Top 5 foods to make you feel great

I read this in the newspaper and thought it would be nice to share it with my readers. I did a bit more searching and Voila! Here's a revamped blog post on foods that make you feel fantastic! Stock up your kitchen with these 5 superfoods and munch on them instead of low-fat biscuits or low fat chips. :D  This is my list. If you have any personal favorites, add yours in the comments section. I shall add it to the list at the bottom of this post :)

1. Blueberries:
- Ultimate source of anti-oxidants!! Blueberries are known to be immune-boosting, reduce total cholesterol, support healthy blood pressure, lower diabetes, protect the retina (eye) from oxygen damage and prevents aging!
Tip: Choose blueberries that are firm and have a lively hue. I prefer eating fresh fruits and not storing them in the refrigerator. But if you must, ensure you don't get any moisture on the berries.

2. Almonds:

 

- Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, containing 26 mg per 100 g (Table). About 20 percent of raw almond is high quality protein, a third of which are essential amino acids. They are also rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins. Need a quick fix? Just a few almonds will keep your heart from racing when panic attacks. They help lower your blood pressure and keep oxygen flowing throughout the body.

Tip: Best eaten raw or blanched and during the day.

3. Brown Rice: (or hulled rice)

The right carbohydrates produce the right results. This delicious, nutty-flavored grain has compounds to relieve stress and anxiety while simultaneously improving concentration. It’s also great source of B complex vitamins and fiber. Brown rice contains all the fiber and that’s why it has higher nutrient content and better fat loss properties
Tip: Look for rice that is slightly brownish (not the completely brown one coz that hasn't be beaten to remove the husk. It is very difficult to digest that). It takes longer to cook and eat, but it leaves you full for a long time after the meal. :)

4. Oranges:

Peel your way to the magic of vitamin C locked inside a juicy orange. Stress can delete your storage of vitamin C, which is something your body doesn’t produce naturally. Vitamin C helps your immune system function under stress more efficiently.
Tip: Don't kill it in a blender. Eat the whole fruit to retain all the nutrients! :)

5. Milk or Soy Milk:

Whether you are a vegan or anybody else, milk is one of the most important foods you must include in your diet. It is a complete health drink and contain almost all nutrients except for iron and vitamin C. Milk comes in various fat percentages which you can buy depending on your need.  The fat in milk harbors the fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and D. Vitamin A is very important for the immune system and therefore helps prevent poor vision and blindness. Bones benefit a lot from milk as it provides calcium, vitamin D for healthier bones
Tip: If you don't like milk or soy milk, try eating it in forms like paneer, ricotta and other unprocessed cheese.
Warning: If you go for any kind of cheese (which is great for lustrous skin) limit it to once a day and just a cube of the cheese. :-)

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Sources: Kaboos, Wikipedia, Goodfood, Bombay Times, Sheriff, World Health, icetrail, food technology

Reader's choice - healthy snacks -