Snacking on Superfoods: Eat Almonds
You’ve probably heard that almonds are a healthy snack, but you may not be aware of just how great for your health they really are. Almonds are positively packed with protein, which is vital for building lean muscle. They’re also full of nutrients that are essential for male reproductive health, including zinc and selenium.
But the benefits don’t stop there; the vitamin E in almonds has been strongly correlated to cardiovascular health, as well. Almonds also have a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which you already know are excellent for lowering your bad cholesterol levels.
Spinach: Popeye Had Something Figured Out
As it turns out, spinach is great for men over 40. It may not instantly give you bulging forearms, but it’s full of essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium, and it contains a very respectable dose of lutein, which may help boost vascular health.
The nutrients in spinach have also been correlated with reduced prostate and colon cancer risk, increased bone density, and better blood flow to the extremities, including your genitals, which may aid in better overall sexual performance. Oh, and spinach juice might not sound that appetizing, but its mild flavor actually mixes quite well with just about any type of juice concoction you can whip up in your Vitamix. Try an entire meal replacement made of a banana, half an avocado, 3-4 ounces of low-fat coconut milk, and a big handful of spinach: you’ll love the flavor.
Pass Me the Sweet Potatoes
Not to be confused with its cousin the yam, sweet potatoes are a must-have on any manly menu. Why sweet potatoes? For starters, 4 ounces of sweet potatoes contains all the beta carotene you need for an entire day. They’re also rich in iron and vitamins C and E. They’re an excellent post-workout snack, too, as their nutrients speed muscle recovery and prevent cellular damage.
If your only exposure to this wonderful tuber involves Thanksgiving and a pile of marshmallows, rest assured that there are plenty of other appetizing ways to consume them. You can brush them with omega-3-rich olive oil and make baked fries, mix them into your award-winning 5-alarm chili recipe, or even juice them – you’ll be quite surprised to get first-hand knowledge of how high they are in liquid contents.
Balance Is Key When It Comes to Superfoods
The problem with superfoods (the ones on this list included) is that some people take the “super” designation as a mandate to eat as much of them as possible. Could you survive on almonds and spinach? Maybe, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Variety is the spice of life, after all.
These foods should definitely be included in your diet, but don’t go wild on them, especially to the point of removing other important things from your diet. There are plenty of other great foods that belong on your plate as well, like eggs, salmon, collard greens, broccoli, turkey breast, Chinese cabbage, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, oatmeal… you get the picture.
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[Photo Via: EasyVeganMeals]