April 12, 2017

What should you choose instead of your sugary or alcohol soaked go-to foods?

Foods high in B-vitamins, particularly folic acid, help improve your body's response to stress. Vitamin C has shown to help lower blood pressure and cortisol levels. Omega 3 fatty acids of all kinds are anti-inflammatory and help improve cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Flavonoids and antioxidants found in various fruits and vegetables help reduce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress responsible for heart disease, cancer and diabetes. So here are some healthy alternatives to start including in your diet and start destressing your body!

1. Kale:

Known as one of the healthiest vegetables, kale not only helps to lower cholesterol by binding together with bile acids in the digestive tract, but contains isothiocyanates, made from glucosinolates, which help reduce the risk of cancer, and also plays a role in detoxing at the genetic level. The multitude of flavonoids in kale including kaempferol and quercetin, are both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. 

Need an easy way to prepare kale? Try kale raw in salads, or blended in protein shakes and smoothies, or steamed, sauteed, or even baked into "Baked Kale Chips", and get the full benefit of this powerhouse vegetable.

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2. Asparagus:

Asparagus is not only high in folic acid, an essential B-vitamin that helps reduce stress, but is also high in anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, Vitamin E, Zinc, Manganese, and Selenium.  Another powerhouse vegetable that can be prepared in so many delicious ways.

3. Coconut Oil:

Although high in saturated fat, about 50% of coconut oil is lauric acid, which helps lower both cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Coconut oil helps reduce damage to the arteries and prevents plaque build up that leads to heart attacks and strokes. Coconut oil is also beneficial for weight loss, high in short and medium-chain fatty acids. Immune function is also strengthened with coconut oil, containing antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral effects. 

4. Salmon:

Okay I love Salmon so much I could eat it everyday! Not only high in DHA and EPA, essential omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation, salmon also contains a small bioactive protein that helps support joint cartilage, insulin effectiveness, and control inflammation in the digestive tract. 

5. Berries:

All berries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and goji berries are high in Vitamin C, folate, fiber, potassium and antioxidants, all essential components in managing your body's response to stress.

So Next time your stressing ....reach for your favorite de-stress food!