Best Foods to Eat to Fight Stress

There are many ways to combat stress, but one of the best ways is to consume stress-fighting foods. Most of us live in a hectic, crazy, busy world where stress is almost inevitable. While a little stress can be good for you, when you are constantly feeling stressed out, overwhelmed and anxious, it can cause huge damage to your health, your productivity, your mood, and even your relationships. Too much or prolonged stress can even lead to short-term and long-term physical problems, such as high blood pressure, impaired memory, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease and a weak immune system. Eating stress-fighting foods, exercising on a regular basis and practicing yoga can help you reduce your stress levels and improve your mood without any medications. Today we’re on a journey to discovering the best foods that can help us fight stress and live a more peaceful life.
Brown rice
Brown rice is an excellent source of B-vitamins, which are essential for the proper function of all tissues, cells, and organs. B-vitamins promote heart, immune, brain health as well as healthy mood. Eating brown rice can help you combat stress and prevent different types of mood disorders. If you often experience moodiness, try including brown rice into your healthy diet and enjoy a stress-free life.
Spinach
Spinach is packed with Vitamins A, C and B-vitamins and is rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, which help decrease stress hormones in your body, stabilize your mood and make you feel better. One cup of spinach will be enough to help your body combat stress. You can use spinach in your salad, smoothie, omelet, and sandwiches.
Salmon
Salmon is a super-nutritious food that can work miracles on your body. It’s high in omega-3 fatty acids that increase happy brain chemicals such as serotonin and help regulate stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids help improve your brain function. Try eating 2 to 3 servings of salmon per week to reduce your stress levels.
Green tea
Green tea is loaded with potent antioxidants like polyphenols, catechins and flavonoids, and boasts numerous powerful health benefits. Drinking green tea has calming effect on your mind and body, thus helps reduce stress. Next time you feel overwhelmed and stressed out, take a short break and drink a cup of green tea. If you are not a green tea lover, you can opt for chamomile or mint tea. Although I like black tea, I can’t recommend you to drink it to reduce stress.

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Best Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a nutritional powerhouse that provides incredible health benefits when included in your daily eating plan. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, K, vitamin B6, potassium, folate, thiamin, magnesium, niacin, copper and phosphorus, which are all essential to maintain good health. One of the best things about tomatoes is that they are naturally low in cholesterol, saturated fat, sodium and calories. You can use tomatoes in your sandwiches, salads, sauces, smoothies and soups. Read on to discover a few reasons to eat tomatoes every day.
1. Improve vision

Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C which help improve your vision and can also help prevent night blindness. A recent study shows that the high vitamin A content of tomatoes can help prevent macular degeneration, a serious eye disease. Moreover, tomatoes can lower your risk of developing cataracts. Tomatoes are also packed with the phytochemical antioxidants lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect your eyes from light damage.
2. Help fight cancer

According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, consuming more tomatoes can help combat prostate cancer. Tomatoes can also help reduce the risk of some other cancers such as stomach, lung, cervical, pharynx, mouth, throat, rectal, colon, esophagus, and ovarian cancer. That’s because tomatoes are high in the antioxidant lycopene. If you want to boost the anti-cancer benefits of tomatoes, try cooking them with olive oil.
3. Clear skin

Eating tomatoes regularly can help clear your skin and make it look perfect. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects skin from sun damage and makes your skin less sensitive to UV light, one of the causes of wrinkles and fine lines. You can use tomatoes to heal acne and rashes and minimize large pores. Rub the pulp of tomatoes on your dull skin to restore its healthy glow.

4. Reduce blood sugar levels

Tomatoes contain very little carbohydrates and they help reduce blood sugar levels. Tomatoes also contain chromium that helps control blood sugar, and fiber that helps keep the blood sugar levels from getting too high. A few studies have found that the powerful antioxidants in tomatoes protect the bloodstream and kidneys, the areas which are often affected by diabetes.
5. Promote good sleep

Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene and vitamin C that can help you sleep better. So, if you have trouble falling asleep, consider adding tomatoes to your daily diet. You can use tomatoes in your soup or salad, or add one to your smoothie.
6. Keep your bones healthy

Tomatoes contain vitamin K and calcium which help keep your bones healthy. Therefore, eating tomatoes can help strengthen and repair your bones. It has been shown that the antioxidant lycopene can also improve bone mass and help fight osteoporosis, a serious disease that can cause bone fractures, deformity, and disability.
7. Relieve chronic pain

Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory agents such as carotenoids and bioflavonoids, tomatoes can relieve chronic pain. People who frequently suffer from mild or moderate pain usually have inflammation. A research show that drinking a glass of tomato juice every day can lower blood levels of TNF-alpha that causes inflammation, by about 34 percent. Thus, tomatoes are good for people who suffer from chronic health issues such as heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer and Alzheimer’s.
8. Good for your hair

Tomatoes are also good for your hair. They are packed with vitamins and iron that help strengthen your hair and can even add shine to damaged and lifeless hair. Moreover, tomatoes have the acidity that balances the pH levels in the hair. If you have a dandruff and itchy scalp, apply fresh tomato juice on your hair and scalp after shampooing, and rinse with cold or lukewarm water after 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t use tomatoes on your hair too often because their acidity can dry out your hair.

