Elements and Foods that Can Boost Your Health

Consuming healthy foods helps in improving a person’s longevity. Daily diets contain elements that play a vital role in the body. Although our bodies already have defense systems such as antioxidants, such elements are contained in the diets. Some common examples of antioxidants are vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E. Selenium is also included in the antioxidants’ list. Studies have shown that vitamins play the role of lowering the rates of heart disease and cancer. This is following the finding that people who consume more vegetables and fruits have a lower risk of getting cancer. This is because such foods are rich in antioxidants. There is also some evidence to suggest that vitamin supplements, particularly high antioxidant doses can damage the free radicals in the body. For this reason, moderation and judgment are essential.

Leafy greens also play a vital role in boosting health. According to a professor of public health at Columbia University, Audrey Cross, among the fiber-filled and most nutritious greens are mustard greens, kale, Swiss chard, spinach and broccoli. Cross adds that many people avoid consuming the greener section of foods because they do not know how it is prepared. One of the recommended ways is prewashing the greens prior to cooking. In this way, they become not only easier to use but also easier to cook. Some people also dislike the taste of green vegetables. This is because they are at times quite bitter. The bitterness is caused by the essential phytochemicals present in the vegetables. Such a bitter taste can be countered by using some dressing. Whole grains are also other foods that can boost your health. They mainly contain bran, which has been linked to essential nutrients.