Six Foods That Could Make You Live Longer

Everyone knows that a balanced diet full of fresh vegetables and fruits, complex carbohydrates, low-fat proteins, and low-fat dairy foods will ensure a healthy, long life. But did you know there are several foods that have proven to provide many health benefits including longevity in life?

Spinach

Most foods that help to improve life expectancy are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants fight against free radicals (harmful elements in the environment form the sun, wind, and pollution) that destroy cells and essentially wear down the body. Think of antioxidants as internal filters that protect cells from breaking down.

Green leafy vegetables such as spinach are high in vitamins A and C, which are both considered antioxidants. Raw, uncooked vegetables will always give you more nutritional bang, but steamed broccoli is still a powerful food. Find a way to incorporate spinach into your salads, sandwiches, and side dishes regularly.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds contain the essential fatty acid, Omega 3, which is a critical component to cellular health. Additionally, Omega 3 reduces risk of stroke, heart disease, certain cancers, arthritis, and some brain illnesses. Fish and eggs are high in Omega 3, but flax seed oil has up to six times more Omega 3 than other sources. Flax seeds can be added to a home made trail mix or flax seed oil can be purchased for a tasty salad dressing.

Nuts

Almonds and walnuts are particularly good for your health because they are packed full of omega 3, antioxidants, folic acid, selenium, and copper. Nuts are an excellent source of protein and healthy fat too. Studies show that nuts work to maintain cardiovascular health and help control weight. Toss a few nuts on your salad or take a handful as an afternoon snack, and you can’t go wrong.

Blueberries

A blueberry is often coined a superfood, or a food that has health benefits beyond just nutritional value. Blueberries contain many antioxidants and are low on the glycemic index (less sugar). A small serving of blueberries contains high levels of vitamins C and K, B3, manganese, and fiber. Other superfoods include the acai berry, broccoli, and oats.

Green Tea

Studies show that green tea not only acts as a powerful antioxidant, but also increases metabolism. With a single cup of green tea every day, you will work to keep your waist line in check. By controlling weight, the risks of heart disease and diabetes are decreased. Other benefits of green tea include cholesterol control and cancer prevention.

Kidney Beans

High in protein, kidney beans help to detoxify your body of sulfites and also provide a healthy source of fiber. Fiber leaves you feeling full, which will help control weight, and helps maintain digestive and overall health. Other low-fat, high-protein beans include black beans, pinto beans, and navy beans.

Bonus Treats

Other excellent foods that are proven to provide health benefits include dark chocolate, red wine, and coffee. While all of these foods should be eaten or drank in moderation, they serve as good food options when it is time to indulge.

This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu North America. Le Cordon Bleu North America offers Le Cordon Bleu culinary education classes and culinary training programs across the United States. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu for more information.

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Which Cooking Oil Is Good For Your Health

Everyone knows the foods to eat that improve health,although how we cook the food can be just as important.With there being so many oils and butter products claiming to be the best, it can be quite difficult to know which ones to use and which ones to avoid.
1. Canola oil
Canola oil is a popular oil,with many physicians claiming that it has the ability to lower the risk of heart disease. The oil is low in saturated fat,high in monounsaturated fat, and offers the best fatty acid composition when compared to other oils.
You can use canola oil in sauting, as a marinade and even in low temperature stir frying. It has
a bland flavor, which makes it a great oil for foods that contain many spices. Unlike other oils, this
one won’t interfere with the taste of your meal.
2. Olive oil
Olive oil offers a very distinct flavor with plenty of heart healthy ingedients. The oil is rich in
monounsaturated fat, helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce risk of cancer. It’s also rich
in antioxidants and has a very long storage life.
Even though it can be used in cooking, it’s the healthiest when uncooked, such as with a salad or
dipping sauce. When you use it with cooking, you should heat it on low to medium temperatures, making sure to avoid high heat.
3. Butter
Butter is one food that has been around for many,many years. Butter tastes good, and offers sources
of Vitamin A and other fat soluble vitamins such as E, K, and even D. Butter is also made from natural ingredients and not chemically or artificially processed.
You can use butter with cooking, baking, or even as a spread. You can also pair it with creamy sauces,marinades, baked dishes, or even bread.
4. Margarine
Margarine was first introduced as an alternative to high fat butter.

When it was first created however,
it was loaded with trans fat, a substance that we now know raises bad cholesterol.
As a cooking oil, margarine tastes good, it’s lower in fat than most oils and butter, and it’s quite easy to spread. It’s available in a variety of different products and a good source of vitamin E.
When it comes to cooking with oils, there are several at your disposal. There are many more than
what is mentioned here, although the ones above are the most popular. Eating healthy involves cooking healthy food – which is where your cooking oil really takes center stage.