9. Help lose weight

If you are trying to drop those unwanted pounds, make sure you include tomatoes into your everyday diet. They are low in fat and don’t contain cholesterol. Tomatoes contain plenty of fiber and water, so they will help you feel full without an unnecessary amount of calories. You can eat tomatoes raw or add them to your casseroles, salads, and other diet-friendly meals.
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Healthy Snacks to Eat On-the-Go

In this fast paced world that we live in today we are always on the go. Often we don’t have time just to sit down and eat healthy breakfast or lunch, but it doesn’t mean that you should reach for a junk food! Check out some healthy snack you can eat on-the-go.
Nuts
One of the best healthy snacks to eat on-the-go is nuts. They are tasty and a great source of protein! Take along a bag of mixed nuts, with some almonds and good Brazil nuts in the mix.
Fruits
This is a great, healthy snack for everyone! Bananas, apples, grapes and blueberries are quick to eat, taste delicious and don’t involve too much mess! Fruits are low in calories and those calories they have will be great for you! You can also peel oranges, peel and slice peaches or kiwi, cut up melon or slice off strawberries.
Veggies
Even if you don’t like veggies, they can make great snacks too! Just take along a ziploc bag full of cucumbers and broccoli, or carrots and celery. You can also add a little fat free dressing for dipping!
Granola bars
Granola bars are not the healthiest snack to eat on-the-go. The fact is that lots of granola bars are just candy bars when it comes to nutrition. But, there are some exceptions. There are healthy granola bars to eat. Just be sure to look at labels and choose one that is high in fiber and protein and lower in sugar.
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Flavorful Meals Under 200 Calories

When you are trying to lose weight or you just want to start eating healthy, it’s important to be aware of your calorie intake and pay attention to what you eat every day. Although healthful eating habits may seem dull and tiresome, there are many flavorful meals that are both delicious and low in calories. Read on.
Oatmeal with Fruit
For a healthy breakfast, it is hard to beat oatmeal. One serving of oatmeal consists of a half cup of dry oats, measured before adding water or milk, and packs around 150 calories. Adding fresh fruit such as banana, berries, or apple slices will provide not only a punch of flavor but additional nutrients. Oatmeal provides a high dose of fiber and vitamins, making it an excellent addition to a healthy eating 
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Healthy Benefits of Red Rice

Unpolished red rice has a very good source of vitamins, essential minerals and dietary fiber. Eating red rice on a regular basis is good for your immunity and your body, as it has so many benefits. Check out a few healthy benefits of eating red rice.
1. Helps to reduce blood sugar level

Being low in glycemic index, red rice helps to reduce the normal blood sugar level of your body. Plus, it helps to regulate the insulin function of your body that helps to keep diabetes under control. Red rice is a great option for people who have diabetes.
2. Lowers cholesterol

Natural red rice contains a part of bran in it that can help to reduce the bad cholesterol level in your body. Bran oil that is found in the rice can also help to lower the high level of cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart diseases. Try to eat red rice at least twice a week if you want to derive all its benefits.
3. Rich in vitamin B6

Need some more healthy benefits of red rice? Did you know that one portion of red rice has approximately 23% of vitamin B6? This plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and aids in proper functioning of every organ in your body. So make sure you have your portion of red rice twice a week.
4. Lowers the risk of obesity

Red rice can help to reduce the urge to eat and can make you feel fuller for a really long time. Moreover, red rice can provide energy to your body and aids the digestion. People who eat red rice on a daily basis, have a lower risk of obesity.
5. Helps in asthma

Since red rice is an excellent source of magnesium, which can help to regulate your normal breathing pattern, eating red rice on a regular basis will help to prevent the problem of asthma. This is one of the healthiest benefits of eating red rice!
6. Rich in antioxidants

Red rice is also packed with antioxidants, which is very beneficial for your skin. Eating red rice regularly can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your skin. Plus, red rice has skin firming properties and can also reduce the damage caused by UV rays.
7. Good for your bones

