Food to Boost Men’s Health
A guide to understanding different types of food that men need to consume to have a healthy lifestyle.
Men vs women
How different are men to women? It can be argued that physical appearance aside, there are subtle differences between men and women when it comes to their nutritional needs. Just as women need certain nutrients during pregnancy or prevention of breast cancers, men also need particular nutrients that can help them maintain body weight and muscle, prevent prostate cancer and more. Besides getting regular exercises, a healthy diet plan that consists of specific foods are important for men to boost their immune system and stay healthy.
Fruits as snack
Berries and cherries are delicious in nature, but they are also healthy. Berries have over 4, 000 different compounds that have antioxidant properties beyond vitamin C, while cherry pigments contain anthocyanin – anti-inflammatory, which is powerful against gout; a disease common among men. Berries can also enhance brain function and help combat the decline related to ageing.
Bananas are a great portable source of quick energy after consumption, and they are also rich in potassium and magnesium. This will aid in strengthening the bones as well as regulate nerves, heartbeat and lower blood pressure levels. Besides banana, orange juice, milk, and beans are also a good source of dietary potassium.
Shellfish for protein source
Shellfish are low-fat, low-calorie, high-protein foods that are beneficial in every diet. However, men are more likely to benefit from eating oysters, clams, and shrimp due to zinc which is found abundantly in them. Zinc is involved in protecting cellular damage that leads to prostate cancer. Zinc also enhances the sexual functioning of the male reproductive system, including increased sperm counts.
Cereal for fibre source
Most men concentrate more on carbs in their diet, but they tend to have the wrong kind. One way of getting more fiber, vitamins and minerals is by having a diet rich with whole grains. For example, nutritious cereals, oatmeal, barley all contain soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels, and are also good for the prostate. Other sources include apples, pears and beans.
Healthy fat
Any healthy diet requires fat, but the healthy kind. Fatty fish are the safest to consume because they have omega-3 fatty acids. They can benefit the heart, circulation, and immune system, besides reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Fish such as salmon, sardines, and tuna are rich with omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamin D which can help prevent diabetes, high blood pressure and bone disease.