Important Foods For Women's Health
Men and women have different dietary needs due to hormonal fluctuations and risks for certain health problems such as
osteoperosis. Many symptoms and ailments can be lessened or even cured through simple dietary changes. Here are just a
few simple health food choices specially for women to add to your daily diet to stay healthy, regular and have better skin too!
Soy Protein:
Lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and has recently been shown to help regulate estrogen levels, which helps reduce the risk
of breast cancer.
Soy protein can now be found in many tasty forms such as soy milk, edamame and tofu.
Whole Grains:
Also known for their ability to lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, many of us already know the other benefits of whole grains
in our diet such as their ability to keep bowl discomfort at bay, reduce bloating, and to help regulate blood sugar levels
to keep you feeling full longer and maintain a steady stream of energy. For those of you who are tired of eating whole
grain breads and cereals there are many more forms of whole grains becoming more prevelant on our grocery store shelves. Many
of these items are ancient, but we have recently rediscovered them in a new light.
Try making a barley or quinoa salad for a
change, or stick with the usual whole grain cereals, breads, brown and wild rice and whole grain pasta.
Folate:
Has been recognized for its importance during pregnancy. It aids in healthy neural tube development of the fetus, which is a crucial thing, right?! Make sure to eat at least 400mg per day, espescially if you are of child-bearing age. This nutrient is also very important for heart health, so even if you aren't planning on having children any time soon (or ever again!) you
should still aim for the same daily value.
Folate can be found in many foods, especially green leafy vegetables such as spinach, also, asparagus, oranges and
fortified cereals.
Cranberries:
Contain proanthocyanidins that help to prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder and causing those
nasty urinary tract infections. Cranberry juice and cranberry supplements (found in capsule form) are beneficial for
those who experience frequent UTI's, but this bright berry is also loaded with antioxidants.
Nuts:
Nuts are a great snack that is transportable, delicious and oh so good for you. Although they contain fat, it is good fat to
lower your cholesterol and prevent heart disease. They're also fully loaded with protein, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper,
selenium, folate and viatmins E and A. With all of those nutrients how could you pass it up? It's one-stop shopping!
The only thing to be cautious of is the calorie count of these little guys. The fats, although healthy, make nuts a pretty
high calorie treat so aim for only about 1/4 cup per day. some of the most healthy types are almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts.
Water:
Water, water, water. We are told to drink it all the time, and for good reason. It is vital for all metabolic processes
in the body and helps in digestion, weight loss and skin appearance. Your body's cells can not function without water
including transporting fat out! So drink up: aim for 8-10 cups per day.
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