During the winter months we tend to eat less healthily than during the summer. You eat cheesier, more filling meals as well as big Sunday roasts with all the fatty trimmings. However this type of food can have a negative effect on your body. With a shortage of vitamins and essential nutrients, you can start to feel tired and lethargic. Here are 6 types of foods you should be eating if you want to stay on top form and give you a boost when you are lacking energy!
1) Fruit and vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C
Kiwis are ranked the highest when it comes to the richest in vitamin C! What is more it is excellent for improving your bowl movements. The fruit’s antioxidants can also prevent cardiovascular illnesses.
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges or grapefruits as well as peppers are also very rich in vitamin C.
2) Foods rich in protein
Eggs, lean meat and fish are some of the most protein rich foods. Eggs contain lutein and xeaxanthin (carotenoids) which are known to improve your eyesight and slow down the ageing process. Vegetable based products that are rich in protein include tofu and quinoa.
3) Foods rich in iron
Pork or poultry liver, wholemeal cereal, pumpkin seeds and soya beans are all naturally rich in iron. About 70% of the iron in our body comes from the hemoglobin in our blood which is used to transport oxygen from our lungs to our cells and the get rid of carbon dioxide. Iron therefore has an essential function for our body.
4) Foods containing selenium
Selenium is a trace element which has antioxidant properties that are ideal at preventing cardiovascular illnesses and aging. However this trace element is also good at combating tiredness.
You can also find this trace element in its natural form by eating prawns, muscles, cod, crab or salmon.
5) Probiotic foods
Some types of yogurts are rich in lactic bacteria and these bacteria have probiotic effects which strengthen the body’s immune defenses. This is why foods that are rich in probiotics are recommended when you are tired.
Some soft and hard cheeses, dried beer yeast or even some green vegetables contain probiotics as well.
6) Foods that are rich in magnesium like chocolate!
Chocolate is a food that is especially rich in magnesium. However you need to be careful as you need to choose dark chocolate which has a high cacao content of at least 50% but ideally 70%.
Magnesium stimulates the immune system and helps it to defend itself better against external forces. What is more, it is rich in polyphenols which are known for the antibacterial properties. However this is not all, as it also contains vitamins and minerals like zinc, magnesium, copper and selenium. You probably already knew it but chocolate is a natural stress relief.
According to nutritionists, one or two squares of dark chocolate per day is enough. You’ll be pleased to hear that chocolate is actually healthier than you thought!
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