Japanese people are more likely than anyone else in the world to live beyond age 100. A diet rich in fresh vegetables, tofu and fish aid in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure while providing the energy and fat reducing properties necessary to aid in longevity. When looking at the diets of older Japanese adults and those in other parts of the industrialized world, it is easy to see how important food choices are in promoting good health.
The changes that we make in our eating habits can lead to increasing our longevity. Although Americans on average are living longer these days (78.7 years in 2011), this is lower than the average for countries listed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) by 1.4 years (80.1 years). Looking at what we consume and finding ways to improve can help move the U.S. from 26th to a better position. This includes finding protein alternatives that provide the same taste but more health benefits, understanding what carbs are good carbs to consume and how to make healthier choices when eating out.
Find out what's happening in Alamedafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Alamedafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
• How Drinking More Water Promotes Good Health
The bawell water ionizers provide you with a way to create delicious alkaline ionized water. Alkaline ionized water is a healthy alternative to other liquids you consume and complement a new attitude toward consuming healthier foods. Drinking more water is a goal that we all should aspire to and having access to the process for ionizing your water can help you achieve that goal.
• Proteins that are Good for You
Proteins are some of the basic building blocks of life. They can be found in meats, seafood, and beans as well as peanut butter. As we age its time to make better choices in the way we obtain protein in our diet. It may not be healthy to continue to eat a medium rare T-bone steak at every sitting however there are foods that prove to be delicious alternatives.
Start with salmon. Salmon is being consumed more and more by those who not only like its taste but understand the health benefits associated with the fish. Salmon is high in the good type of fat known as monounsaturated fatty acids, which are good for lowering cholesterol and strengthening the heart. Salmon can be provided in a variety of ways and is one of the healthier protein alternatives to red meat. Skinless white meat chicken, low-fat milk and yogurts, lean cuts of pork, eggs and beans are also great ways to obtain the protein you're looking for.
• Good Carbs versus Bad Carbs
We derive the glucose necessary for our body from carbohydrates. The types of carbs that you consume have an impact however on your health and healthiness. Choosing the correct type will help you maintain a good level of health and aid in keeping your body strong and in shape. Choices you can make for carbohydrate consumption include whole grains (i.e. rye, corn millet, whole wheat), fruits and vegetables and beans. If you can moderate the amounts and different types of foods that contain good carbohydrates as part of your regular dietary intake, you will be on your way to living healthier.
Eating out can be enjoyable and provide you with a much needed time out of the home and from behind the stove. When you choose to eat in a restaurant there are ways to make better choices in the foods you eat in order to enjoy the experience without worrying about its impact on your health. Smaller portions can help, as well as moving the bread basket away from you and choosing beverages that do not contain processed sugars.