Top 10 Foods for Men

Wednesday September 24, 2008 17:27 | 3,788 views

Men and women have different biological structures and needs. Hence, they need different food to keep them healthy. The truth is, men know exactly which foods to eat and which ones to avoid. The only problem is that temptation is too delicious to resist.

However, if you can’t help eating, then at least, eat right. You’ll be surprised that some of the most healthful foods for men are readily available. Here are ten of them.

10. Tomato Sauce

If you love eating tomatoes, tomato sauce or pizza covered with lots of it, you may be doing yourself a favour. Harvard researchers who studied the eating habits of over 47,000 male health professionals found that men who ate tomato sauce up to four times a week has 35 percent lower risk of getting prostate cancer than those who ate none. This is said to be caused by lycopene, a carotenoid that tomatoes have in abundance. However, it must be noted that lycopene is best absorbed when cooked. Thus, eating pizza might be healthier than gorging on fresh tomatoes after all.

9. Berries and Cherries

Berries and cherries are not just delicious; they are healthy, too, especially the blue, violet and red ones. These little tastebud-pleasers contain a truckload of anthocyanin, a health-protecting flavonoid. You will be surprised to know that these little wonders do not just contain vitamin C but also more than 4,000 different compounds that all have antioxidant properties.

Aside from fighting diseases, they may even slow down the decline in some of brain functions that accompany aging. In fact, they can even enhance brain function and keep it healthy. There is also no need to be worried about your weight because these are low-calorie fruits. So make sure you have strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and cherries in your diet.

8. Bananas

Yes, B-A-N-A-N-A-S! If you want a great source of energy, bananas are what you need. Aside from that, bananas can help your body regulate heartbeat, nerves and above all, blood pressure because of their high potassium content. Potassium-rich diets can reduce the risk of stroke.

Not only that, the mighty banana is also a rich source of vitamin B-6, just what you need to aid your immune system, maintain your nervous system, assist protein metabolism and form red blood cells. From now on, make sure you get to have one banana a day to keep health problems away.

7. Broccoli

It has been proven that virtually all vegetables can help you maintain and enhance your health. However, you may find cruciferous vegetable like broccoli more beneficial and helpful than the others. Many men today suffer from serious heart diseases and certain types of cancers. Broccoli can help you prevent from developing such diseases and complications because it is loaded with beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin C and sulphoraphane, a phytochemical that can fight cancer of the colon and prostate.

A recent Harvard study also found that participants who had five servings of cruciferous veggies a week were 50 percent less likely to develop bladder cancer, which affects three times as many men as women, than those who had none. If you’re not a broccoli fan, try cabbage, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.

6. Watermelon

Up to the age of 55, more men develop high blood pressure than do women. Studies suggest that in order to reduce the risk of stroke and high blood pressure, we should eat foods that are rich in potassium. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration allowed food labels to indicate a health claim that potassium rich foods can battle high blood pressure.

Watermelon is a great source of potassium. If you think bananas should be the poster-fruit of foods rich in this mineral, you are wrong. A single slice of watermelon has more potassium than a banana. Not to mention that watermelon may be the most refreshing fruit there is in the world.

5. Peanut Butter

Believe it or not, your favourite filling when you were a kid is exactly what you need to have a healthy heart now that you’re not so young. Remember that heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women, but men fall victim at a much earlier age. A study by Pennsylvania State University researchers revealed that AHA (American Heart Association) Step II Diet based on peanuts can lower bad cholesterol in the body without decreasing the good cholesterol.

But that’s not the only wonders that peanuts can do. The study also showed that peanuts caused a drop in triglycerides, a blood fat. Although peanut butter is a bit higher in fat, it is monounsaturated fat, the type that is good for you. A peanut diet is believed to reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s time to go nutty!

4. Fatty Fish

Speaking of fats, besides peanut butter, fatty fish can be a great source of polyunsaturated fats called omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are not the type that you should be scared of. In fact, they can help you maintain a good circulation, heart and immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids are strong anti-inflammatory foods that can reduce pains and aches in athletes and provide relief with certain types of arthritis.

Whether it’s salmon, tuna, sardines, herring or mackerel, fatty fish are also a good source of vitamin D, which can prevent high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancer and bone disease. Make sure that you get to have your dose of omega-3 and vitamin D by eating fish twice weekly .

3. Garlic

Garlic is one of the most healthful herbs on the planet. It is very well-known as a great source of antioxidants, which can help prevent aging. Antioxidants literally keep cells from “ageing” or “rusting,” which we see as wrinkles. But that’s not why garlic is on this list. Garlic is packed with so much beneficial nutrients including calcium, zinc and B vitamins.

Aside from that, garlic has always been best-known for its anti-bacterial properties, which is why it can help you fight colds and flu. But wait, there’s more. Garlic can also help you maintain a healthy heart and circulation. It also ac ts as an anti-coagulant in the blood, destroying cancerous cells and reducing the risk of strokes. To get the full benefits of garlic, it is recommended to eat it raw. Don’t forget to brush your teeth afterwards to get rid of that nasty, pungent smell.

2. Eggs

Why do people love eggs so much? The answer is pretty obvious — It is so easy to cook. But it is so damn nutritious, too. Eggs are exactly what you need if you want a first-class protein source. You can easily turn a regular breakfast into a healthful, high-protein one by adding eggs (scrambled or sunny-side-up, your choice). For example, eggs on wholegrain toast can balance the levels of sugar in your blood. It will certainly sustain you much longer that jam.

However, if you are have problems with the cholesterol content of eggs, you should limit your intake to three a week. Moreover, eggs have choline, which is essential in keeping a good memory, and lutein and zeaxabthin, which can prevent cataracts from developing as well as muscular degeneration.

1. Oysters

Oysters are not just an effective aphrodisiac, they are incredibly healthful, too. A few oysters are what you need to supply your body with enough zinc, an antioxidant mineral, for a full day. How important is zinc? Well, it is involved in HUNDREDS of processes that take place in your body. These vital processes range from DNA production to cell repairs. Research also shows that adequate amount of zinc may protect your body against cellular damage.

Aside from that, zinc enhances sexual functioning, increases sperm count and helps in the development of the male reproductive system and its organs. Truly, oysters are THE food for men.

So the next time you take a trip to the supermarket, make sure you pick these top foods. Make these a part of your regular meals and live a healthier life. Who knows? You may even be adding life to your years and years to your life!