5 Foods You Should Eat Every Day

The majority of foods that the many people are eating are dense with ingredients that are helping to create poor health or foods that are processed in such a way that is helping (a big helping) your health take a downward spiral if consistently eaten.   These foods should really come with a warning label!

Foods that are packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, enzymes arepowerful in terms of creating optimal health and it is these types of foods that will take you to living a vibrant quality life full of energy and lack of symptoms, illness and disease – optimal health.

Here are 10 Foods You Should Eat Every Day:

Green Tea

There are a vast amount of studies showing green tea’s health and weight lost benefits.  What is responsible for green tea’s ability to prevent disease and more?  The catechins contained in the leaves of the tea plant.  Catechins are a group of antioxidants that are powerful in their protective ability against illness and disease.  Green tea is also beneficial as an adjunct to any weight loss program.  The catechin EGCG contained in it ramps up metabolism as well.

Almonds

Almonds are high in the heart-healthy oleic acid that is responsible for many health benefits including a better memory.  Almonds are high in fiber and protein and because they are so crunchy, just one ounce will go a long way compared to other nuts.

Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the most antioxidant rich foods in the world.  Antioxidants are necessary for life and are well known to reverse and prevent heart disease and even cancer. The blue color of the berry comes from its polyphenols which provide most of its antioxidant properties. Blueberries are also high in vitamin C and fiber.

Bell Peppers

Bell Peppers come in many different shades such as green, purple, orange and red.  Each of them, because of their color, adds a distinct different array of phytonutrients that will help to create optimal health.  Bell peppers are dense with vitamin C and vitamin E..both protective against poor health.  The regular intake of antioxidant nutrients such as you find with these 10 foods, can help reduce the likelihood of chronic inflammation from the typical processed modern diet.

Yogurt

Greek yogurt has less natural sugar Lactose and more protein than regular yogurt.  This means that ounce for ounce, you are getting a nutritional punch of calcium (a single cup has almost 25% of your daily requirement) and that translates to more lost body fat and better health.  Yogurt also contains beneficial bacteria that calm down inflamed digestive tracts as well as boosting your immune system.  Your digestive tract is where 70% of your immune system resides

7 Breakfast Foods That'll Help You Slim Down

When it comes to losing weight, results start in the kitchen. And since your first meal of the day could be the most vital to reaching your goals, making an effort to have a healthy breakfast is key. To simplify your a.m., we bring your seven staples to keep on hand and set yourself up for weight-loss success.

1. Cinnamon
Think of cinnamon as your breakfast's secret weight-loss weapon. The spice adds sweetness to almost anything—without the calories, of course. Studies show that the spice helps regulate blood sugar so you stay energized all morning without reaching for another sweet treat. Use it to sweeten your coffee or sprinkle on top of your oatmeal.

RELATED: WEIRD: THINKING OF THIS BODY PART HELPS YOU BURN MORE CALORIES DURING A WORKOUT

2. Eggs 
A hard-boiled egg is the ultimate in healthy grab-and-go eats. At just 72 calories and six grams of protein per egg, choosing this over refined carbs like a plain bagel or a blueberry muffin keeps you full and energized until lunch. For an extra filling and delicious breakfast that takes just minutes to prepare, try this simple hard-boiled eggs and avocado recipe. You're welcome. 

3. Fruit
From topping your yogurt or cereal to blendeing it into smoothies, fruit can satisfy your sweet tooth in the morning without resorting to the pastry case at Starbucks. Plus, since most fruits are high in fiber, they'll help you stay full, as well.

RELATED: 18 CLEAN-EATING RECIPES THAT TASTE DECADENT ENOUGH FOR THANKSGIVING

4. Green Tea 
When it comes to weight loss, green tea is hard to beat. Studies show that the beverage increases your metabolism and lowers your stress levels. Studies have also suggest that the stress hormone cortisol is linked to belly fat, so every bit helps when it comes to keeping calm.

The Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea has long been a staple of Asian culture. The Chinese use green tea to treat various diseases and conditions, and they depend on it for long, healthy lives. So what exactly can green tea do for you? Read more to learn about this incredible beverage.

What is it?

Green tea is made from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant. It is picked, steamed, and then dried. Green tea is unique because it does not undergo the oxidation (or fermentation) process that black, white, and other teas undergo.

What makes it so good for you?

Green tea has powerful antioxidant properties due to the polyphenol chemicals it contains. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), in particular, is responsible for the health benefits that green tea can offer.

Cancer Fighter

The EGCG in green tea is a known cancer fighter. It both prevents the growth of cancer cells and kills them off, without harming healthy cells. Scientists also found that EGCG shuts down one of the key molecules that tobacco relies upon to cause cancer.

Heart Helper

Green tea improves the flexibility of your blood cells, which prevents clogging and makes for a healthier heart. Green tea has also been found to prevent obesity, improve the ratio of good and bad cholesterol in your body, and help you burn more calories.

And Even More

In addition to fighting cancer, improving heart health, and preventing obesity, green tea is also suggested to prevent and reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce joint damage in sufferers of the disease. What’s more, it has been suggested that green tea can also boost the immune system and fight tooth decay. Talk about a wonder drink!

How Much Should I Drink?

Scientists still remain uncertain as to how much green tea needs to be consumed for someone to benefit from it. While some scientists say two is sufficient, others push three, four, or five glasses per day. It seems that when it comes to green tea, the more you can drink the better!