We are what we eat. Food has a tremendous effect on our overall health.  Whole foods promote health and protect the body from disease due to all their nutrients and antioxidants.  These amazing compounds are usually not found in processed foods. I am a believer that food can be the best medicine in some instances. 

Think back to our ancestors, they did not have medicines or pharmacies to rely on.  They used plants and foods they could find naturally as forms of their medicine.   In modern times, sometimes medications that are good for us have adverse side effects. Medicine does have its purpose and many of us have benefited from it.

Eating wholesome food is important. Two of the reasons are it can keep your heart healthy, and it can help fight chronic inflammation.  A balanced, nutritious diet can promote heart health.  There are 15 heart healthy foods recommended.  There are many causes of chronic inflammation.  Food can also help this situation.  Ten foods are on this list.

Six Special Foods

The six foods that appear on both lists promote diets that reduce risks and promote well-being.  Since they are on both lists, wouldn’t we want to make these foods a major part of our diet? These six special foods are:

• Salmon and fatty fish
• Spinach and dark leaf greens
• Nuts such as almonds and walnuts (natural, not roasted in unhealthy oils)
• Berries such as blue, black and raspberries
• Avocado
• Green Tea

Personally, I want to live a long, healthy life.  That is the basis for Fitness Life By Design.  Food is one of the important elements in this journey.  I also want to do all I can to avoid as many negative side effects as possible. I choose healthy foods since food can be the best medicine.