Our bodies are complex machines. Every part of us has a specific purpose aside from the appendix, and tailbone, among other useless parts of our body that you might not have been aware of. For the most part, different parts of our bodies have specific functions, some with more than just one.
Take the liver for example. Did you know it has 500 essential functions on its own? Even the stomach has three specific functions. The amazing thing is, that there are foods that can contribute to the performance of both.
Looking after yourself can be a challenge — especially if you have preexisting physical or mental strains. Let’s talk about the top 10 foods you can add to your diet to help improve your body’s functioning and wellbeing.
Why Are Certain Foods Important for Our Bodies Functioning?
Did you know that those between the ages of 25 and 34 are the most health-conscious age group? Our bodies need fuel like a car needs gasoline. Without it, our bodies won’t be able to function properly. This is even more important as we age. Certain foods are essential for our bodies and while some choices might seem odd, these foods could change the way we feel, look, and operate.
1. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is another citrus fruit that’s full of Vitamin A and helps to improve your immunity. Grapefruit is often used as a diuretic because it’s one of the most natural diuretics you’ll come across. It can also help to decrease blood sugar levels and prevent insulin resistance.
2. Beets
Beets help reduce heart disease and stroke risks. They are also pretty high in nitrates and Vitamin B9. The B9 vitamin by the way, helps our cells to grow and function as they should. Actually, while beets might not be at the top of most favorite-food lists, they are considered to be a superfood. They are dense in useful nutrients like folate, potassium, and magnesium.
3. Red Bell Peppers
You might already know that Florida oranges are great sources of vitamin C, but did you know that red bell peppers are full of vitamin C as well? They have also been shown to help reduce stress, and improve mood and are quite high in pro-vitamin A. Also, if you suffer from anxiety or depression, adding red bell peppers to your diet might help.
4. Garlic
Garlic helps with memory preservation making it a great food choice for seniors. Aside from garlic being full of antioxidants that help to deter free radicals, you can also expect a reduction in your cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It’s even been found that garlic could help to improve athletic performance.
Garlic also helps to prevent clots in the body and acts as an anti-inflammatory. What’s, even more, is that garlic has been shown to help with cancer prevention. Not only can you cook with it or juice it into shakes, but you can also try the supplement version for easy consumption.
5. Papaya and Kiwi
With high levels of antioxidants and a great source of Vitamin A, C, and E, papaya is the perfect fruit to reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Kiwi, on the other hand, is just as nutritious and a delicious option. This fruit is full of Vitamin C and can help to strengthen your immunity and promote a healthier heart. Both of these fruits are fantastic for your digestive system.
They also contain the enzyme papain, which helps to break down proteins in your digestive tract and aid in the digestion process. This enzyme can also help with wound healing and fighting off infections. If you’re a senior living in Florida, you’re in a great location to get fresh and in-season fruits, so take advantage of that.
6.Shellfish
If you need healthy fats, you’ll find them in shellfish. Shellfish are packed with protein and could even help with weight loss. Many people also don’t realize that you can promote a healthier heart and brain functioning by indulging in some of your favorite shellfish. You can even strengthen your immune system.
Shrimp, lobster, and even scallops are extremely nutritious. It might also surprise you that shrimp and crab are considered to be some of the healthiest shellfish you can consume.
7. Liver
Liver might not be the tastiest option but of course, it’s all in how you decide to cook it. One of the top benefits of adding liver to your diet is the amazing source of Vitamin A. Not only that, liver is packed with Vitamin B. Basically, it’s one of the most nutritionally-dense foods that you will ever find on the planet.
8. Grasshoppers
Now this one, you might not have thought to be a top food that could benefit your body but, these little insects can. While grasshoppers aren’t considered to be a popular snack in the U.S., you will often find them offered as snacks and meals in other countries like Mexico and other areas of Central America.
These insects are extremely high in protein and are great sources of Vitamin A and C. They are also low in fat and sodium and contain calcium and omega-3s, and they are considered to be a prebiotic. As if those weren’t enough benefits, B12 is also found in grasshoppers which can help form healthy red blood cells as well as nourish the brain.
9. Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made from fermented cabbage. While this might not be the first thing on your go-to list for snacks, it’s currently one of the most popular and trendy superfoods on the market. Kimchi is packed full of probiotics that help to improve digestion and keep your gut in good health.
If you start to eat it regularly you will experience an increase in the development of immune cells and what most people don’t know is that Kimchi possesses a few special powers. This variety of seasoned and fermented vegetables has anti-aging tendencies. It’s also a great source of amino acids and vitamin A and C.
10. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate should be a more popular snack among seniors. Not many people realize that dark chocolate is a great food to help improve memory and the ability to think. This can be very helpful for those with cognitive impairments.
Dark chocolate is high in flavonol which is good for your heart and it could also help to trigger releases of serotonin when consumed. Serotonin is responsible for regulating mood and can help to ease anxiety and depression. Overall, dark chocolate has a lot to offer aside from being a sweet treat.
Fuel Your Body With What It Needs
These are some of the best foods you can add to your diet if you want to improve your body’s functioning and promote a healthy lifestyle. Keep in mind that there are plenty more foods that can stimulate your body and enhance your energy levels, ability to focus, and general wellness.
You can pick and choose what you want to include in your diet based on your needs. You could include charcoal powder to your diet which can help to polish your teeth and clear out waste from your body or you could add chlorophyll to your diet which can help to remove toxins that form B.O..
The things we can eat to control our body’s functioning are amazing and if you’re a senior living in Florida, you will have access to quite a few of those items.
