Man Up! The 6 Best Superfoods for Guys
If there’s one thing us ladies love about you guys (no, it’s not your new car, really), it’s your cute-but-annoying way of gulping down the meal we spent all afternoon making for you in just under a minute followed by the obligatory “that was really great, babe.” Even a puppy can’t rival that. But, we’re not buying it. Just because nothing ever goes straight to your hips doesn’t mean what you eat doesn’t matter! It so does, guys! And you may just find yourself feeling spectacular if you add in the top superfoods that support men’s health. We won’t tell your buddies, promise.
- Maca: This powerful tuber from the highlands of Peru balances hormones, boosts fertility and provides energy. The men of Incan tribes commonly ate maca before going into battle.
- Kale: This leafy green vegetable is full of phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants along with fiber and even protein. No matter how “manly” you are, there’s simply no substitute for the benefits of eating leafy greens every day.
- Flax oil: Heart disease is the biggest killer in the U.S. Flax seed oil helps to regulate cholesterol levels, which can prevent certain types of heart disease. It’s also a superfood for aging arthritis-prone joints and healthy, wrinkle-free skin.
- Hemp: Make sure you get a variety of protein by adding the number one protein from the plant kingdom to your diet. Hemp seeds provide one of the most easily absorbed proteins and no risk of antibiotics, growth hormones and other undesirable additives common in conventionally raised animal proteins.
- Sesame seeds: If you’re planning on starting a family, guys, make sure you’re getting enough zinc, which is found in a number of beans, legumes and seeds like sesame. It’s a critical mineral for reproduction, and studies show that more than 70 percent of men are not meeting the recommended daily intake of zinc. Double up your zinc with hummus—an easy-to-make bean and seed dip.
- Berries: Satisfy your sweet, sour and tart tooth with fresh seasonal raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and cranberries. They provide a burst of vitamin C, which keeps your immune system functioning and helps strengthen connective tissue. Vitamin C has also been linked to a decreased risk for certain types of cancer, including prostate.
Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed
http://www.mensjournal.com/the-truth-about-superfoods
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-truth-about-kale
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/06/hemp-for-health_n_858047.html#s274517&;title=Seeds
http://www.energeticnutrition.com/mens-supplements/zinc_for_men.htmlhttp://nutrition.about.com/od/healthyfood1/a/berries.htm
Image: Jill Ettinger