I like to take the time out to write about health and wellness on my blog since it is the foundation for success in life and business.  Without our health and strength, we are like a rocket that has no fuel. Let’s take a look at some natural ways to feel our best.  There’s been lots of research on the topic of everyday food being able to help with reaching just about any health goal.  Let’s take a look specifically at what you can eat to protect your heart, brain, and joints.

Protect Your Heart with-

Barley-this can lower your cholesterol since Barley contains beta-glucan, which is a type of soluble fiber that binds with cholesterol to whisk it out of the body.

Pinto Beans-  Like barley, pinto beans have the beta-glucan in their corner as well.

Grapes-  If you eat 1 1/4 cups of grapes they can help to prevent the damaging effects of a high fat meal.  Researchers at the Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH say a daily dose of grapes improves blood vessel health in general.  Scientists say it may be the high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols in grapes that do the trick.

Macadamia nuts-  These nuts have been found by researchers to increase the amounts of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in the blood.  In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition it was found that when men with high cholesterol ate between 1-3 ozs. of macadamia nuts per day for 30 days, their LDL dripped by 5.3% while their HDL rose by 7.9%.

Mineral water-  The magnesium and calcium that is found in most mineral waters (such as San Pellegrino) has the potential to reduce blood pressure.  In a Swedish study, men and women with borderline hypertension experienced a significant decrease in blood pressure after one month.

For your heart, be sure to steer clear of Energy Drinks. The caffeine and guarana that often gets added to these drinks can make your blood pressure go off the charts.

Boost your memory with-

Apples-by eating two or three apples a day you’re increasing your levels of acetycholine, which is a neurotransmitter important to memory that tends to decrease with age.

Chicken Breast-  Healthy aging and the CDC did a study of more than 6,000 people who ate foods high in niacin, like chicken breast, and found that this group had a 70% lower risk of mental decline and Alzheimer’s. 

Coffee- Those who drink three to five cups of filtered coffee a day reduced their risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s by 65%, according to a Swedish study of more than 1,400 people over a 20 year span.

Avoid Liver- the high content of copper found in liver is associated with faster pace of cognitive decline.

Take the pain out of your joints with-

Olive Oil- Just two teaspoons of olive oil and three grams of fish oil a day may give you significantly less morning stiffness, joint pain, and fatigue - this is according to a Brazilian study.

Oranges-  The Vitamin C engages a gene that helps your cartilage.  People who eat the most of it have 70% less cartilage loss than those who don’t.

Avoid Beer and Hard Liquor-  Especially if you’re prone to gout.  One daily beer can boost your uric acid levels by 15% and high levels can cause gout.  Hard liquor raises it by 12% according to a Harvard Medical study of more than 14,000 people.

Have a healthy week and I’ll catch you really soon with more health tips to keep your body running strong!

Sharon Ann Irwin