Prostate cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer among the country’s male population. The American Cancer Society estimates 288,300 new cases of prostate cancer in the year 2023. Although, healthy food habits can significantly reduce one’s risk of developing prostate cancer. While any changes to one’s food intake need to be approved by a licensed healthcare professional, some of the following foods can have a positive effect on prostate health: Tomatoes Tomatoes are a rich source of an antioxidant called lycopene, which reduces the occurrence of free radicals in the body, thus lowering oxidative stress and the risk of developing prostate cancer. Eating cooked or pureed tomato products such as tomato paste, spaghetti sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato juice is an excellent source of lycopene. Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli contain phytochemicals like sulforaphane that can selectively kill cancer cells while protecting healthy prostate cells. They are also rich in other antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals crucial for maintaining one’s health and immunity. Green tea Green tea has several compounds that are beneficial for promoting good health and fighting the growth of cancer cells. These include xanthine derivatives, epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC), and epicatechin. However, certain extracts from green tea have also been known to reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy for prostate cancer, so those undergoing treatment must ask their doctors before drinking green tea or taking any tea supplements.

Menstrual pains and cramps are common occurrences. They occur when the uterine muscle contracts to shed tissue, which temporarily breaks the supply of oxygen to the uterus, causing a painful feeling. Using a heating pad or a painkiller is often the most popular choice to alleviate this pain, but eating healthy and staying hydrated can also help control the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps. Here are some foods that may help relieve menstrual pain: Bananas When consumed in moderation, bananas can help relieve menstrual pain. They are a great source of vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium, which have been linked to reduced severity of cramps. The fiber content of bananas also helps improve bowel movement, thus reducing bloating and pain. Herbs Many traditional herbs have been linked to reducing period discomfort. These can be added to teas or foods. They include: Fennel: To relieve pain and decrease the bleeding length Cinnamon, sage, and cumin: To reduce cramping Ginger: To relieve any pain, inflammation, or nausea Chamomile: To relieve cramps and improve mood Turmeric: To reduce inflammation and pain Water Maintaining a healthy fluid intake can also help reduce bloating and manage pain. One can also try herbal tea or fruits and vegetables with a high water content (such as watermelon, lettuce, celery, cucumbers, or berries).

Prostate cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer among the country’s male population. The American Cancer Society estimates 288,300 new cases of prostate cancer in the year 2023. Although, healthy food habits can significantly reduce one’s risk of developing prostate cancer. While any changes to one’s food intake need to be approved by a licensed healthcare professional, some of the following foods can have a positive effect on prostate health: Tomatoes Tomatoes are a rich source of an antioxidant called lycopene, which reduces the occurrence of free radicals in the body, thus lowering oxidative stress and the risk of developing prostate cancer. Eating cooked or pureed tomato products such as tomato paste, spaghetti sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato juice is an excellent source of lycopene. Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli contain phytochemicals like sulforaphane that can selectively kill cancer cells while protecting healthy prostate cells. They are also rich in other antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals crucial for maintaining one’s health and immunity. Green tea Green tea has several compounds that are beneficial for promoting good health and fighting the growth of cancer cells. These include xanthine derivatives, epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC), and epicatechin. However, certain extracts from green tea have also been known to reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy for prostate cancer, so those undergoing treatment must ask their doctors before drinking green tea or taking any tea supplements.

Nutrition and lifestyle choices help people shape their bodies and live healthy lives. A well-balanced meal can also help prevent the development of illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. Several foods contain beneficial chemicals that may help in cancer prevention. Several studies have found that increasing the intake of such superfoods can reduce the risk of developing cancer. Here are 5 best foods to eat regularly to lower cancer risk. Best foods for preventing cancer Broccoli Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a plant chemical found in cruciferous vegetables that may have anticancer properties. According to some research, eating more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. It can be added in salads or stir-fried. Broccoli assists the body in fighting off ailments and issues brought on by an unhealthy lifestyle. Tomatoes Tomatoes are high in lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid, or phytonutrient, that contributes to the red color of tomatoes. This compound has been shown to slow tumor growth and protect against prostate cancer. Although it can be eaten raw or in salads, sautéing the tomatoes like pasta sauce provides the most health benefits. The heating process increases the body’s ability to absorb lycopene, resulting in the greatest benefits.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that can affect joints and other parts of the body, like the skin, lungs, eyes, blood vessels, and heart. As it is a chronic autoimmune disorder, the condition develops when the immune system begins attacking healthy tissues. Further, unlike the wear and tear damage associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints leading to swelling, bone erosion, and deformities, causing pain. Best foods Changes in the meal plan may not cure the condition, but making better food choices can help relieve some of its symptoms. So, doctors may recommend anti-inflammatory foods to help lower the inflammation in the body. Here are some of the foods for rheumatoid arthritis management: Carrots Orange vegetables such as carrots are rich sources of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which can reduce inflammation in the body. Further, cooking can help increase the concentration of these nutrients, so one can add cooked carrots to their daily meals when dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. However, rather than opting for large quantities, one must have one large carrot or seven to eight baby carrots every day. Ginger Ginger contains generous amounts of anti-inflammatory compounds. This versatile root also has a unique flavor, making it an excellent addition to daily meals.

