It has long been known that fresh food is the better choice than fast food. In addition, there are foods that have very special effects on our body.
Surely you know the saying “You are what you eat” and already know that frozen pizzas and fast foods can make you sick in the long term. Just simple carbohydrates, as they are often found in fast Food, are known to make us tired quickly after their consumption and can promote obesity.
However, beyond the general advice to eat healthy and balanced, there are also some foods whose particular effect you should know:
Bananas
Bananas contain the amino acid Tryptophan. This is converted by our body into Serotonin, also known as our “happiness hormone”.
Moreover, with its readily utilizable carbohydrates, the banana is excellently suited as a fast energy source, e.g. after the strenuous strength training.
Whole grain products
Simple carbohydrates, such as those found in sweets or wheat bread, have a big disadvantage. They lead to strong fluctuations in our Blood Sugar Levels, which not only stimulates us first and then makes us tired, but also leads to new food cravings later.
Complex carbohydrates (wholemeal bread, potatoes, rice) are digested more slowly and provide significantly lower fluctuations in our blood sugar levels. The advantage: we are spared the tiredness after eating and we feel full for longer.
Nuts
Nuts are low in carbohydrates, so they have little effect on our blood sugar levels. But they contain protein and usually an excellent ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid.
And something else makes it perfect as a small snack: Scientists have found that consuming just 20 grams of nuts daily can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack or cancer.
In Addition, they contain a lot of magnesium, an effective alkaline earth metal against stress and inner restlessness.
Strawberries, Oranges,…
Strawberries, oranges, tomatoes and onions contain the dye Fisetin, which according to a study by P. Maher should have a positive effect on our long-term memory.
In addition, there is evidence that fisetin may inhibit the development of cancer and trigger the death of cancer cells.
Water
Water is essential to our lives. Even a small loss of water stored in the body (for example, through exercise) has a significant impact on our performance and ability to concentrate. The advantage of pure water is that it has no calories, is usually easy and cheap to get and is perfectly usable by the body.
In terms of quantity, the recommendations are for a daily fluid intake of about 3.7 liters for adult men and 2.7 liters for adult women. But since this also includes the water from other drinks and meals and the personal water needs may vary depending on the person and the daily routine (office vs. training), there seems to be no general statement.
Chocolate
You’ve read correctly: There are also foods with super powers, of which one wouldn’t have expected it at first glance.
Chocolate provides for the release of the already mentioned happiness hormone serotonin. In addition, it contains flavonoids, which increase the circulation in our brain. Further studies have shown that consuming chocolate can reduce the risk of heart disease and improve body oxygenation.
This is especially true for chocolates with a high cocoa content, so especially for dark chocolate. And as with everything, of course, here too, it should not be exaggerated. Sometimes less is more.
Dark berries
Berry varieties such as blueberries, blackberries or cranberries contain the dye anthocyanins, which as an antioxidant in the body can help to neutralize free radicals.
In addition, it has been shown that cranberries can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
Tea
Singnapur University researchers have found that drinking tea has a positive impact on the health of our brain. Singapore University researchers have found that drinking tea has a positive impact on the health of our brain.
In addition, there is evidence that green tea has a preventive effect against cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Avocados
Avocados contain the natural substance lecithin, which is thought to enhance the complexity and activity of our neural compounds and thus increase our mental performance.
In addition, there seems to be evidence that avocados can relieve osteoarthritis and inhibit the growth of prostate cells.
Fish
Fat fish species, such as Herring or salmon, contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
A healthy intake of omega-3 fatty acids can prevent heart disease, fight inflammation and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and Alzheimer’s.
In a nutshell
Our human body is a true marvel and our health the most precious thing we have. Therefore, it should be essential for us to steadily promote our health and to eat healthily.
In addition, certain foods are not only healthy, but have many beneficial effects on our body. Knowing them and at least incorporating them regularly into the nutritional plan can sustain our health and help us in the long term.
Recommended
- Brain Food: The Surprising Science of Eating for Cognitive Power
- Omega-3 Wild Alaskan Fish Oil (1250mg per Capsule) with Triglyceride EPA & DHA
This Post Brain Food: These everyday foods have superpowers first appeared on Motivate Yourself.
