Slowly but surely people are getting the idea that eating to prevent disease, to combat aging and to improve brain function is a smart thing to do. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT is absolutely true. This article claims that even though many people are aware of the benefits of eating consciously to improve health, only about 3% of people admit to making changes in their diet in an attempt to aid in health issues or to combat symptoms of aging. Ken and I have also made that change and we hope that with more and more people reading and learning from the Boomer’s site and our experiences, more of them will make that change as well. It only makes sense.
Functional foods provide more than just nutrition
Say you eat yogurt for your health, and most Americans will know what you mean: You are targeting that food’s bone-building calcium and gut-friendly probiotics.
In fact, Americans are much more aware of the health benefits of specific "functional" foods than they were a decade ago, reports a survey released today.
When the International Food Information Council began its survey in 1998, "only about three-fourths of Americans could name a food and its related health benefits," says the group’s Elizabeth Rahavi. "Now, almost nine out of 10 can. A lot has to do with scientific studies coming out, talking about the benefits of a food and its relationship to good health."
The IFIC defines functional foods as "foods or food components that may provide benefits beyond basic nutrition." Read Full Story Here.
Jean Carper’s top five functional foods:
1. Salmon — Omega 3 Oils cut down on the risk of heart disease and are good for memory and brain function.
2. Blueberries — They’re high in anti-oxidants and help slow down the aging process. They’re also good for brain function.
3. Apples — In addition to cutting down on the risk of cancer, they promote healthy lung function and contain lots of antioxidants: just make sure you eat the skin
4. Nuts — Tree nuts like pecans and almonds are a cocktail of anti-oxidants and magnesium. They’re also anti-cancer and offer some heart protection.
5. Legumes — peanuts and beans help control spikes in blood sugar and offer protection against diabetes while fighting heart disease. Make sure to eat the skin for the full benefit.
