Top 10 Health Foods for Men

Eating healthy is not always easy. Finding healthy foods that are quick and easy can be a challenge for men who are always on the go. Men who want to stay fit and look their best can count on these top health foods to help keep them at the top of their game.

Avocados

In moderation, avocados add a healthy dose of good fat to your diet. An ideal health food for men, avocados are rich in sterols, a compound shown to help reduce cholesterol. Not to mention, avocados actually provide more potassium per ounce than bananas. According to the USDA, a diet rich in potassium may help men maintain healthy blood pressure.

Cinnamon

It's hard to resist the sweet smell of cinnamon, but this flavorful spice offers health benefits to men as well. Some studies have shown that as little as ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cinnamon a day can lower blood sugar and bad LDL cholesterol. Cinnamon is also a good source of fiber. Cinnamon contains natural chemicals that naturally help prevent blood platelets from clumping together and forming clots. Cinnamon has also been shown to help stimulate creativity.

Bran

This wonderful grain is an essential health food in any man's diet. The fiber in bran can help reduce cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease. Bran can also help regulate blood sugar and reduce constipation.

Tomatoes

Naturally full of lycopene, tomatoes are a wonderful health food for men. Lycopene has been shown to help fight Prostrate cancer as well as provide plenty of other antioxidant benefits.

Berries

A great health food for men, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries offer many benefits. From fiber to natural plant derived compounds called anthocyanins, berries can help keep blood sugar balanced. They are also rich in antioxidants which can help reduce a man's risk of heart disease and cancer. For the greatest health benefit, choose fresh berries over juices. Strawberries also contain a high amount of Vitamin C.

Beets

Naturally sweet, beets contain high amounts of folate and betatine. Each of these nutrients naturally work as a team to help reduce inflammation in arteries and risk of heart attack. Beets should be eaten raw as they lose some of their antioxidant power when cooked.

Cabbage

A great source of fiber, cabbage is an essential health food for men. Low in calories, yet filling, cabbage can add interesting flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. Cabbage contains a variety of nutrients as well as sulphoraphane which has been found to have anti-cancer properties.

Yogurt

This men's health food offers immune building benefits. Yogurt naturally contains good bacteria and is believed to help boost production of immune system compounds to help individuals become more resistant to viruses.

Shellfish

This top health food for men serve as a good source of healthy omega-3 fats known to reduce the risk of heart disease. Shellfish are also rich in zinc and copper and selenium.

Sweet Potatoes

The healthier choice, sweet potatoes are a healthier option than a standard white potato. This men's health food is packed with nutrients like beta carotene and Vitamin C. Diets rich in these minerals have shown to increase survival from prostate cancer when compared to diets that had little of these nutrients.

A diet rich in these top health foods for men as well as other fruits and vegetables can help men feel healthier. This information does not substitute for the advice and regular visits to the doctor. It should not be used to alter medical therapy without first consulting with a medical practitioner.

Sources:

Reader's Digest, Magic Foods, The Readers Digest Association, 2007

www.usda.gov

www.mypyramid.gov
www.menshealth.com

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/benefits/nutrient_guide.html