In a city with so many options for good things to eat, sometimes it makes sense to get down to basics. No matter how you disguise or enhance them, some foods are simply better for you than others. And a few are at the top of most lists of healthful food for men.
Healthful food for men
According to an article on WebMD, the following are high on the list of healthful food for men. You may have heard all about them, but have you paid attention? Here’s a summary, a link to the full article follows.
Oysters
Oysters are especially good at delivering the antioxidant mineral zinc and research shows that zinc my protect against cellular damage that leads to prostate cancer. Sexual functioning of the male reproductive system, including increased sperm count is also enhanced with zinc.
Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium, which is needed to regulate nerves, heartbeat and especially blood pressure. Bananas can also aid your immune system, help form red blood cells, ensure a functioning nervous system and assist protein metabolism.
Fatty Fish
Salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel and herring are all rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can benefit the heart, circulation and immune system and reduce the risk of prostate cancer. They are also a good source of vitamin D which can help prevent cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and bone disease.
Broccoli
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are helpful in the prevention of heart disease and cancer. It’s loaded with vitamin C, beta carotene, potassium and a phytochemical called sulphoraphane, which my have anticancer (prostate and colon) properties.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are packed with magnesium and selenium, powerful antioxidants that may help prevent heart disease and cancer and protect prostate health. Selenium also helps lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol and reduces the incidence of blood clots and heart disease.
Whole Grains
Most men get enough carbs in their diet, but they tend to be the wrong kind. Whole grain pasta, quinoa, oatmeal and barley are the better kind of carbs. Look for 3-5 grams of fiber per serving.
Plant Stanols
These naturally occurring substances found in fruits and vegetables have been shown to lower mildly elevated blood cholesterol levels. Plant stanols are added to a variety of products including orange juice, yogurt, granola bars, dark chocolate and others.
Soybeans
Soy is rich in isoflavones, which protect prostate health and have been shown to lower prostate cancer risk. According to the FDA, having 25 grams of soy protein per day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Berries or cherries
Betties contain over 4,000 different compounds that have antioxidant properties beyond vitamin C. The more blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and cherries, the better.
Red-Orange vegetables
Vitamin C and beta-carotene help preserve healthy skin cells and prevent oxidation from the sun. Good sources are red bell peppers, carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes.
The complete article appeared in WebMD.
