do anything else to change your diet, eat your dark leafly greens. They have been showed to significantly reduce your risk for heart disease and may also save your eyesights. Dietary guidelines advise at least three cups of green a week. Frozen or bagged is as good as fresh.

   Don’t forget the mental aging process either. The heart-healthy omega 3-fatty acids have also recently been shown to keep your brain sharp. a recent study found that a higher intake of fatty fish significantly reduced mental decline. If fresh fish isn’t an option, go for canned tuna, salmon, and sardines.

   Heart disease is number one killer among both men and women in the United States. And though we all realize that eating nutrients-dense healthy foods help reduce the risk, we may not know which foods are the best choices to battle this deadly disease head on. The key is stepping up fiber and choosing unsaturated fats. Eating unsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil, can help to reduce triglycerides. And a diet rich in soluble fiber, which is often found in legumes and some fruits and vegetables, helps to decrease LDL cholesterol levels.

   Sardines are an awesome source of omega-3 fatty acids, along with calium and niacin. You can prepare fresh ones on the grill, or canned sardines work great in salads or sandwiches. Mackerel is another excellent source of omega-3s, and is full of selenium, which is an antioxidant mineral which may help protect the body from heart disease and cancer. A great way to get omega-3 on the go is by grabbing a handful of walnuts for an afternoon snack. Add some to your green salad, or give chicken salad a nutrition boost by adding ground walnuts.

   Kidney beans are an affordable source of high fiber, are low fat and have no cholesterol. Add them to salads and chili, as they truly are almost a prefect health food. Since canned varieties tend to be higher in sodium, try to use the dried varieties whenever possible.

   Whole-grain barley is rich in soluble fiber, which is good for combating constipation. it’s also a good protein source and has a good supply of iron and minerals. Choose whole-grain barley cereals, or substitute whole-grain barley for rice and pasta side dishes once a week.

   Oatmeal is a great way to boost your fiber content early in the morning, and it also has a low glycemic index, which helps to provide lasting energy stave off hunger. Choose rolled oats, and add some raisins, apples, and honey for flavor. Instant oatmeal isn’t a healthy option as it’s usually loaded with sugar.