Foods Men Need More of in Their Diet
By Sara Butler
Men have special needs beyond a comfortable reclining chair and a nice pair of slippers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the leading causes of death among men are cancer and stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Luckily, these health conditions can be fought against with a healthy diet. Here are some foods every man needs to have in his life in order to be healthier and live longer.
Beans
Beans, beans, they’re good for your heart! Beans are great for your heart, sure, but they’re also handy to help you reduce the risk of all four leading causes of death in men. What kind of beans doesn’t really matter -- you can have navy beans, pinto beans, black beans, garbanzo beans -- the world is your bean basket. They’re all full of minerals and fiber but low in unhealthy saturated fats.
Here’s a bean pro-tip: Canned beans are just fine to eat but wash them off before adding them to your meal and you can reduce sodium by up to 40 percent.
Tuna
Tuna fish is good for your heart. Fatty fish, such as tuna, salmon, sardines, and trout, are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries that contribute to heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends that men eat two servings of fish per week to help reap the benefits.
Yogurt
If you’re looking to lower your risk of stroke, then it’s imperative to avoid developing high blood pressure. Potassium is a mineral that’s very important to keep your blood pressure in check since it helps your kidneys to excrete extra sodium from your body. Many men don’t get enough potassium in their diets, which is where yogurt comes in handy. You can up the potassium factor in yogurt by adding berries for a tasty snack.
Salads
Salads are often seen as a diet food, but they can be delicious and nutritious for you. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables help to fight off cancer, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. The best way to add fruits and vegetables to your diet? A salad! Create a salad with cabbage, apples, chickpeas, tomatoes, and broccoli, then top it with a vinegar-based dressing to help keep your cancer risk in check.
Make sure you're getting enough of these foods in your diet to stay healthy.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sandy, Utah.