Eating the right foods can hugely improve many aspects of our health. Fruits and vegetables, in particular, have many benefits all over the body. Add some fresh plants into your diet and you’ll see all the benefits in your long term health.
Carrots and bell peppers
Maybe carrots don’t exactly help you see in the dark but choosing vitamin-rich foods can improve your eyesight. Colorful vegetables like carrots and bell peppers are rich in vitamins A, C and E which, according to a major study (which can be found at VSP) on the combination of these vitamins with zinc, can lower risks of advanced AMD (age-related macular degeneration). The minerals zinc and selenium are proven to help protect the retina, so consuming them will keep your eyes healthy in the long term.
Blueberries
Commonly known as a superfood, blueberries are packed with antioxidants. As well as reducing the risk of conditions like glaucoma, heart disease, cancer and cataracts, they are also good for memory loss. They have qualities that can help with learning and even fights the effects of Alzheimer’s. By affecting areas of the brain that are essential for intelligence, blueberries are a health superfood for a reason.
Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the most hydrating foods so they’re a great way to get your water but it also has the benefit of a few components for a healthy heart. Studies have revealed lycopene can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and the amino acid citrulline helps the body produce nitric oxide which helps your blood vessels expand and also lowers blood pressure. Watermelon has both of these, along with vitamins A, B6 and C – all contributing to a healthy heart.
Leafy greens
Eating your greens is good for many reasons, but one particularly significant benefit is for sex. Spinach and other leafy greens help dilate blood vessels, and better blood flow means stronger arousal in both men and women. This could benefit men who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) or anyone who feels they need to feel more turned on during sex. If this resonates with you, more helpful advice can be found at Many, an online pharmacist that covers conditions specific to men. Don’t forget that ED isn’t just a problem for the elderly; 1 in 4 patients is under 40.
Apples and pears
Because they are fibre-rich, eating pears and apples (especially the skin) can help ease constipation and help you to pass more consistent and regular stools. Granny Smith apples have a particularly high fibre content. Pears are high in fructose which also helps bowel movements.
Bananas
If tiredness is your issue, perhaps consider taking bananas with you wherever you go. They are a proven energy booster because of their easily digestible carbohydrates, potassium and vitamin B6. The potassium in bananas is also beneficial to kidney health, with studies proving that regular consumption of bananas has decreased chances of kidney disease in multiple people.
From our eyes to our blood to our genitals, the food we eat affects everything about our bodily functions. By making a few small changes here and there, particularly by eating more fruit and vegetables, our internal bodily functions, long term health and even sexual performance can be greatly improved.
