Certain foods packed with vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients have been tagged “Super Foods for Women” because of the extra good they have to offer women. From nerve calming carbs to minerals and vitamins that sharpen mental perception. The old saying “you are what you eat” is by no means a tale. In truth, there’s a strong connection between food and health. What we eat could affect our bodies positively or negatively. Logically, to be healthy and fit we should eat the right kinds of food.
As women, our bodies undergo several complex changes through the years and that’s why our bodies need varieties of nutrients daily.
We’ve put together a list of some super foods easily found here in Nigeria and their benefits to you.
1. Egg Yolk
Egg yolks are packed with essential nutrients; especially choline, which is linked to lower breast cancer risks. Did you know that just one yolk supplies almost 25% of your daily need of choline? Eggs are a good source of protein, zinc and copper. Egg yolks also contain antioxidants that help prevent cataracts and degeneration of the retina. Eggs have often been linked to heart disease risk and are usually shunned by many but recent substantial evidence has shown that eggs are not harmful but healthy.
2. Low-Fat Yoghurt
Day by day, increasing benefits of low-fat yoghurt are being discovered. Prominent on the list of benefits is the fact that yoghurt can help reduce the risk of vaginal infections and reduce problems associated with inflammatory tract disorders (health conditions that affect more women than men).Well, not just yoghurt but fermented dairy products too! And that’s because of the high amount of healthy probiotics found in them. Calcium is crucial for preventing osteoporosis in women aged 20 above, and dairy products are good sources of protein and bone-healthy calcium.
3. Whole Grains
Whole grains are not to be left out in your diet. Oatmeal ranks high on the list of the world’s healthiest foods; the fibre in them works wonders in boosting your energy and metabolism. Oats are also essential for lowering cholesterol levels, boosting immunity and stabilizing blood sugar. Whole grains are good antioxidants, and the nutrients in them are significant in fighting heart diseases, diabetes, and feminine cancers.
4. Green Tea
Loaded with Polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins, green tea is fast becoming known for its potent antioxidants and cancer-fighting activities. Did you know that green tea aids metabolism to burn calories faster, and protects against diabetes and weight gain? Green tea provides good support for the heart and bones, slows down the natural aging process in women, hydrates like water and is really effective in fighting fatigue and stress. Since I discovered the beneficial effects of this all-star brew, I’ve made drinking at least 2 cups of it an essential part of my daily diet …you should too!
5. Beans
Beans are low in fat and are a good source of protein. They also have soluble and insoluble fibre. Beans contain protease inhibitors which according to international studies slow the division of cancer cells and may have protective effects against cancer of the breast. Beans lower the risk of heart diseases. A high level of isoflavone – a nutrient known to aid hormone regulation and premenstrual syndrome issues – is likewise found in beans.
