Super Foods

Imagine improving your heart health just by eating. Or being able to lower your cholesterol by incorporating certain foods into your diet. The good news is that this is all a reality! These foods, often called super foods, can provide a variety of health benefits by simply being eaten by you. While recommended foods tend to vary from list to list, the foods below have been regarded by leading doctors, nutritionists, and scientists to be true super foods.

Berries of all varieties are often recommended as an incredibly beneficial food. Since most are usually loaded with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, they are a top choice. They also often contain a good deal of calcium and other important vitamins. Not only can they help lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, they are also anti-inflammatory. A good rule of thumb to remember is, in general, the more color a berry has, the more antioxidants it contains.

Tea is full of antioxidants and other “good for you things". Don’t be fooled by marketing gimmicks; the overall antioxidant power of black tea is the same as green tea. However, it is important to note that green tea does have ECGC which is a super powerful antioxidant that helps to lower cholesterol and may help to battle cancerous cells. Try and replace sugary drinks or sodas with either black or green tea. If you don’t like unsweetened tea, try using a small amount of a natural sweetener like stevia instead of typical sugars.

Perhaps one of the more tasty super foods, dark chocolate has recently been proven to be packed with antioxidants and can help to lower blood pressure. Don’t just run out and buy all the dark chocolate you can find though. Try and look for chocolate with 60% or higher cocoa content. For antioxidants, the darker the chocolate, the better. That rule applies towards fat and sugar content as well. The darker the chocolate, the better for you that it is overall.

Fiber, while not considered a super food itself, can be found in many foods and can help you maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Fiber can also help you to feel fuller longer! