We’ve all heard the common adage; you are what you eat. Food is fuel for your body, but it doesn’t just provide us with energy. Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria, which influence everything from our genes to our mood. Nourishing your body with the right nutrition can positively impact your health, magnifying your glow from the inside, out!
Here are 8 foods to help you get your glow on:
1. Alaskan salmon is a great natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which positively impact your cardiac, brain, eye and joint health, reduce inflammation, facilitate optimal nervous system function. The risk of wild Alaskan salmon accumulating high amounts of mercury and other toxins is reduced because of its short life cycle. Alaskan salmon is not allowed to be farmed, so is therefore always wild-caught. The soft bones in a small tin of salmon also contains as much calcium as a cup of milk.
2. Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fats, with a relatively high proportion of omega 3’s, which the body cannot make itself. Walnuts are also a great source of Vitamins B6 and E, as well as zinc, which is essential for healing and combating infection.
3. Oysters boast some impressive health benefits and are a substantial source of minerals and vitamins, including B vitamins, zinc and selenium, known for their role in healthy skin and immune function, as well as wound healing.
4. Unstabilised rolled oats contain a form of prebiotic fibre, or resistance starch, that ‘feeds’ the beneficial bacteria in your gut. A healthier digestive system produces more short chain fatty acids, which can improve overall metabolic health.
5. Blueberries are not only delicious, they’re also a rich source of fibre and antioxidant nutrients, which protect your body from the free radicals that contribute to aging and disease. Oxidative damage to our cells is part of the mechanism behind aging and the development of many diseases. Antioxidants, such as those found in blueberries, can help to neutralise some of this damage.
6. Seaweed (nori, kelp, wakame, kombu) is a great source of tyrosine and iodine, supporting your thyroid gland in production of hormones that facilitate metabolic function, energy, growth and cellular repair. It can also be a good source of omega-3 fats and a wide variety of beneficial antioxidants, to protect your cells from damage and help you glow.
7. Asparagus is high in folate, which helps to produce the happiness hormones, dopamine and serotonin. It’s also a great source of fibre, supporting a healthy microbiome and helping your friendly gut bacteria to thrive.
8. Pomegranates contain many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as being a great source of fibre. Pomegranates also contain compounds that promote our defence against harmful bacteria and fungi – in particular, germs in the mouth that can cause tooth decay and bad breath.
Last, but not least, don’t neglect your water intake. Your body is composed of around 60% water. Fluid losses are continuous, via breathing, urine, perspiration and stool, so it must be replenished throughout the day. Without adequate water, you risk interfering with digestion, transport of nutrients, circulation and your temperature – so drink up!
For more of my nutrition tips, visit AstonRX.com.
