1. Canned Tomatoes: BPA (bisphenol-A), a chemical added to the linings in tin cans, has been linked to health issues like reproductive problems, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Because of the highly acidic composition of tomatoes, BPA is even more readily absorbed when this fruit is canned.  Consumers can avoid this potential health hazard by buying tomatoes stored in glass jars.

2. Corn-Fed Beef: While feeding corn to cows is a cost effective measure for farmers, the end result is not nearly as beneficial for consumers. Sure the beef is cheaper to produce and purchase, but it’s also significantly riddled with saturated fat and vitamin deficincies. When it comes to grass fed beef vs. corn fed beef, you definitely get what you pay for.

3. Microwave Popcorn: While we all love the smell and convenience of microwaved popcorn, the chemicals in the lining of the bag have been shown to cause infertility issues, as well as liver, testicular, and pancreatic cancer! In the end, taking a little extra time to pop your own kernels will prove to be a much better decision.

4. Non-Organic Potatoes: As potatoes grow underground, they absorb more pesticides from the soil. Once they’re ready to be plucked from the Earth, these roots are treated with a secondary set of chemicals to prevent further “sprouting.” Organic is, without a doubt, the way to go.

5. Milk Made With Artificial Hormones: One of the more common practices for today’s dairy farmers is the utilization of growth hormones as a means to increase milk production. In this case, quantity wins over quality, as the milk is now laced with higher levels of hormone IGF-1, which can be cancerous. While growth hormones have been banned in most countries, they are still permitted in the US. The best way to avoid these toxins is to either go organic or spring for milk bottles with “RGBH-Free” or RBST-Free” printed on the labels.

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Before Exercise: Hydration is key. Drink 16 to 20 ounces of water an hour or two before the workout and bring a water bottle with you. Your meal should be around 200 calories and consumed within the hour. Focus on more complex carbs as your body will break it down slowly, releasing a consistent source of energy.

Meal suggestions:

• Whole Wheat Toast
• 1 cup of cereal with 1/2 cup of milk
• High-glycemic fruits like pineapple, apricots, banana, mango, and watermelon
• An energy bar with less than 200 calories

After Exercise: Once your body has been worked to the bone, an additional 16 to 20 ounces of water will be just what it needs. It’ll also greatly benefit from the building blocks your body uses to make muscles, hormones, neurotransmitters and bones. Complex carbs are also an essential component of a post workout snack to replace some of the glycogen used to fuel your fitness regimen. Finally, protein will prohibit your body from breaking down muscle and will instead rebuild and repair your muscles.

Meal suggestions:

• Whole wheat toast spread with peanut butter
• A vegetable omelet with an avocado half
• Cottage cheese with fruit
• Oatmeal and fruit
• Granola
• Chicken and vegetable stir fry

A memory center in the brain known as the hippocampus shrinks a little bit each year with age, but a year of moderate exercise (say like walking regularly at a brisk pace) has been shown to actually increase hippocampus volume.

In addition to regular exercise, certain power foods can thicken brain tissue as well. Strawberries and spinach prevent age-related brain disease, antioxidants like cranberries and blueberries increase memory and coordination, eggs and tuna prevent Alzheimer’s Disease,  Omega 3 fatty acids like walnuts and olive oil improve brain activity, and sweet potatoes and carrots nourish the brain.

Read more about the correlation between diet, exercise and memory.

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The following hormones play a huge part in health and weight loss. A well balanced diet can boost positive hormones and keep negative symptoms at bay.

Growth Hormone (HGH) – This powerful hormone helps build muscle, burns fat, maintains lower levels of blood sugar, keeps skin smooth and increases energy levels.

Foods that boost HGH – Almonds, beef, brazil nuts, cashews, chicken, cottage cheese, egg whites, halibut, hazelnuts, oatmeal, pecans, pumpkin seeds, ricotta, salmon, shrimp, spinach, turkey, walnuts, yogurt

Testosterone – For men and women looking to lose weight, this catabolic hormone helps build calorie-burning lean muscle, increases energy and nourishes the noggin.

Foods that boost testosterone – Almonds, asparagus, broccoli, canola oil, cheddar cheese, chickpeas, coffee, collard greens, eggs, fish, garlic, milk, olive oil, onions, peas, salmon, spinach, summer squash, turkey breast, yogurt

Thyroid – These hormones control your memory, mood, heart beat, body temperature and even the rate at which your body burns calories.

Foods that boost Thyroid - Almonds, asparagus, avocadoes, basil, broccoli, cashews, collard greens, green peas, hazelnuts, mustard greens, oilive oils, peas, sesame seeds, shrimp, spinach, summer squash, thyme, wheat germ, yogurt

 Leptin – Optimal leptin levels can decrease your appetite, increase the metabolism and tap into your body’s long-term fat stores.

Foods that boost leptin – Beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, chicken, edamame, eggs, flaxseed, green beans, ground cloves, halibut, mackerel, milk, mustard seed, nuts, olive oil, oregano, salmon, scallops, shrimp, snapper, sweet potatoes, turkey, walnuts, winter squash, yogurt

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The following ingredients are found in all grocery stores and can help you to lose weight as well as turn back the clock.

Avocados - This wonder food can lower bad cholesterol, increase good cholesterol, protect your heart, reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke, and is packed with anti-oxidants that will protect your organs.

Walnuts – These delicious nuts improve memory, relieve symptoms of depression, improve cognitive functions, protect the heart, improve sleep and improve bone health.

Berries – In addition to being a sweet summer treat, blueberries build a protective coat around the brain to fight signs of aging and deterioration and may help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease as well as other neurological disorders. Berries additionally help alleviate arthritis, strengthen blood vessels, boost the immune system and decrease wrinkles.

Green tea – Studied for years, this brewed powerhouse is most renowned for its ability to keep skin smooth and supple. In addition to keeping wrinkles at bay, it is also known for stabilizing blood sugar, reducing the risk of heart disease, reducing the risk of cancer and prevention of dental cavities.

Red Wine – A perfect beverage paired with dinner, this relaxing drink can protect the body against heart disease, blood clots, high blood pressure, kidney stones and alzheimer’s. European studies even suggest that 1 glass of wine a day can reduce the risk of death from nearly all causes.

These 5 ingredients are just a handful of the easily accessible foods that can dramatically increase your health. Yogurt, salmon, ginger, garlic, whole wheat pasta and rice, melons and decadant dark chocolate also lay claim to some pretty amazing properties.

What health benefit are you most looking to gain from your meals?

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allie_Moxley

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