Five foods every woman should eat

Thursday, 10 May 2012 2:27 PM

Everyone should eat a healthy diet. A nutritious, balanced diet can have many health benefits. However, there are certain foods that are particularly beneficial to women. Women are at risk of some illnesses and ailments more so than men and the following foods can help to prevent these.

Milk
All women should make sure they have plenty of milk. Many women are at risk of osteoporosis and brittle bones as they age. In order to combat this they need to have plenty of calcium. Milk is a great source of calcium but if you don't like milk then you should try taking a calcium supplement. If you DO like milk drink a couple of glasses a day or have cereal instead of toast.

Broccoli
Broccoli is a fantastic vegetable when it comes to protecting against cancer. It contains Indole-3-carbinol and phyton nutrients that can help the body get rid of cancer-causing toxins. What's more broccoli is packed with folate which is essential for pregnant women and women planning on getting pregnant. It can also help fight against depression. Try to have broccoli at least three times a week as a side dish.

Onions
Onions have many health benefits, especially for women. They are packed full of vitamin C and are also a great source of fibre, which is essential for healthy digestion. Onions also have antibacterial qualities, which can reduce toxins in the body. They act as a blood thinner, which can prevent clots, they prevent constipation and they can help protect against cancer.
However they can also help to fight against osteoporosis, which women are more likely to get than men, because they prevent bone loss. Try to incorporate onions into your diet as much as possible.

Beans
Beans are packed full of nutrients, including folate, fibre, potassium and magnesium. We need potassium for every cell in our body so it is an essential nutrient. Potassium is also important when it comes to bone density so for women, who are more at risk of suffering from osteoporosis, it is a vital part of the diet. You can add beans to most dishes or just whip up a tasty bean salad to have as a side dish using any beans you want!
 

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