Health & wellness: NATURAL FOODS FOR GOOD HEALTH

We must try to cultivate a habit for taking these natural food for good health. May be due to busy lifestyle and changed food habits, we seldom keep these in our daily diet chart. Try few common ones, if not full.

Broccoli : 294 mg of potassium in just three spears. Potassium counteracts the effects of sodium by dilating blood vessels and increasing the amount sodium excreted in your urine, thus lowering blood pressure and protecting against stroke.

Almonds : One tablespoonful of almonds providees 2.2 gms of alpha- tocopherol, a type of vitamin E, which reduces the risk of Alzheimer's. Vitamin E fights free radical damage.

Cashew Nuts : High in iron, cashew nuts are great for lifting you out of blues. Taking 20 cashew medium cashew nuts three times a week is ideal. However if you are extremely calorie conscious, avoid.

Orange : A vitamin C enriched orange is what you need to face the audience. Studies proved that who take 1000mg of Vitamin C before a speech are much more relaxed than those who don’t.

Avocado : Loaded with Vitamin C & E. Avocados are excellent for keeping skin soft supple and healthy and for maintaining glossy hair. High in Omega-3 fatty acids, they help prevent wrinkles, enhance brain power and treat arthritic pain. They contain the antioxidant lutein, which has been shown to protect against eye problems and cardiovascular disease.

Walnuts : Walnuts contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and also acts as a powerful antioxidant. Consuming walnut in the evening leads to sound sleep.

Sunflower seeds : One tablespoon of sunflower seeds provides 8.35 mcg of selenium. Men with high level of selenium have a 49 % lower incedence of advanced prostate cancerthan thoswe with the lowest levels.

Cucumber : It helps to maintain a youthful appearance, thanks to its hydrating and anti inflammatory properties. When ingested, the high water and balanced mineral content makes it one the best diuretics.Cucumber is rich source of silica, a mineral needed for healthy skin, bone and connective tissue. Silica also plays a major role in preventing cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Flaxseeds : One tablespoon of flaxseeds will give you 2.3 grams of OMEGA-3 fatty acids (read in details about Omega-3, in "Facts about Fats" below), which are linked to reduced risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's and depression. It also inhibits cancer cell growth. (Picture of flaxseeds shown at left ).

Ginseng : Consuming Ginseng counters mental fatigue and nervous disorders. The main health benefits are derived from its roots, which are chewed to recover form bad health.

Oatmeal : A magical food. It strengthens the nervous system and has tranquilizing and relaxing effects. It can be cooked with milk or water.