High levels of cholesterol can result in problems like a slowed metabolism rate, weight gain, and uneven moods, among others. But, did you know that there is a distinct correlation between fatty snacks and blood cholesterol? While controlling what you eat can help lower your cholesterol levels, skipping meals altogether or counting calories isn’t the right option. Instead, opt for easy-to-make, healthy snacks to help battle high cholesterol. 1. Avocado on toast Avocado contains unsaturated fats, which keep the cholesterol levels in check. This fruit contains about 10 grams of fiber. If you pair this with whole grain, pumpernickel, or rye toast, it makes this snack even more fibrous. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle some herbs like oregano for extra flavor. 2. Popcorn According to the American Heart Association, popcorns lower high blood cholesterol since they are rich in fiber content. In fact, popcorn contains more fiber than whole-wheat bread or brown rice. It is low on the calorie scale but it should be eaten in moderation. Skip the butter and add gouda, cheddar, or parmesan cheese to satisfy your snack cravings. 3. Nuts If you want to pick a great snack to battle high cholesterol levels then nuts are an ideal option.

The common cold and flu are caused by viral infections. They can spread easily if proper precautions are not taken. But these conditions can be easily treated with a combination of medications and home remedies, providing relief in the short term. Changes in eating habits can also help alleviate many of the symptoms and make the condition more tolerable. Here are a few recommendations for cold and flu superfoods that boost immunity. 1. Vegetables for boosting immunity Green leafy vegetables, loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, rank among some of the best cold and flu superfoods. For example, a single bowl of broccoli contains calcium, fiber, and vitamins C and E to help boost immunity. Other leafy greens, like spinach and kale, can be used for making salads. Carrots are rich in vitamin A and beta carotin. These nutrients are both good for your eyes and immunity. Vitamin A prevents free radicals from damaging healthy cells in the infected area. 2. Fresh fruits Many fruits are rich in vitamins, which boost immunity, and loaded with antioxidants that help fight free radicals to prevent the destruction of healthy cells. Apples, for example, are rich in phytochemicals antioxidants that reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Exposure to smoke, environmental pollutants, and allergens, or suffering from chronic respiratory conditions can make it difficult to breathe and affect the overall quality of life. But, scientists have found that following a certain diet and eating certain foods can go a long way in protecting your lungs and reducing lung damage. In this article, we shall discuss four foods that have been proved to positively affect lung function and even help with breathing difficulties. 1. Apples If you’re someone who faces trouble breathing due to a primary respiratory condition or a relating secondary reaction, you should try eating apples. Research suggests that eating apples can help improve the overall functioning of the lungs. Eating apples regularly can help slow down the decline of lung function in those who smoke. It can also reduce the risk of developing lung troubles and eventually breathing difficulties. 2. Olive oil Olive oil has multiple health benefits, including promoting healthy skin and improving heart health. But, one of the benefits often overlooked is that olive oil can also go a long way in improving and promoting lung health. Studies have shown that consuming olive oil can lower the risks associated with air pollution. Air pollution can affect the body negatively and usually leads to an increase in blood pressure which causes the heart to pump faster and makes breathing more tedious and difficult.

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder associated with intense symptoms like hallucinations, impaired speech, lack of coordination in movement, and confusion. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this chronic disease. One can only prevent the symptoms from worsening with medication and therapy. However, nutrition plays a critical role as well. What one eats can have a direct impact on their brain health. This article lists a few vitamins and foods for schizophrenia patients. 1. Vitamin C Vitamin C contains atypical antipsychotics that help reduce ascorbic acid levels and oxidative stress and improve the BPRS score. Studies have proved that vitamin C is helpful for symptoms like hallucinations, suspiciousness, and disorganized thoughts linked with schizophrenia. 2. B-vitamins As per a particular study, B-vitamins, including B6, B8, and B12, can make schizophrenia treatment more effective when combined with other drugs. However, these vitamins should be incorporated in the early stages of treatment for the best results. Salmon, leafy greens, eggs, and dairy are among the best sources of B-vitamins. 3. Fiber Fiber helps with digestion and reduces LDL cholesterol, which eliminates the risk of heart diseases and other problems associated with mental health. The best high-fiber foods for schizophrenia include certain fruits and veggies, whole-grain bread, brown rice, and muesli.

