Looking for a health superhero? Head to the grocery store. Some foods have the power to fight diabetes, heart disease, or cancer—in other words, they can literally save your life. That’s not an exaggeration. A large study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people of any age who started including healthy foods in their diets improved their chances of living longer. Replacing one serving of red or processed meat a day with one serving of nuts or legumes, for instance, was linked to an 8–17 percent reduced risk of premature death.
But how do you choose the best options for you? We talked to health experts and asked them a tough question: What one nutrient-packed food would you like people to add to their diets? Here are their picks, along with some of the health issues each one may help prevent or treat.
MIXED NUTS
Heals: Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Cancer
• Low energy
• Constipation
• Anemia
• Weight gain
• Diabetes
SELECTED BY MAYA FELLER, MS, RD, CN
1 “NUTS ARE A GREAT SOURCE of heart-healthy fats, along with some protein. Depending on the nut, you’ll also have some fiber, calcium, or magnesium. Almonds, for example, have 75 milligrams of calcium in a 1-ounce serving. Walnuts are high in antioxidants, which can help prevent certain cancers. If I have a handful of mixed nuts every day, I’m getting everything.” Serving size: Approximately ¼ cup (1 oz. or 28 g)
Maya Feller is a registered dietitian who specializes in nutrition for chronic disease prevention. She is an adjunct professor at New York University and runs a private nutrition practice.
This story is from the October 2019 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2019 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GOTCHA!
We asked for it: What's the best prank you ever pulled?
KITT THE COURAGEOUS K-9
Officer Bill Cushing needed a partner. His dog needed a purpose. Together, they rescued each other.
Let's Dance!
It's good for your body, soul and even your brain
DISASTER ON THE RIVER
Two canoeists struggle to keep themselves and their friendship-afloat
WHAT HAPPENS TO ALL THE STUFF WE RETURN
Think your rejects go back on the shelves? Think again.
Words to Live By
Poems offered me an anchor as I lost my son, so I shared them
LOST, FOUND, HOMEWARD BOUND
A collection of heart-thumping, tail-wagging, zoomies-inducing pet reunion tales
Paging Dr. AI
IF YOU'VE EVER Googled symptoms (and who hasn't?), you've probably scared yourself with a dire diagnosis, with no doctor there to vet the source and put the information in context. But we can't help ourselves. So can AI help?
The HEALTHY WELLNESS FROM THEHEALTHY.COM
A vaccine is finally on the way. In the meantime, here's how to protect yourself from ticks.
How to Speak Like a Midwesterner
FROM THE BOOK A GUIDE TO MIDWESTERN CONVERSATION