Some food facts for a good food habit and healthy life

Good food habit and proper exercise are essential to have a healthy body. Healthy eating habits and regular exercise provide enough energy and enthusiasm to pursue dreams and goals in life. 

Food is anything that is eaten to provide energy and health to the body. Choosing a healthy diet is essential to have a healthy body and stress free mind in the era of fast food and modern life style. Choosing right food to eat minimizes various health risks.

The choice of food and food habit  are often a decided by customs and traditions. Increased awareness of hazards of obesity and its negative impact on health often prompts selection of healthy food habit. Here are certain food facts that will help you  choose good ingredients for your food.

Turmeric is rich in antioxidants and is a known preservative.  One of the active ingredients in turmeric is curcumin, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to protect from heart diseases and cancer. 

Sprouts create vitamins and enzymes within themselves and hence they can be considered as food factories.  Enzymes break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Thus enzymes help digestion.  One serving of sprouts contains around 40 mg of vitamin C, enough to meet the daily requirement of an adult. Sprouts increase the levels of vitamin B in the body. 
 
Naturally fermented yogurt, kimchi and lassi contain natural probiotics that help populate gut with healthy bacteria capable of protecting one from colds and flu. 

Dark chocolate with 85% of cacao is a source of nitric oxide.  It keeps blood pressure under control.  Dark chocolate also stimulates endorphins that generate hormone serotonin that is responsible for keeping a positive state of mind. 

Leafy green vegetables improve the cognitive ability. They also improve health of heart and bone and prevent cancer. 

Beans have the capability to slow down absorption of glucose in the blood stream and curb appetite longer.  They contain fibre and phytoestrogens.  Beans are good source of protein, calcium, folic acid and vitamin B6. 

Berries have high levels of antioxidants that have power to lower the risk of heart disease, some types of cancer, diabetes and cognitive decline. Blueberries, cranberries and black currants have these features. Cape gooseberry and amla too have such features and are rich in vitamin C. 

Tomatoes, plums, apples, pears, beetroot and bell peppers are rich in boron and phytoestrogens. Boron increases the ability of body to hold on to oestrogen and keeps bones strong by reducing the amount of calcium excretion each day. 

Purple cabbage contains eyesight and brain protecting antioxidants. This healthy vegetable can be used as colourful garnish. 

Five or more 140 gram servings of nuts throughout a week may reduce the chance for a heart disease by half. Walnuts, almonds or pecans come under this category. They can be used as sprinkles over cereal too. 

Having at least one fish meal a week results in 60% reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Eating fish reduces the chance of dying from heart diseases by about a third. 

Ground flaxseeds are filled with fibre and omega -3s. They help protect against heart disease, cancer, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Powered ground flaxseeds can be used along with oats, yogurt, pancakes, soups, salads and sandwich. Regular exercise helps you study better

What makes mango the most eaten fruit?

Know stress and manage stress to have an enjoyable life