It’s necessary to stay healthy and have a healthy diet to avoid chronic diseases. When it comes to a woman’s health, there are certain foods that can provide her the excellent sources of nutrients that are needed by her body to stay strong and be safe from a number of ailments.
Tomatoes
This fruit is generally eaten and prepared like a vegetable. Present in tomatoes is a pigment called lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and breast cancer. Aside from this, the consumption of tomatoes can also improve skin health and bone health.
Broccoli
Results of a study conducted by the researchers from the University of Western Australia showed that consumption of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases among women.
Moreover, broccoli as well as in its cousins have been found to contain sulforaphane, a chemical that can actually make cancer cells like leukemia and melanoma self-destruct.
A 2007 Chinese study found that sulforaphane may slow down the spread of breast cancer.
Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green that is dense in vitamins and minerals, low in calories and versatile in cooking. Regularly adding it in one’s diet can provide numerous health befits in the body. When it comes to woman’s health, spinach can help lessen symptoms of PMS and also lower the risk of asthma attacks.
Megan Ware, a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Orlando, Florida, told Live Science that:
“Eating spinach is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin, hair and strong bones, as well as helping with digestion, lowering the risk for heart disease and improving blood glucose control in diabetics.”
Cranberries
Cranberries are a perfect tasty snack or main dish. They have significant amounts of phytonutrients and possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can protect the body from various diseases such as urinary tract infections (UTI), tooth decay, and stomach cancers.
Beets
Beets have great nutritional value. This root vegetable is sweet, rich and buttery and has numerous health punches to offer. They are loaded with folate, which is needed to manufacture new cells and prevent DNA damage (a precursor to cancer). Additionally, they also contain potassium, which counteracts the effects of our salt-heavy diet.
Results of a 2012 study published in the journal Nutrition revealed that women who drunk a glass of beet juice (otherwise known as beetroot) have immediately lowered their blood pressure.
Flax Seeds
Flaxseeds have potent anti-inflammatory properties and contain high levels of omega -3 fatty acids which have positive effects on heart health and blood sugar levels. Aside from improving overall health, these seeds are also recommended for those who experience episodes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Along with eating foods, women should follow these tips:
- Limit consumption of sweetened beverages, including regular soft drinks, pastries, candy, cookies, and other desserts.
- Limit alcohol intake to one drink per day.
- Limit foods high in saturated fats and opt for low -fat or fat-free foods as well as lean proteins.
- Incorporate more plant-based protein foods, such as beans and lentils in your diet.