Lactating mothers must have nutritious meals to ensure their infants’ proper growth and development. Eating the right food items can help increase breast milk production, improve the mother’s health, and provide the baby with essential nutrients. Adding certain superfoods to the menu will deliver healthy nutrients to the mother and baby. Such foods are powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help boost milk production and energy and improve health. Avocados Avocados are rich in healthy fat, fiber, and numerous minerals and vitamins that boost a lactating parent’s health. It packs a high amount of potassium that helps maintain the body’s fluid balance and assists in the necessary muscle and nerve function. Its vitamin C and K content delivers the required antioxidants and blood clotting factors. Oleic acid in avocados helps reduce inflammation and the risk of heart complications, while folate provides the necessary components for the growth and development of the baby. Salmon Salmon contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for the baby’s brain development. Salmon is also a good source of protein, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. With numerous benefits, salmon is a superfood for lactating mothers and is safe to use at least once or twice a week.

Cold sores, called fever blisters, are viral infections that lead to tiny, fluid-filled blisters. The blisters usually appear on and around one’s lips but can also affect one’s genitals. Cold sores are contagious and may lead to sore throat, itching, fever, or muscle aches. The infection often disappears without a scar after two to three weeks. Here is a list of foods to avoid to manage the symptoms of cold sores. Foods to avoid for cold sores Hot peppers and chilis Hot sauces and spicy condiments like peppers and chilis are best avoided during cold sores outbreaks. These foods are likely to worsen the symptoms of the infection and cause a cold sore to reopen. Nuts, poultry, and seeds Peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, and poultry contain arginine, which may trigger cold sore outbreaks. The herpes virus needs arginine to multiply. So, the duration of the blister can be cut short, and the infection can be stopped from spreading if the virus is starved of L-arginine. While these foods contain other essential nutrients, one is advised to reduce the intake of food rich in L-arginine only until the cold sore is healed. Sugary cereals and processed foods Processed food like pasta, pizza, meat, snacks high in calories, sugary cereals, coke, or other artificially sweetened beverages is best avoided.

Our blood performs various bodily functions and is indispensable to human life. It carries infection-fighting cells and antibodies, transports waste products to the liver and kidneys, and provides oxygen to different body parts. Thus, optimal blood count and circulation are crucial for overall health and well-being. Since blood count and circulation are partially regulated by the nutrition derived from food, doctors recommend a healthy meal plan that includes the following: Lean meats Red meats like beef, veal, pork, and lamb and poultry like chicken are the richest meat sources of iron, which can considerably increase blood count. They are also associated with the production of trimethylamine N-oxide in the body, which may improve blood flow in those with low blood pressure. Thus, individuals looking to improve blood count and circulation may benefit from adding lean meats to their meals. Spinach A leafy green vegetable, spinach is among the most recommended foods to increase iron in the blood and fight anemia. However, experts recommend eating cooked spinach to acquire maximum nutrients. It is also essential to supplement iron-rich leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, fenugreek, and Brussels sprouts with vitamin C, as this vitamin helps with iron absorption. A few foods with high reserves of vitamin C are oranges, grapefruit, papaya, and pumpkin.

One of the biggest food-related cliches is “you are what you eat.” However, that phrase is spot on when it comes to one’s bone health. Eating the right foods can strengthen one’s bones significantly, while the wrong foods can weaken bones by leaving them vulnerable to conditions, such as osteoporosis, and also affect the quality of life at large. If you are at risk of bone-related issues, you must avoid these six foods. Hot dogs Its health hazards are well-known across the healthcare community. And yet, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is still a major flavor enhancer in many processed foods one can buy in the market. Foods such as hot dogs, beef jerky, mayonnaise, frozen pizzas, and fried chicken are seasoned with MSG to give them an irresistible taste, fragrance, and flavor. MSG can stimulate one’s nerve cells, leading to seizures and migraines. It can also decrease bone density in regular consumers of the above-mentioned foods. Coffee Caffeine is just as bad as MSG when bone health is the topic of discussion. Caffeine-rich beverages, such as coffee, decrease the bone’s ability to absorb adequate amounts of calcium from food for reinforcement purposes. This causes issues such as brittle and porous bones in the long run.

Constipation is a common problem that is characterized by symptoms like passing stools less than three times a week, straining, lumpy or hard stools, feeling blocked, and being unable to pass a stool. The intensity of these symptoms may vary from person to person. Healthy eating habits can help relieve constipation by adding bulk, softening the stool, and decreasing gut transit time. So, here are a few foods that can relieve constipation: Prunes Prunes are a popular natural remedy for constipation. They are rich in fiber, and the insoluble fiber content (cellulose) increases the water content in the stool, which adds bulk. The soluble fiber produces short-chain fatty acids in the colon, increasing bulk. Prunes also contain sorbitol and phenolic compounds, which have a laxative effect on the body. The combination of these three factors makes prunes an excellent home remedy for those struggling with constipation. Apples Apples are also a rich source of fiber. The insoluble fiber content adds bulk, while the soluble fiber (pectin) forms short-chain fatty acids and pulls water into the colon. This softens the stool and decreases gut transit time, which can help relieve constipation. For best results, one should have apples with their skin intact.