Powerhouse Foods That Reduce Age-Related Disorders

The United States is the wealthiest country in the world, and most of her citizens have access to an abundance of foods; yet, we have a health crisis. Obesity rates are very high and chronic diseases are on the rise. Some of this is caused by our sedentary lifestyles, but most are a result of our dietary choices. The traditional American diet is high in sugars, fats and processed foods and low in powerhouse foods that promote health. As Michigan At Home Care outlines, this is a recipe for disaster. Physicians spend much more time on symptomatic treatment than on preventive health care. To become a healthy nation, we need to reverse that ratio. Powerhouse foods are those foods that are present in nature and eaten as close to their natural state as possible. This excludes all processed foods and foods that are additive-laden. A powerhouse diet is rich in fruits and vegetables. Ideally, vitamins should be obtained from food rather than swallowed in pill or capsule form. There is not one food that will magically prevent and cure all disease, but Michigan Dementia Care research has shown that a diet rich in powerhouse foods will enhance the body’s healing power and prevent or postpone many chronic diseases. Researchers are finding that inflammation is the root cause of many diseases. A large number of the powerhouse foods have anti-inflammatory properties. Plan your diet around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Try to buy or grow organic products, if possible. Organic food is usually higher in nutrition and virtually free from pesticides and toxins.

Fruits

Blueberries are regarded as the super powerhouse food. They are anti-inflammatory and lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Frozen berries are as beneficial as fresh. Other berries and fruits are healthy, as well. Usually, the darker they are, the more anti-oxidants they contain. If you have a sweet tooth and are looking for something tasty and healthy, Michigan Home Care suggests that you make delicious fruit smoothies or juices for a special, sweet treat.

Vegetables

Green, leafy vegetables contain many vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and are anti-inflammatory. They promote eye health and support the immune system. The darker the vegetable, the more nutrients it contains. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, are thought to decrease the risk of cancer. Green smoothies, combined with fruit, make a nutritious snack or meal substitute.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are in a class by themselves since there is disagreement as to whether they are fruits or vegetables. They are rich in lycopene that protects against heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, certain cancers and degenerative disease. Lycopene is more effective if the tomatoes are cooked.

Garlic

Garlic can be combined with many different foods and has valuable health benefits. It lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and blood fats and reduces the clotting tendency of the blood. For these reasons, it is considered to offer protection from heart disease. Many Michigan Stoke Care caregivers incorporate garlic into healthy meal choices such as pasta. The added flavor gives it both a health boost and a flavor boost.

Beans

Beans are a valuable source of protein and, along with fruits and vegetables, are a good source of fiber that regulates intestinal health.

Seeds, Whole Grains and Nuts

Whole grains are complex carbohydrates which help to regulate blood sugar. Flax seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids that are necessary for heart health. Walnuts are also a good source of omega-3s. Changing your diet will not only improve your health, but it will save you money in the long run. You will spend more for fresh produce but much less for meat products and empty-calorie snacks. By lessening the chance of chronic disease, you may not have to take medicine that does not cure disease but only treats the symptoms.