In recent times, just popping in a tablet has become really easy for everyone to overcome any disease and get better more quickly. But just by popping in a tablet. A person is also ingesting many many long and short term side effects of the same;n which would apparently affect the person in the near future.
In this fast world while coping up with the speed, people have forgotten the old, home remedies and how without consuming some chemicals and only by the support of some natural food products people would be cured for the better and for a really longer time. Today those food/food groups can also be called functional foods or medical foods or vita foods or probiotics or pharma foods.
These are the ingredients that offer health benefits that extend beyond their nutritional value. Some types contain supplements or other additional ingredients designed to improve health.
Oats, for instance, contain a type of fiber called beta glucan, which has been shown to reduce inflammation, enhance immune function, and improve heart health.
When possible, consider focusing on minimally processed, functional foods to provide a variety of nutrients to help meet your needs. Some examples might include:
Fish; Fatty fish, like salmon, sardines, trout and herring, are among some of the best choices. They are lower in mercury and have higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help lower risk of heart disease and improve infant health when consumed by women during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. About eight ounces of seafood a week is a good goal for adults, which amounts to two meals per week.
Unsalted Nuts; they make a great snack, help you feel full and may help promote heart health. Bonus: most unsalted nuts, including cashews and almonds, are good sources of magnesium, which plays a role in managing blood pressure.
Whole Grains; Oatmeal receives plenty of recognition for its dietary fiber, an under consumed nutrient of public health concern in the United States. It may help lower cholesterol and assist with blood sugar control. Other whole grains, such as whole barley, farro and buckwheat, also offer a variety of health benefits.
Beans; Beans provide dietary fiber, as well as protein, potassium and folate. While canned beans are fine, look for those with no salt added. If you do choose beans with salt added, rinse and drain them before use, which reduces sodium significantly.
Berries; Whether you opt for strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries, berries are wonderful functional foods. Not only are they low in calories, their anthocyanin pigments, which give them color, may offer health benefits. If you can't get fresh berries, frozen unsweetened berries are a healthful choice, too.
A healthful eating style, which includes a variety of foods from each food group, prepared in a healthful way, can help you meet your nutrient needs and reduce your risk for various chronic diseases. Focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein foods and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
Functional foods cover a variety of foods. Minimally processed, whole foods along with fortified, enriched or enhanced foods, can all be functional foods. Generally, these foods have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed on a regular basis and at certain levels.
Another area that is often questioned is food fortification — when products include added vitamins and other nutrients. Fortified foods can have a place in a healthy eating plan. Some may help to provide nutrients that might be low or missing. For example, there are only a few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, so products that are fortified with it, such as milk, are a main source of vitamin D for many people. Other foods and beverages may be fortified with nutrients that are easier to obtain. Some fortified products may also contain high amounts of added sugars or sodium, so be sure to review the Nutrition Facts label.
Thanks Giving
This article is written and submitted to The E Today by Shrushti Mehta.
We thank her for her research and analysis and hope to see the awareness about health and nutrition being spread ahead to larger mass of our citizens.