Healthy Additions to Your Daily Diet
Some Foods Can Reduce Risk for Heart Disease, Other Ailments
According to a report from the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Committee, heart disease figured to cost the United States in excess of $315 billion in 2010 alone. While there's no single cause of heart disease, a person's lifestyle can greatly reduce or increase his or her risk for heart disease.
One of the best ways a man or woman can reduce the risk for heart disease is to watch what he or she eats. A poor diet can cause obesity and high cholesterol and increase a person's risk for diabetes. In a 2008 report, the National Center for Health Statistics noted that 33.9 percent of adults in the United States could qualify as overweight or obese in 2005-06. In addition, high blood pressure affected 30.5 percent of adults during that same time period. Being overweight or obese and having high blood pressure are risk factors for heart disease, and all can be controlled by adults who commit to changing their diets.
Though there are risk factors for these conditions besides poor diet, maintaining a healthy diet is a big step for adults looking to reduce their risk of heart disease as well as a host of other ailments. When added to a diet, the following foods can help health-conscious men and women live healthier lives.
* Almonds: Almonds can help men and women control their weight and improve their heart health. What's more, almonds, which are a good source of protein, fiber and vitamin E, might help reduce a person's risk of Alzheimer's disease.
* Coffee: The medical community has varying opinions on coffee, but when consumed in moderate doses, coffee might help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and, for men, Parkinson's disease. Coffee might also help improve memory and mood, but adults should consult with their physician for advice as to the medical benefits of coffee.
* Grapes: Grapes are a great source of vitamin C and potassium. Grapes also provide a good dose of quercetin, which could help men and women strengthen their immune systems.
* Ginger: Men and women with arthritis might want to consider adding more ginger to their diets. Ginger has been linked to reducing arthritis pain, and can also help calm an upset stomach and quell nausea.
* Kale: Kale is often mistaken for spinach. While spinach is healthy, too, kale is among the many green vegetables that pack a powerful and nutritious punch. Kale is a strong source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and lutein. In addition, kale is a good source of zeaxathan, which can help reduce the incidence of certain cancers and help maintain eyesight.
* Pecans: Like almonds, pecans are a good source of vitamin E, particularly a type of vitamin E known as gamma tocopherol. Pecans are also full of antioxidants, which can strengthen the body's immune system.
* Sweet potatoes: Some might scoff at the notion that a food with the word "sweet" in its name can actually be healthy. However, sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A and vitamin C, and they're also high in fiber. Sweet potatoes are also a great source of lycopene, which may help fight heart disease and even certain cancers.
When it comes to getting healthy, men and women can look to several foods that may reduce their risks for a host of ailments, including heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women. But adults should consult with their physician before making any changes to their daily diets.