Many of us have heard this saying before: You are what you eat. You generally have more energy, get sick less often, and feel better and more active when you have a well balanced diet that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables. This is the complete opposite when your diet is lacking any of the key ingredients to a healthy diet.
Some of the downsides to an unhealthy diet and immune system are more frequent colds, higher cholesterol levels, greater risk of stroke and/or heart attack, irregular digestive system, etc. Snacks that are both weight conscious and health conscious that help to boost your immune system are :
FRESH FRUITS
Fruits are essential to our bodies in many ways. Many fruits are high in vitamin C which helps to increase our white blood cell count, which in turn, helps us to fight off different types of infections. Fruits are also high in fiber which helps to maintain a healthy and regular digestive system while lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Darker fruits such as berries, grapes, grapefruit, oranges and lemons, are high in bioflavonoids and antioxidants. Bioflavonoids are also called Vitamin P. This and antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals present in our bodies.
RAW, FRESH VEGETABLES
Celery, Carrots, Cabbage and many other vegetables are essential to a healthy mind and body. We need to consume vegetables everyday to maintain our health. Vegetables are high in antioxidants, fiber (which aids in digestion), they help to control blood sugar levels, and they help to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering cholesterol levels.
NUTS (ALMONDS, WALNUTS, PEANUTS, HAZELNUTS)
Nuts have been clinically proven here in the United States and in Great Britain, to have many wonderful health benefits. Nuts help to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, they lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, they are high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, they are also a great source of fiber. Nuts also contain plant sterols, which naturally helps to reduce cholesterol absorption. To gain the maximum health benefits from nuts, it is recommended that you consume 30 to 60 grams (1-2 ounces) of nuts per day.
NON-FAT YOGURT
Yogurt is great for your immune system and helps to maintain a regular digestive system. You should purchase yogurt that comes from cows raised without antibiotics. Yogurt contains many friendly bacteria including lactobacillus bulgaricus and acidophillus. These friendly bacteria keep the unhealthy bad bacteria in check. These bacterias also helps keep the levels of yeast in your body from growing uncontrollably.
OATMEAL
Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate. Oatmeal comes from 100 percent rolled oats. Oatmeal contains 4 grams dietary fiber per half cup serving. That equals 15 percent of your daily fiber intake.The soluble fiber in oatmeal helps to reduce cholesterol levels.
There are many different ways to approach snacking: good or bad. When snacking, we must remember that if we choose healthy alternatives to cookies, chips and other not-so-good for us treats, we will in turn help our bodies help themselves to achieve optimum health.
Resources:
http://www.truestarhealth.com
http://www.vegan.org.nz/nuts.p hp
http://www.health24.com
http://www.thenaturalhealthpla ce.com
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