The male and female body need different things to remain healthy, whether it’s diet, level of exercise, or simply staying on top of certain health issues and concerns. This article will address the importance of a well-balanced diet for women. It will discuss what foods women should incorporate into their everyday diet and the benefits they offer.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. This holds true for women, especially. Apples are rich in antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system and boost your body’s ability to fight diseases. Not only do apples taste great, but they’re also high in quercetin, a plant flavonoid that helps reduce allergic responses and boost immunity. Try incorporating them into salads or enjoy a sliced apple with some peanut butter. Peanut butter is high in protein, which is another essential nutrient for women’s health.
Lentils
Lentils are packed with iron. In fact, one cup of cooked lentils can provide women with 30% of their daily requirement. What makes iron so important for female health? Iron is essential for blood production and a small percentage of young females actually have low iron stores, making it especially important to consume foods rich in iron. Low iron levels can lead to anemia as well. Adding lentils into your diet offers a great and beneficial iron boost. Other foods rich in iron include quinoa, spinach, and shellfish.
Broccoli
If your mother told you to always eat your greens, she was right. So many green vegetables offer essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients for overall health. Every woman should incorporate broccoli into their diet and here’s why. One serving of broccoli provides 100% of the required vitamin C in an adult woman’s diet. And for any woman who wants smooth, wrinkle-free skin, keep reading. Vitamin C helps produce collagen in the body, which is responsible for the elasticity in skin. Another awesome ingredient of broccoli is beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and helps eliminate old skin cells and replace them with healthier, fresh ones.
Potatoes
Potatoes are the perfect, healthy way to curb those carb cravings. Potatoes are the healthiest form of carbohydrate and should be a staple in your diet. And who knew that this carb can actually help with weight loss in women? Potatoes contain resistant starch, which actually acts as a fat-fighting compound in the body. But fat burning isn’t the only benefit potatoes offer. They’re also packed with potassium, which keeps blood pressure low and helps fight heart diseases. Opt for the baked variety, which are substantially healthier than their fried counterpart.
Dark Chocolate
If you needed a good excuse to indulge in some chocolate, here it is! Women often lead busy and sometimes stressful lives. Dark chocolate can actually reduce stress, which helps reduce the body’s production of the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol can take a toll on the body, leading to increased blood pressure, risk of depression, obesity, and heart disease. So next time you’re feeling frazzled, don’t feel guilty about satisfying that chocolate craving. It might actually be exactly what your body needs.
Bell Peppers
Not only are bell peppers beautiful in color, but they contain a long list of vitamins and nutrients that help promote healthy eye-health in women. Ingredients like vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin help keep your eyesight sharp, avoiding complications such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). You can enjoy these peppers sliced and raw, thrown on top of a salad, dipped in some hummus or sauteed with a tiny splash of olive oil. With so many colors and varieties of bell peppers available, the options are endless.
Avocados
Avocados have grown in popularity recently. You can find them on sandwiches, in salads, on toast, and in countless recipes. So what makes these interesting green vegetables so beneficial for women? Not only are they versatile and delicious, but they are high in monounsaturated fat which is actually known to help you lose weight. What’s even better is the fact that weight loss is often targeted to the stubborn belly area that so many women struggle with. Just try to avoid avocados in the form of guacamole, which contains a mix of additional ingredients.
Whole-Grains
Bread. Rice. Pasta. However you can consume whole-grains, do it! This is especially true if you’re an active female that needs an extra energy boost. That’s because whole-grains are loaded with vitamin B, which helps your body convert food to a usable energy source. Whole-grains are also packed with fiber which not only promote gut-health but also keep you feeling fuller longer, which means less cravings.
Mushrooms
Breast cancer is a growing epidemic among women. Consuming mushrooms may actually help reduce your risk of developing this potentially life-threatening illness. The best part is, one third of a ounce of this edible fungus is enough to make a difference. Another factor that makes mushrooms a great defense against breast cancer is that they may reduce the effects of aromatase on the body. Aromatase is a protein in the body that helps produce estrogen, which is a major factor in the development of some forms of breast cancer.
Balance is Key
No matter the type of diet you adopt, balance and moderation are key. You should never deprive yourself of the foods you love or want. Eat them in moderation and be sure to balance them with other healthier, more nutrient rich foods. Simply incorporating some of the above mentioned ingredients in your diet and recipes can really make a positive impact on your overall health and well-being.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
