1. Water
The human body cannot function without water. Water is the source of life. Man can live without food for a few days but he cannot live for more than day or two without water. Therefore it is said that clean and healthy water is the elixir of health.
Water constitutes 70% of the total body weight and is an integral part of the body. Each system and processes in the body depends on water. The water dissolves, decomposes and transmit the nutritional substances in the body, providing a smooth functioning of all organs. Also, water helps in removing toxins from vital organs, moving nutrients into cells and maintaining necessary moisture in the ear, nose and throat.
We lose water on a daily basis through sweating, urination, breathing and digestion. Since human organism cannot create water itself, you have to compensate by consuming pure spring water and foods that contain water (vegetables – cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini; fruits – watermelon, orange, melon, soups and sauces).
The average adult needs 2.2 to 3 liters of water a day. Experts recommend that men should intake 3 liters of water, while women need 2.2, liters of fluid a day.
In case of shortage of water, we will start feeling fatigue and headache. Also, lack of water is particularly visible on the skin. Water keeps our skin softer, suppler and younger.
The most effective way to drink water is in small amounts throughout the day.
2. Milk
Milk is one of the most complete foods. It is very rich source of high quality protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, such as A, B, C, D, E and K, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.
Experts recommend milk consumption somewhere between 4.8 and 7.2 deciliters on a daily basis. Four deciliters of milk contain 600 milligrams of calcium.
Adults up to 50 years of age need 1000 milligrams of calcium per day. The dose is increased to 200 milligrams when it comes to the elderly. Milk proteins participate in the process of building muscles, which makes the muscles firmer and stronger.
Milk is very rich in calcium, which is very important for maintaining bones’ strength and density. It also contains a lot of potassium, which is an essential mineral for the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
3. Green tea
Green tea has been proven to be the strongest antioxidant which helps in the fight against cancer and other serious diseases. However, green tea is often used in diets.
People who consume green tea on a regular basis have a 12% lower risk of developing breast cancer, a study has shown.
Green tea helps in the process of weight loss. It has been proven that when used in diets, people lose weight faster. People who drank green tea lost 7% more fat than people who drank other drinks, with the same number of calories.
This amazingly healthy tea also has the ability to reduce the risk of stroke. 9 scientific researches have proven both green and black tea’s beneficial effects, when it comes to preventing stroke. People who drank two to three cups of tea a day have a 21% lower risk of experiencing a stroke.
Green tea also possesses properties through which it nurtures gums. The study, which involved 940 men, has been shown that men who drank green tea had stronger and healthier gums.
This tea contains ingredients that are able to destroy, slow or prevent development of viruses and other microorganisms in the body. Researchers have shown that this drink can contribute in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
The list of green tea’s health benefits to human health is very long.
4. Orange juice
Middle-aged men who regularly drink half a liter of orange juice within e month can significantly reduce their blood pressure.
Just two glasses of orange juice a day can lower blood pressure and thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Scientists believe that orange juice’s positive effects are due to the antioxidant hesperidin, which is located in large concentrations in orange juice. This antioxidant protects us against many diseases because it destroys free radicals responsible for aging process and the processes of developing different types of diseases.