Eating food is one of life’s great pleasures. However, among the countless foods in the world, many can ultimately harm our bodies. Overindulging in excessively spicy, salty, or sweet foods can lead to various adult diseases. On the other hand, there are plenty of foods that not only taste good but also positively impact our health. By incorporating these foods into our diets, we can enjoy a much healthier life than we do now. Let’s take a look at some of the foods that can help us live longer.
Eggs
Eggs are often cited as a food that can benefit our health. The egg white is primarily protein, while the yolk is mainly made up of fat and protein. The cholesterol in the yolk may not be helpful for dieters and is often avoided by those who believe it can cause adult diseases. However, the yolk contains many vitamins and iron, so it’s suitable for healthy adults to consume about one egg a day, including the white.
Watermelon
Watermelon, the iconic summer fruit, boasts a remarkable water content, making it a superb choice for consumption during the sweltering summer. It’s worth noting that watermelon is rich in citrulline, an amino acid known to stimulate urine excretion, thus establishing it as a beneficial dietary option, particularly for individuals with compromised kidney function who frequently grapple with edema. It also offers potential advantages regarding cancer risk reduction and preventing arterial plaque buildup, a precursor to arteriosclerosis. These attributes underscore the multifaceted health benefits associated with watermelon consumption.
Apple
As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and apples are well known as a healthy fruit. They are particularly effective in preventing lung diseases and are known to impact smokers positively. Apples also contain a lot of fiber and can help lower cholesterol levels. They are rich in vitamin C, making them effective in preventing colds.
Curry
Curry is well known as a dish that is delicious and good for the body. The key ingredient in curry that is good for the body is turmeric. The turmeric powder in curry contains not only ingredients that can alleviate arthritis pain but also a large amount of anti-cancer substances. In India, where curry is the main spice, it is considered a panacea and a food that can be expected to have health benefits. Recent studies have also suggested that curry may effectively prevent and treat dementia.
Chili Peppers
Excessively spicy flavors can damage our taste buds and harm our health. However, a moderate level of spiciness can be beneficial to our health. The spicy flavor of ‘chili peppers,’ representative of spicy foods, boosts metabolism and can be effective in dieting. The vitamin A in chili peppers increases resistance to respiratory infections and boosts immunity. They also contain a large amount of vitamin C, which is said to be more than twice that of tangerines.
Whole Grain Cereal
The recent surge in the consumption of whole-grain cereal is attributed to its potential health benefits, including its role in obesity prevention and its protective effects against diabetes and heart disease. Whole grain cereal stands out for its substantial fiber content, which contributes to lower cholesterol levels and supports healthy blood circulation. For individuals grappling with the morning rush, cereal rich in whole grains offers a dual advantage: it provides nutrition while being low in calories, and its quick and easy preparation makes it a highly recommended breakfast choice.
Nuts
Nuts such as peanuts, soybeans, macadamias, pine nuts, and walnuts are always mentioned when discussing health foods. The linolenic acid in nuts can help lower cholesterol levels that cause arteriosclerosis. They also have a positive effect on preventing heart disease, and studies have shown that those who regularly consume nuts have a more than 50% lower chance of developing heart disease than those who do not.
Garlic
Garlic, an essential ingredient in Korean cuisine, is also indispensable when discussing longevity foods for good health. The allicin in garlic has an antibacterial effect against microbes, effectively preventing food poisoning. Also, the methionine contained in garlic is known to suppress the onset of liver and colorectal cancer. Garlic also helps the body absorb vitamins, making it excellent for supplementing easily deficient vitamins.
Green Tea
Green tea is derived from unfermented tea leaves, imparting it with a characteristic bitterness attributed to the presence of catechins. These catechins contribute to the tea’s bitterness and hold significant health benefits, including anti-cancer properties and the potential to improve blood cholesterol levels. Research indicates that the daily consumption of four cups of green tea may be a preventive measure against colorectal cancer. Furthermore, green tea is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help combat the effects of skin aging. Additionally, the theanine found in green tea is recognized for its calming effect, aiding in mental clarity and relaxation. As a result, green tea offers a range of health benefits that extend beyond its refreshing taste.
Red Wine
Not all alcohol is bad for health. Moderate drinking can benefit health, especially red wine’s effects. Red wine can remove active oxygen, can expect anti-cancer effects, and can help prevent hypertension and obesity. It also helps prevent degenerative diseases like dementia, and it is known that moderate drinking can prevent colorectal cancer.
By. Deo Soo Choi
Most Commented