Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Delicious Snacks to Promote Wellness

What we eat affects our physical and mental health. If you're looking for a snack, here are some choices that promote wellness for body and mind

Dark chocolate
It's true: dark chocolate is an emotionally and physically satisfying snack. The cocoa contains the antioxidant flavanol, which improves blood flow to the brain.

Whole wheat toast
While we might try to avoid them, good carbs like whole wheat can trigger the release of serotonin in the brain, which improves your mood! Stick with healthy whole grains and you have an uplifting snack.

Seafood
Seafood contains selenium, which helps sharpen boost spirits. You only need a tiny amount of selenium each day, but failing to consume enough can lead to a decline in mood and brain power. Seafood also contains omega-3 fatty acids, another safeguard against depression.

Beans, greens, and lean proteins
Combine foods rich in folic acid (such as beans and greens) with foods rich in B12 (meat, poultry, fish, and dairy) for a 1-2 punch of nutrition that fights mood and nerve disorders. Try a spinach salad with salmon for starters.

Vitamin D fortified foods
Vitamin D naturally occurs in only a few foods, but it is essential to a positive mood and good nutrition. Luckily there are many products fortified with vitamin D like juices, cereal, and milk. Try to incorporate these into your diet daily.

 

Have You Tried These Five Healthy Foods?

Eating well doesn't have to be a chore! There's so many flavors and foods in the world and you should make a point to try to experience as many of them as you can. Sure, these five are common, but they're often overlooked. Each makes a wonderful addition to a healthy diet!

Broccoli
Aside from being exceptionally high in vitamins K and C, broccoli has been proven to help in the prevention of a number of cancers. It's also a great detoxifier, and can lower cholesterol.

Salmon
This delicious fish is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Salmon is also high in niacin, which studies have shown can help against memory loss and Alzheimer's. Wild salmon is a healther choice than farm-raised, so it's important to know the provenance of your fish.

Pumpkin Seeds
The seeds are easily the most nutritious part of the pumpkin, loaded with magnesium. They are also beneficial to prostate and bone health, and can also lower your cholesterol. Whether snacking on roasted pumpkins seeds or adding a few to a salad, they make a great addition to your diet.

Garlic
There's a reason why garlic has been a medicinal ingredient for thousands of years. It has proven antimicrobial effects, and helps lower the risk of heart disease. It also contains a high number of antioxidants, and can strengthen your immune system when included in your diet.

Avocados
This rich and delicious veggie is great for helping cholesterol and also works to regulate blood sugar. Make sure to peel it carefully, as a greater concentration of nutrients is in the dark flesh just beneath the skin.