Healthy eating is an major tool in disease fighting. It's important to find ways to protect yourself from disease and illness. Eating properly every day is one way to accomplish this. What you put into your body makes all the difference in how well you feel and look. Here are seven disease fighting foods for everyday consumption:
1. Oranges
Oranges are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. This juicy fruit is sold all year round in your local grocery store. The disease fighting properties come from the powerful antioxidant hesperidin. Hesperidin protects you from heart disease. It also works to improve circulation in your blood vessels. Oranges have large amounts of vitamin C. This vitamin helps fight illness by strengthening your immune system. If oranges aren't available where you live, then drink 100 percent natural orange juice. Orange juice is just as effective and provides the same health benefits as regular fruit.
2. Low Fat Yogurt
You've probably already added yogurt to your diet. Yogurt protects you against cancer causing pathogens and is known as a super food. Super foods have numerous properties that protect and fight against disease, such as breast cancer. The probiotic properties of yogurt also work to reduce your chances of colon disease, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
3. Kale
Kale is a leafy green vegetable that provides a great number of nutrients. It has beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, iron and other disease fighting nutrients. Kale also provides phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are powerful antioxidants that protect against cancer and disease. You probably haven't eaten much kale due to its bitter taste. However, this super food is delicious in soups, omelets, pizza or sautes.
4. Carrots
Carrots can be eaten every day. This crunchy vegetable is very versatile when it comes to cooking. You add it to salads, soups, stir fries and even baked dishes. Carrots fight disease by providing vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber. These are just a few of the many nutrients found in carrots.
5. Legumes
You wouldn't think of legumes as an everyday food. However, they provide more nutrition than most foods. Legumes of any kind are excellent for eating on a regular basis. Legumes include peas, peanuts, beans and lentils. These low fat foods make good dinner additions as soups, snacks or side dishes. The high amounts of fiber and protein found in legumes help fight colon disease and other digestive problems. Studies also show that legumes work against heart disease and breast cancer.
6. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are your salad's best friend. This fruit is also perfect for eating every day. Tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant that fights free radicals and cancer. It's also known to be a big fighter against heart disease and breast cancer. Vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber and protein are also among the nutrients found in tomatoes.
7. Berries
Berries of any kind, flavor and color are great disease fighting foods. Anthocyans are found in blueberries and cranberries. This antioxidant works to repair damaged cells. Lutein protects your eye health and is found in all berries.
Whether you're looking for a stable meal plan or just trying to remain healthy, you can enjoy both with these disease fighting foods.
