All sorts of foods can contribute to your health but the following five can have a pronounced effect on the digestive system, the heart, the kidneys and other essential body systems. Take a look at how these five items can change your life for the better:
Pumpkin Seeds
Most people think of pumpkin seeds as a holiday snack or pick up a pack at the convenience store occasionally. But these amazing little things are something that many people add to their daily eating regimen. Why? Well, they contain huge amounts of zinc and magnesium, a pair of nutrients your body struggles to obtain from a normal Western diet. For people who take daily medication to treat depression, it’s been shown that eating a few pumpkin seeds every day can bolster the efficiency of the medicine. Plus, they taste good, so it’s not like you’ll be having to force yourself to eat them every day.
Aloe Juice
Aloe is one of the most beneficial plants that humans can consume. It contains an incredible nutrient profile and even has the ability to remedy a number of physical problems. Drinking pure aloe juice can deliver plenty of wonderful things to your body, like vitamins A, C and E, folic acid, B12, zinc, calcium and 20 essential amino acids your body needs to function properly. Look for whole-leaf juices because they contain all the nutrients available in the raw aloe plant. If you suffer with stomach inflammation or other intestinal problems, aloe can help your body’s natural defenses counteract those maladies because it is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
Vegan Dairy Products
Eliminating animal-based products from your diet can do a lot of good. Opting for things like Miyoko plant-based dairy products can be a first step to relying on healthier choices instead of red meat and poultry-sourced dairy. A few examples include vegan cream cheese and cheese spread, vegan mozzarella and butter, and more. These nutrient-dense foods contain less fat than regular dairy, more protein, no chemical additives and, according to those who consume them regularly, a much better, more natural taste.
Sauerkraut
There’s no better source of good bacteria than sauerkraut. Lots of people don’t like the stuff, to be honest. It has a powerful taste and takes a bit of getting used to. But the rewards of eating it just a couple times per week are surprisingly good. Sauerkraut contains natural probiotics, which means you won’t need to worry about gas, bloating or constipation if you eat it regularly. The bacteria does an excellent job of helping your body absorb nutrients from other foods you eat, too. In all, this strong-smelling food might be just what the doctor ordered for people who suffer from digestion problems.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts pack a major dose of selenium, a key nutrient for optimal health. But, be careful. You just need two or three nuts per day to get all the selenium you need for anti-oxidant purposes and immune support. If you eat too many, you can get quite ill.