So food tastes good. We know that. But hold your taste buds hostage for a moment and consider that food can be, you know, good for other parts of you, too. Why stop at just the tasty stuff when there’re a whole slew of readily-available foods so beneficial for you that they’re the heroes of food-dom? Make way for the superfoods!
Almonds
Some of the most beneficial nuts to men—there’s a joke in there somewhere—almonds are high in protein, fiber and vitamin E. According to Men’s Fitness, they’re also great for your heart, digestive system and skin. Men’s Health adds that almonds can help curb your appetite and boost brain function: “Researchers from Georgia Southern University found that eating a high-protein, high-fat snack, such as almonds, increases your calorie burn for up to 3 and a half hours (…) And just one ounce of almonds boosts vitamin-E levels, increasing memory and cognitive performance, according to researchers at New York Presbyterian Hospital.”
Green tea
With green tea now being recognized as a superfood (or super drink, I guess), it’s become much more readily available in even the most common of supermarkets. Which is great, seeing as these teenie leaves are known to aid in both weight loss and cancer prevention, as well as slowing the development of Alzheimer’s, according to Men’s Health. But it may do even more than that for men, as reported by Everyday Health: “Research suggests that green tea can help protect against prostate cancer. The benefits of consuming green tea doesn’t stop there though, it also helps lower cholesterol and even improves memory and attention spans.”
Oysters
Shellfish in general are beneficial to men’s health, but oysters particularly so. “Shellfish and other types of seafood are rich in zinc,” WebMD says, “which is critically important for the heart, muscles, and reproductive system. Zinc levels below normal are linked to poor sperm quality and male infertility.” BodyBuilding.com adds that “two to three of these [oysters] can provide a full day’s supply of zinc.” With oysters so ready to naturally boost your testosterone, you’ll find indulging occasionally will help your stress management and energy reserves by association.
Salmon
Fatty fish are an excellent choice for any healthy diet with their omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to help protect against heart disease, “the top killer of men in the U. S.” according to WebMD. “Two servings of fatty fish a week can lower your chances of dying from heart disease.” Salmon, however, is the king of these little fishies. “Bone, nerve and blood cell health are all promoted by the vitamin D and vitamin B12 found in salmon,” Men Lifestyle said. “The fish variety also offers niacin and omega 3s, which convert carbohydrates to energy and prevent heart disease and stroke.”
Orange Foods
I know, weird to read, right? But we’re not talking about tangerine-flavored Tootsie Roll pops. Instead, naturally orange (or orange-ish) foods like carrots, pumpkins, red bell peppers and sweet potatoes are great choices. “Orange vegetables are an excellent source of beta-carotene, lutein and vitamin C,” says WebMD. “These nutrients may lower your odds of developing an enlarged prostate, according to a large study.” But if you could choose only one orange food to go for, it would have to be sweet potatoes. According to Men’s Fitness, sweet potatoes are rife with vitamins A, B6, and C, “which support immune and central nervous system function, sweet potatoes are also packed with beta-carotene that is believed to prevent cancer and heart disease as well as stabilize blood sugar. Copper, iron, manganese, and potassium found in the vegetable are responsible for increasing energy and enhancing bone health.”
