Health Facts for Men

Factors affecting men's health include a balance of proper diet, nutrition and exercise. The nutritional needs of men are different than that of women. Unique health concerns for men require a more unique vitamin and mineral combination.

The life-span of the average man is about five years less than the average woman for several reasons. Typically, men have higher stress levels and are more reluctant to seek medical attention. Also, men usually participate in more rigorous activities than women.

There are essential changes a man can make in his eating habits that could significantly increase his overall health. Foods rich in magnesium are good for your bowels. Raisins, soybeans, beets and dates are excellent sources. A man should have five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Fiber is essential and men should include 25 grams of fiber in their daily diet.

Whole grains, soybeans, grapefruit and artichokes are good sources. Whole grains are important to your health. Bread labeled "100% whole wheat/grain" is the best source. "multi-grain" isn't necessarily whole grain. USDA recommends eating at least three servings of whole grains a day.

Folate is a good cancer fighter. Orange juice, spinach and other leafy green vegetables are good sources. Folate is good for your arteries and blood pressure.

Tomatoes are not only good for the heart, but also lower the risk of arterial aging, heart disease, stroke, memory loss, impotence and even wrinkling of the skin. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a known cancer fighter, and the skin contains most of this nutrient. Furthermore, the lycopene is increased when the tomatoes are cooked.

Nuts are good for your heart, containing essential omega 3's. Almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts are good sources. Baby aspirins are good for your circulation and help your skin but have some potential risks if you have a sensitive stomach. Men over the age of 35 should take two baby aspirins a day.

Tilapia, salmon, flounder, cod and mahi-mahi, are great choices for fish and men should eat a serving of these fish three times per week. Hydration is important for better bowel function and can actually cut down on wrinkles by hydrating your skin. Red wine contains rezveritrol, an antioxidant found in the skin of the grapes.

Coffee, in moderate amounts, is actually good for you, reducing liver cancer and effective with symptoms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Vitamin D, is a cancer-fighting agent which we can easily get from the sun. But in the winter months a glass of milk or fortified orange juice is a good practice.

Men do not have periods, have babies, or go through menopause the way women do and women don't have prostate issues which are unique to men. Men and women have different health needs and each should focus on the nutritional needs of their particular gender.

The recent diet craze, "What Would Jesus Eat?", which focuses on the early Mediterranean diet, has been yeilding some very positive results. Jesus Christ, the greatest role model of all, was a carpender before beginning His ministry. Without modern tools, it was a physically demanding occupation. He traveled by foot over long distances and must have been in good physical condition.

It's a documented fact that the Savior ate meat and drank wine, but only on occation. When traveling, Jesus and the disciples ate what they found along their journey such as nuts, figs, pomogranetes, dates, or grain.

Therefore, when deciding what to eat, for the sake of your health, ask yourself, what would Jesus eat? Or better yet, ask Him.

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1Peter 5:7)