You are what you eat, does this old idiom have a leg to stand on? In fact it does; the importance of folic acid to a growing fetus, or the devastating effect of plaque build up over time in coronary arteries, are just a couple of examples of the importance of the food we eat. The way we choose and eat our foods today is a glimpse into the health of our future selves. Here are 8 of some of the best foods to eat and all of them are produced or made right here in Canada!
Yogurt- It is believed that humans have been eating yogurt for nearly 4,000 years! Yogurt is high in calcium and contains live active cultures that allow the calcium to be absorbed easily in to your body. It is high in protein, riboflavin and vitamin B12 and can be enjoyed by people who are lactose intolerant (as it contains lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose). Quebec's Liberté has a great yogurt line including plain yogurt . Dress it up with a drizzle of honey and some sunflower seeds or use this recipe to transform it into a creamy cheese that you can substitute for veggie dip or sandwich spread.
Omega 3 - ok, it's not a food and it sounds like a superhero troop and frankly it should. Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that our body cannot produce on its own. Omega 3 can help reduce inflammation throughout your body, inhibit thickening of the arteries, reduce the risk of becoming obese and help prevent cancer cell growth, just to name a few of its benefits. If you suffer from Depression, Cardiovascular Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Fatigue, Dry, Itchy Skin, Brittle Hair and Nails, Inability to Concentrate and Joint pain you may want to up your omega 3s. Flaxseed and salmon are the top Omega 3 foods. Buy Canadian First member True North Salmon Co. offers both fresh , hot and cold smoked Atlantic salmon.
Blueberries -Rich in vitamin C, their dark colour makes these little rounds a treasure trove of antioxidants. Antioxidants are believed to protect us from the damaging effects of free radicals and diseases associated with aging. Research has shown that antioxidants can help prevent heart disease and cancer, reduce high blood pressure, and slow the affects of aging. It even has been associated with enhanced memory, improving vision, clearing arteries and preventing urinary tract infections. The blueberry is also part of a campaign to become our nation's national fruit. Native to all provinces and territories, blueberries have been a staple for all of Canada's peoples for centuries.
Tomatoes - Tomatoes contain a powerful cancer-fighting agent known as lycopene. Lycopene is found in several red fruits and vegetables, but in Canada the tomato is the sure winner. This is one food where its processed cousins (tomato paste, sauce and juice) are almost better than the real deal, as cooked tomatoes have more absorbable lycopene than fresh tomatoes.
Beets- Red beets are a power house of goodness. The pigment Betacyanin, that gives the beets its colour, is just one of the many reasons that the beet is a disease fighter. High in anti-carcinogens, fiber, folate and beta-carotene the beet plant protects again colon cancer, birth defects and osteoporosis.
Dark Leafy Greens A rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins; K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. They also provide beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems, among many other effects. Dark green leaves even contain small amounts of Omega-3 fats. The star vitamin in the dark leafy greens is perhaps vitamin K. It is known to regulate blood clotting, protect the bones from osteoporosis, and may even help prevent diabetes. At the farmers market this summer, looks for fresh spinach, swiss chard, beets greens, collard greens, and kale. Some can be eaten raw and all can be cooked.
Nuts and Dark Chocolate Nuts are full of omega-3 fatty acids, unsaturated fats and fiber. They also contain L-arginine, a substance that helps improve the health of your arterial walls. It does this by making them more flexible and less prone to blood clots. Nuts also contain plant sterols, a substance that helps lower cholestorol. Try nibbling on the Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds by our member Brookside Foods. This treat is a double whammie as Dark Chocolate is filled with heart-healthy flavanoids which keep cholesterol from gathering in blood vessels, reduce the risk of blood clots, and slow down the immune responses that lead to clogged arteries.
Your health is nothing to laugh at and if a life time of care equals a better quality of life in your golden years it is sure with the extra effort. Don't you think?
What do you do to keep you and your future self healthy?
Photo credits: BCF members, blueberries Flickr Jeff Kubina, tomatoes Flickr St0rmz, beets Flickr BD's world, swiss chard flickr woodlywonderfulworks
