Eat healthy, live longer – Part 6
January 18, 2011 
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Eating healthy does not mean the foods you eat has to taste bad. It has become the “NORM” for the majority of us to include things that are not found in a healthy diet. Our society has an obcession with sweets. This should be a big time NO. Snacks do not have to be cut out of our diets. However, we need to suplement the junk foods with healthier snacks. The truth is many people do not take their health as seriuos as they should. What can we do to change this and live a more healthy life? The answer lies within ourselves. We need to all be properly educated on what a proper diet really consists of.
What is a balanced diet?
Food are broken down into five major food groups. These food groups play a vital role in our health. The five food groups are Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Milks, and Meats & Beans. Our bodies need a certain amount of these foods in order for us to sustain the proper amount of nutrients. On average a person should consume 6 oz. of Grains, two cups of Vegetables, two cups of fruits, three cups of milk, and five oz. of Meat and Beans to maintain a balanced diet.
The main things our bodies need to survive are Water, Protein, carbohydrates, Fats, Vitamins, and Minerals. Because each persons body is diffrent we will need different amounts of these to survive. If your body has an excess or a deficiency of anyone of these it could lead to major health problems.
Eating well is good for us! But can eating a certain way have a positive impact on our overall health and give us a greater chance to live longer?
Yes it can! By having a proper diet, not only can you extend you life but you can also drastically reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and strokes.
What foods can really help us live longer?
Over time scientist are finding truth in the statement ” You are what you eat” to support that, in a recent study they have found that some chemicals found in certain foods such as sulforaphane can help fight off free radicals and cleanse the body of toxins before they can do damage that causes aging, heart disease, and cancer. Where is this seemingly miraculous chemical found? You might not know it but it can be found right at your local grocery store. This chemical is in foods such as broccoli. There are other foods besides Broccoli that you should boost your intake of.
Lycopene is also important for your health. A good place to find Lycopene is in cooked tomatoes, which contains a readily absorbable form of it. You probably already eat a lot of foods cooked with tomatoes such as pasta sauce, soups, and even pizza. Other foods that can help you live longer are watermelon, guava, pink grapefruit, and red bell peppers generally any fruit and vegetable that is red are beneficial to your health.
If you want a healthy diet that can help you live longer. Follow these simple rules and you will be on your way to a much healthier longer life. Monitor your carb intake, eat healthy, instead of three big meals a day eat smaller amounts more frequently, and have well portioned meals.
