Diet affects the body. Period. But this we know. What is not as commonly known are the specific foods that target issues inflicting women, such as diabetes and osteoporosis.
- Berries: Starting your morning with a bowl of berries is not only a sweet, low-calorie option, it’s packed with antioxidants, and may ward off coronary heart disease.
- Green Leafy Vegetables: Salads with mustard greens, kale, turnips, spinach and others serve up a healthy does of iron offering beneficial effect to menopausal women.
- Omega-3s: Fish oil, omega-3s, essential fatty acids—call them what you will, the important thing is to get and keep them in your diet. The only way to get omega-3s is supplementation or diet, as the body does not create omegas. Omegas protect against inflammation and heart disease, among a string of other beneficial effects.
- Whole-Grains and Legumes: Get ‘em, got ‘em, good! Whole-grains are chockfull of fiber, which are good for blood sugar, weight management and digestion.
- Nuts: Not only are these crunchy snacks addicting, they offer a full range of health benefits, depending on the nut. They are a good source of protein and heart-healthy fats.
- Color Me Bad: Yellow, red and orange fruits vegetables deliver free-radical fighting carotenoids. Rich in vitamin A, these colorful veggies boost skin, eye and immune health. Tomatoes, with their luscious red skin, is rich in lycopene that can help prevent cancer, and is another good source of vitamin A, and the immune-boosting vitamin C.