Men are different.
And while that is hardly earth-shattering news, men's nutritional needs are quite a bit different then women's nutritional needs. Foods for dudes run the gamut with protein playing a central role. Did I mention that men are different?
There are different foods that may help sex-specific health issues. For men, that translates into certain nutrients for prostate health. That's great news when you're trying to eat healthy for life!
Guys are also susceptible to suffering high levels of stress more so than women because they have a tendency to keep stress inside. And like women, poor diet is a factor in heart disease, too. However, on average, men show signs of heart disease 10-20 years earlier than women.
The good news? My Top 10 Healthy Foods for Men that will help all you men get healthier!
10. You Say Tomato...
Lycopene, the antioxidant plentiful in tomatoes, is especially good in the prevention of prostate cancer. Even better, doses of lycopene are found in cooked tomatoes such as tomato sauce. More lycopene equals more protection. So spaghetti and pizza should be encouraged in the name of good health. Extra sauce, please!
9. Get Into the Swim of Seafood!
Seafood is high in protein and zinc. Zinc is important for immune function and (once again) prostate health. Research shows that if a man lives long enough, chances are he will develop prostate cancer, but not necessarily if you eat right!
8. Bring on the Broccoli!
Boy, those cruciferous vegetables are healthy for everyone, aren't they? For men, broccoli is very helpful in the prevention of heart disease and cancer, the number one and number two killers for men over 35.
7. There's Something Fishy Here!
It may not sport a manly color, but that lovely pink salmon is filled to overflow with omega 3 fatty acids. Those fatty acids are effective in loweing the risk for prostate cancer. It's also helpful for heart health, too. Besides all that, salmon is on the women's list as well. Now you know what to order when you take that special someone out to dinner!
6. A Breath of Fresh Air!
If you really like garlic, make sure you share or you'll end up alone in your odoriferous state! Garlic will help you lower cholesterol and has antibacteral properties to boot. Plus, garlic is also known for its aphrodisiac properties. What's not to like about garlic?
5. Sow Your Oats!
Oatmeal's got it goin' on for guys. Consider that it's full of fiber, chock full of B vitamins (for stress) and lots of zinc for the prostate, you need to stir thepot a little and get cool with the gruel. If a hot bowl of oatmeal isn't your thing, muffins can rescue your oatmeal from the reject list.
4. Rice is Nice!
But don't chow down on just any style rice — make it brown rice. Not only is it high in fiber, but it also has a good sampling of B vitamins, magnesium, potassium nd zinc — all the stuff guys need.
3. Toss the Greens!
This is the stuff you hated as a kid but gotta eat as an adult. The experts say a whopping 35 percent of cancer deaths may be attributed to diet. Dark, leafy grens are nutrient-rich foods that are loaded with nutrition: beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C and important minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. Get over the fear of greens and toss some down.
2. Go Nuts for Fruit . . . and Nuts!
Eaten raw, nuts are a great source of vitamin E, which and adequate vitamin E helps with heart health. Try a little almond butter, a piece of whle wheat bread with a banana sliced up on top. It's delicious! Bananas are a great portable fruit for everyone and a wonderful source for potassium, also important for heart health.
1. Take Water, Water Everywhere!
It is estimated that as many as three out of four Americans are dehydrated! Water may not contain nutrients per se, but it's considered a nutrient ecause of the effect it has on the body and bodily function. Don't forget to chug-a-lug at the water cooler!
Leanne Ely, a k a Dinner Diva, is the author of the best-selling "Saving Dinner" and "Saving Dinner the Low Carb Way" (Ballantine). What's for dinner? Go to www.savingdinner.com and find the solution!