As I mentioned above, red rice is a great source of magnesium, which is very good for your bone health. Regular intake of red rice can help to prevent and relieve joint pains.
8. Rich in fiber

Being rich in fiber, red rice helps to prevent and alleviate constipation. While white rice is rich in carbs, red rice is packed with fiber. It also provides energy to your body needed for normal body functioning.
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Liven Up Your Fruit Bowl With These Exotic Delicacies

Exotic fruits are becoming more popular because of their intense flavours, health benefits and beautiful appearance. While everyone has tried pineapple and pomegranate, new and delicious fruits appear all the time. Liven up your fruit bowl with these exotic delicacies, and treat yourself to a tropical feast.
Persimmons

Persimmons, also known as kakis or sharon fruit, are originally from China and Japan. The fruit look like orange tomatoes, but are incredibly sweet when ripe. Persimmons come into season during November, and last for two or three months. Consume your fruit once they soften, and the skin turn translucent. Take care eating persimmons and kakis, as they can be very bitter unless completely ripe. Eat your persimmons fresh, or use them to make pies and jellies. The Chinese dry persimmons to guarantee a supply throughout the year.
Persimmons are rich in the vitamin A precursor betacarotene, as well as magnesium, potassium and fibre. They also contain natural polyphenol antioxidants, which may protect your body from free radicals.
In Japan, the persimmon tree is a symbol of winter. Its leaves drop during the fall, leaving the beautiful fruit to ripen on bare branches.

Mangosteens

Known as the queen of fruits, the mangosteen is a delicious tropical treat from Indonesia. It looks like a small purple apple with a crown of green leaves. Break open your fruit when its inedible rind goes slightly soft. Inside is a ring of white fruit segments that looks like a tangerine. Mangosteen is both sweet and tart, and tastes somewhere between a peach and a pineapple.

Mangosteens have gained something of a reputation as a superfruit. This is because their rind contains antioxidant chemicals called xanthones. These are effective antioxidants in the laboratory, but as yet nobody has proved that they have any effect on us when eaten. When you eat fresh mangosteens you can’t eat the rind anyway. Mangosteens are worth buying for their intense flavour, rather than for any possible health benefits.

Mangosteens are known as the queen of fruits because Queen Victoria once offered a huge reward to anyone who could bring her one.

Guava

The guava is a small tree or shrub from the tropical Americas. It produces oval fruit up to four inches long that are green, yellow or red when ripe. Some people find the rich scent of ripe guava fruit overpowering. It can fill a room and hang around for days! Wait until your guavas are soft to the touch before eating them. Remove the ends and the thin skin with a potato peeler. Eat the remaining white or pink rind and the seeds in the centre. Consume guavas fresh, or use them to make fruit salads, smoothies and jellies. In Asia, people dip them in chilli powder and salt.

Guavas are high in fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C and folic acid. One guava contains four times as much vitamin C as an orange. They are also excellent sources of mineral such as potassium and copper. Guavas with pink flesh also contain polyphenols and carotenoids, which may have healthy, antioxidant properties.
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Healthy Snacks to Trick Your Sweet Tooth

We all deserve a sweet treat every now and then, but if you are on a diet it’s important to learn how to trick your sweet tooth! In fact, there are many tasty foods out there that can help satiate your desire for sweets, you just need to get creative! So, ladies, if you have a bunch of sweet teeth like me, here are a few tasty and healthy snacks to trick your sweet tooth!

Cocoa dusted almonds
If you like chocolate, this healthy snack is a must try! Take 2 tablespoons agave syrup, 2 cups whole raw almonds, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 teaspoons sea salt. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Combine agave syrup, sea salt and almonds in a large bowl. Mix together with a rubber spatula, fully coating the almonds. Spread the almonds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. Take the almonds out of the oven and place them back in the bowl, add cocoa powder and toss to coat. Let them cool and store them in an airtight container!
Tea
Perhaps you think that I’m crazy for suggesting tea as a sweet treat, right? But if you make it right, it will be a sweet treat that can fully satisfy your cravings! There are many different types of teas, but make sure you choose only naturally sweet tea or you can sweeten your tea with stevia or honey. I also like to add almond milk. Adding sweetener or milk to your tea makes a big difference! Slowing sipping tea is nutritious, calming and it tastes great!
Dark chocolate coconut water
Coconut water is a very nutritious drink that contains high amounts of potassium, which is needed to aid in proper hydration. There are people who like the flavor of it, but I don’t. However, recently I tried dark chocolate flavored coconut water, and I really like it! It’s chocolaty without being overly heavy or thick and it can help to trick your sweet tooth.
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