Nutrition is an important aspect of preventing, treating, and recovering from cancer. While there are treatments that help manage cancer symptoms, including nutritious meals can help improve quality of life. Antioxidants are one such nutrient that helps rejuvenate healthy cells that can fend from cancer invasion. The following antioxidant-rich foods can be included in daily meals to supplement cancer treatment. Make sure to consult a doctor before including any of these foods in daily meals. 1. Oranges It is one of the most common fruits found in almost every household. Orange has a stellar nutrient profile. Oranges are an excellent source of antioxidants like flavonoids and hesperidin, which can help in preventing the growth of cancer cells. It also helps in strengthening the immune system, which is generally compromised during cancer treatment. 2. Grapefruit It is yet another fruit rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Not only does grapefruit contain abundant provitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, but it also contains hearty amounts of an antioxidant called lycopene. This antioxidant is what gives grapefruit a distinct color. Lycopene is also known for its anti-cancer properties, as it helps to inhibit the growth of malignant cells. 3. Blueberries These are considered superfoods as they pack plenty of fiber, manganese, and vitamin C.

Diabetes is associated with the body’s ability to produce and process insulin. When the blood sugar levels rise and drop frequently, it starts impacting the functioning of the other body parts. Fluctuating sugar levels can have greater risks of complications. It is, therefore, necessary to keep an eye on what is being consumed, as nutritious foods help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Read on to know which foods to eat and avoid for diabetes. Foods to eat: 1. Beans Beans, as a general food category, are protein-rich foods. Additionally, black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans are well known for their low glycemic index. These veggies are rich in their complex carbohydrate content, leading to better cholesterol control and regulated blood pressure levels. Aside from their low GI, beans are also nutritiously rich because of the high magnesium, potassium, and iron levels that help improve the immune system response. 2. Broccoli Broccoli, one of the most nutritionally dense vegetables, can be considered a top-tier vegetable. In addition to containing a high amount of essential nutrients, it is also rich in minerals such as magnesium and iron. The vitamin C content in half a cup of broccoli contains about 27 calories and only about 3 gms of digestible carbohydrates.

One day kids like popcorn, and the next day they are hauling it across the hall at each other. Nevertheless, they still need the required nutrients. While it is easy to force-feed them or just trick them into eating the healthy thing, it is not as easy a task to accomplish. To help decide which healthy kid snacks to pack, here are some pre-school-friendly options. 1. Popcorn Popcorn is an absolute favorite snack across various age groups, and it only makes sense to add it to the kids’ snacking menu. Substitute ounces of butter with just a bit of olive oil and swap out salt for herbs. Similarly, avoid caramel and chocolate-flavored toppings. However, it is okay to indulge every once in a while. Add popcorn to your kids’ lunch or snack box for school, ensuring they satisfy their hunger with a protein-rich whole grain snack. 2. Yogurt Yogurt is delightfully creamy, has a perfect balance of sweet, bland, and tangy, and is loaded with a gut-friendly microbiome. This makes it an absolute must-include in the list of healthy preschool snacks. Yogurt is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and other essential minerals required by the body. It aids better digestion, along with skin and hair health.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which a person develops sores inside their colon. These sores lead to inflammation and extreme pain, which makes passing stools difficult to bear. While the core cause of this illness is yet to be determined, recent studies have shown one cause to be a misdirected immune reaction. There are some symptoms to look out for and some foods that are known triggers so keep them off one’s plate! 1. Symptoms Ulcerative colitis is characterized by a specific set of symptoms: rectal bleeding, frequent urgency to defecate, not being able to defecate despite feeling the urgency, diarrhea, stools with blood or pus, fever, abdominal pain and cramping, fatigue, rectal pain, weight loss. While some of these symptoms may seem generic, be sure to get a check-up by a professional to avoid any serious complications. 2. Trigger Foods These foods are known to aggravate ulcerative colitis: Fibrous Fruits and Vegetables While fiber is usually good for the system, when one suffers from ulcerative colitis, frequent bowel movements can be painful. One may consume fruit juices without pulp to avoid the extra fiber and can consume vegetable purees instead of whole cooked vegetables. However, be careful to remove all seeds from the veggies, and remove the skin too to avoid extra fiber.