| Everyone knows that a balanced diet full of fresh | | | | Blueberries |
| vegetables and fruits, complex carbohydrates, low-fat | | | | A blueberry is often coined a superfood, or a food that |
| proteins, and low-fat dairy foods will ensure a healthy, | | | | has health benefits beyond just nutritional value. |
| long life. But did you know there are several foods that | | | | Blueberries contain many antioxidants and are low on |
| have proven to provide many health benefits including | | | | the glycemic index (less sugar). A small serving of |
| longevity in life? | | | | blueberries contains high levels of vitamins C and K, B3, |
| Spinach | | | | manganese, and fiber. Other superfoods include the |
| Most foods that help to improve life expectancy are | | | | acai berry, broccoli, and oats. |
| high in antioxidants. Antioxidants fight against free | | | | Green Tea |
| radicals (harmful elements in the environment form the | | | | Studies show that green tea not only acts as a |
| sun, wind, and pollution) that destroy cells and | | | | powerful antioxidant, but also increases metabolism. |
| essentially wear down the body. Think of antioxidants | | | | With a single cup of green tea every day, you will |
| as internal filters that protect cells from breaking down. | | | | work to keep your waist line in check. By controlling |
| Green leafy vegetables such as spinach are high in | | | | weight, the risks of heart disease and diabetes are |
| vitamins A and C, which are both considered | | | | decreased. Other benefits of green tea include |
| antioxidants. Raw, uncooked vegetables will always | | | | cholesterol control and cancer prevention. |
| give you more nutritional bang, but steamed broccoli is | | | | Kidney Beans |
| still a powerful food. Find a way to incorporate spinach | | | | High in protein, kidney beans help to detoxify your body |
| into your salads, sandwiches, and side dishes regularly. | | | | of sulfites and also provide a healthy source of fiber. |
| Flax seeds | | | | Fiber leaves you feeling full, which will help control |
| Flax seeds contain the essential fatty acid, Omega 3, | | | | weight, and helps maintain digestive and overall health. |
| which is a critical component to cellular health. | | | | Other low-fat, high-protein beans include black beans, |
| Additionally, Omega 3 reduces risk of stroke, heart | | | | pinto beans, and navy beans. |
| disease, certain cancers, arthritis, and some brain | | | | Bonus Treats |
| illnesses. Fish and eggs are high in Omega 3, but flax | | | | Other excellent foods that are proven to provide |
| seed oil has up to six times more Omega 3 than other | | | | health benefits include dark chocolate, red wine, and |
| sources. Flax seeds can be added to a home made | | | | coffee. While all of these foods should be eaten or |
| trail mix or flax seed oil can be purchased for a tasty | | | | drank in moderation, they serve as good food options |
| salad dressing. | | | | when it is time to indulge. |
| Nuts | | | | This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu North |
| Almonds and walnuts are particularly good for your | | | | America. Le Cordon Bleu North America offers Le |
| health because they are packed full of omega 3, | | | | Cordon Bleu culinary education classes and culinary |
| antioxidants, folic acid, selenium, and copper. Nuts are | | | | training programs across the United States. To learn |
| an excellent source of protein and healthy fat too. | | | | more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu |
| Studies show that nuts work to maintain | | | | for more information. |
| cardiovascular health and help control weight. Toss a | | | | The jobs mentioned are examples of certain potential |
| few nuts on your salad or take a handful as an | | | | jobs, not a representation that these outcomes are |
| afternoon snack, and you can’t go wrong. | | | | more probable than others. |