8 Healthy Foods for Women

We've all heard about how important it is to eat healthy foods in order to lose weight and to be healthy.  And for women, losing and maintaining a healthy body weight can be a challenge.  Fortunately, there are some foods that can help give you that extra help to not only assist you in losing weight, but to also benefit your overall health, such as reducing your risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.  These foods also taste good, so you can enjoy the process of getting healthy.

Eggs

Unfortunately, eggs have received a bad reputation over quite a number of years.  New research shows, however, that eggs are actually good for you and the good far outweighs the bad when it comes to eggs.  First of all, eggs are a great source of protein, which can help you gain the muscle that you need to get the toned, fit look when combined with a strength training program.  They also contain vitamin A, potassium, folic acid, choline, and biotin.  Many people have avoided eggs because of fears about cholesterol; however, eggs contain healthy fat and the body needs healthy fats.  Eggs also increase the good, HDL Cholesterol (High-Density- Lipoprotein).  And, don't believe the myth that you should just eat the whites.  You would be missing out on the full benefits of eating eggs since the yolk is where a lot of the vitamins and nutrients are found. 

Greek Yogurt

There is good reason for why the popularity of Greek Yogurt has gone up recently.  Greek yogurt usually contains twice the amount of protein as regular yogurt and less sugar in the same serving and for the same number of calories.  It also contains good bacteria that aid in proper digestion, as regular yogurt does.  Greek yogurt can also be used in a variety of different recipes to add flavor and protein to your dishes.  Warning: Always check the fats section on the food label.  Some Greek Yogurt brands are higher in fat than others, particularly "bad" saturated fats, that can raise your risk for heart disease.  Opt for a brand with the lowest amount of overall fats, especially saturated fat.   

Salmon

Seafood fan?  If not, it's time to become one!  Salmon is loaded with protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and Omega-3 Fatty Acid.  Both Vitamin D and Omega-3 are powerful promoters of weight loss and should be included in your diet daily.  Salmon's other health benefits range from lowering your risks of developing a variety of diseases to promoting heart health to strengthening your muscles. 

Oatmeal

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.  And, believe it or not, one of the best foods that can help prevent this is oatmeal.  Oatmeal has been shown to lower cholesterol.  It is rich in soluble fiber, which helps to inhibit the body's absorption of LDL, low-density-lipoprotein, the "bad" cholesterol. It can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure, also a benefit of its high fiber content.  It is full of antioxidants that fight off free radicals that attack the good cholesterol, HDL, High-Density-Lipoprotein and prevents arteries from hardening.  Oatmeal can also help to prevent weight gain and promotes weight loss, because it can help you feel full longer due to its high fiber content. 

Flaxseed

Every woman should also be including flaxseed into her diet as well.  There is evidence that flaxseed can help to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.  That is incredible for such tiny seeds!  Its primary health benefits come from Omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber.  Ways to eat flaxseed: put it in other foods such as in your Greek Yogurt with fruit.  Make flaxseed muffins.  Or try mixing it in with peanut butter and cinnamon. 

Olive Oil

Replacing your other sources of fat, such as butter and margarine, with olive oil could be one of the best decisions that you can make for your heart health and overall health.  Olive oil, one of the key elements in the heart-healthy, Mediterranean diet, contains good fat.  Residents of Greece have one of the lowest incidence of death by heart disease in the world!  And olive oil is one of their main sources of fats.  Often they will dip their whole-grain breads in olive oil with their meal and also use it for cooking.  Combined with a diet filled with antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, olive oil is a great way to get your daily fats and to keep your heart healthy.

Blueberries  

Often listed as one of the world's greatest "Superfoods," blueberries are delicious, little treats that are also rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, and are also low in calories – around 83 calories a cup.  Ways that you can eat them: all on their own, toss some frozen ones in a whey protein shake, combine them with some fat free cool-whip for a healthy dessert, or put them in oatmeal pancakes for breakfast (hold the syrup).   

Sweet Potatoes

Where to begin?  This food has so many great things about it.  And not to mention....it tastes like dessert!  Sweet potatoes are high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Manganese, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory nutrients, fiber, and blood sugar regulating nutrients.  The health benefits of sweet potatoes range from promoting proper thyroid health and digestive health to reducing your risks for all kinds of cancers and heart disease.  These are highly recommended as a part of a weight loss, diet plan as well because they make you feel full, while giving your body a large variety of nutrients that it needs. 

Disclaimer: "All content in this article is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and is not meant to provide medical advice, treatment, or to diagnose.  The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment.  Always seek the advice of your doctor before making changes to your lifestyle, diet, health routine, or treatment."