There are hundreds of creams, pills, and drinks that promise to keep you young, energized and healthy, but who would have thought you could do all of things simply by eating the right foods? The Mental Health Foundatio states that food can have an immediate and lasting effect on mental health and behavior because of the way it effects the structure and function of the brain. They continue to explain that in order to achieve long lasting health (rather than short lived highs delivered by foods packed with sugar and caffeine) is to eat nutrition-packed foods that will keep you looking good and feeling even better.
The following are 10 foods that promise to keep you looking great and at the top of your game:
- Spinach and other leafy greens “ These super foods are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that keep your skin looking great.
- Nuts and Seeds “ Nuts and seeds are a great snack and have been shown to fight depression, strengthen bones and teeth, encourage new cell growth and can even improve your memory.
- Cheese “ While you don’t want to make cheese the center of your diet, cheese is packed with the calcium, protein and zinc that your body needs. The zinc in cheese is beneficial for your hair, skin, eyesight, and even your brain.
- Whole-grain breads “ This food contains selenium which is an essential mineral your body needs to boost the immune system, fight free radicals and even ward off various forms of cancer. And if that isn’t enough, whole grain bread is a healthy alternative to processed white bread which can cause breakouts.
- Bananas – Not only are bananas a great snack to grab when you’re on the go, but they’re packed with potassium and vitamin B which will increase your energy, improve your digestion, and ensure that you have a healthy nervous system.
- Turkey “ Lean meats are a great way to get your daily intake of protein and Turkey is one of those lean meats. Turkey also contains tryptophan which has been linked to an increase in serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a hormone that when released will improve your mood and body’s ability to be happy.
- Salmon “ Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Salmon will not only help by lowering your body’s blood pressure and cholesterol, but it has also been linked to the healthy development of the eyes, nervous system and brain.
- Beans “ High in protein and low in fat, beans will not only give you a boost of energy, but they have also been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.
- Eggs “ Full of amino acids and energizing protein, eggs are a great way to keep you healthy and feeling good.
- Oatmeal “ We’ve always been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not start out with a bowl of oatmeal. Oatmeal is a great source of fiber and will give you the initial long lasting energy boost to start your day.