The benefits of intermittent fasting are obvious. It suppresses inflammation, helps lose weight, burns fat, and stimulates autophagy. Autophagy is a situation where the body begins to break down the proteins, harmful microbes, and old cells that are no longer suitable for us. In this way, the body cleans itself and flushes out toxins, microbes, harmful proteins, etc. What’s more, it makes new amino acids from the destroyed harmful proteins, and from them, the proteins they need, such as enzymes or hormones, are made too. Also, intermittent fasting can boost brain functions. Although intermittent fasting focuses more on when you eat than what you eat, it doesn’t mean you can eat anything and expect to lose weight. Here is the list of foods that make a difference for your body in a long term.
Avocados for Weight Loss
If you like avocados, feel free to eat them. They are extremely nutritious and contain many antioxidants and healthy unsaturated fats. Although avocados seem quite fatty, they are an effective tool in the fight against bad cholesterol, stimulating it to leave the blood. Research shows that people who enjoy avocados feel more satisfied after eating and weigh less.
Seafood and Supernutrient Astaxanthin
The long-chain omega-3 fats found in oily fish are beneficial in preventing heart disease, inflammation, and many other conditions. Salmon, one of the most popular types of oily fish, also contains other substances that help the skin maintain its youthful appearance. Also, it contains a carotenoid antioxidant called astaxanthin, which gives salmon its pink color. In one study, people with sun-damaged skin took astaxanthin and collagen supplements for 12 weeks, which gave the skin more elasticity and hydration. The other food products containing astaxanthin include shrimp, lobster, and algae. It is a scientifically proven fact that astaxanthin is a much stronger antioxidant than some other compounds.
Empowering Youth with Brown Rice
Rice contains well-absorbed proteins, many amino acids, and elements useful for the human body: potassium, sodium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, zinc, and more. The extremely valuable vitamins of the B group are found in the husks of the grains, rice is a must-have product. Have you noticed that Japanese women seem to look younger than they truly are? The wrinkles on their faces are almost invisible. This is thanks to rice, which is an integral part of their daily diet. The amino acid present in these plants helps regenerate cells, prevent the body from aging, maintain the elasticity of the skin, the shine of the hair, and the strength of the nails. In addition, rice strengthens the nervous system.
Blueberries: an Excellent Dessert
Blueberries are a source of vitamin C, manganese, iron, and a number of polyphenols (antioxidants). However, one chemical compound in them should appeal to anyone dreaming of an elixir of youth. Polyphenols are a powerful tool that stops the factors that damage the human body, in other words, the aging process. So, the polyphenols in these berries should be emphasized. Blueberries have a high concentration of these antioxidants, which reduces the risk of cancer, heart attack, and stroke, and improves the work of the cardiovascular system.
What About Drinks? Green Tea Is a Good Choice
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can help protect against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced during metabolism and the body’s response to stress. Antioxidants change the structure of free radicals so they can no longer cause damage. Green tea is especially high in polyphenols, which help prevent diabetes, insulin resistance, inflammation, and heart disease. As mentioned above, polyphenols also help protect collagen, the skin’s main protein. So, it can slow down the appearance of certain signs of skin aging.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you add these products to your diet, and increase your daily intake of polyphenols, astaxanthin, and other chemical compounds, you will be able to enjoy better health, a more beautiful appearance, and a healthier and longer life.
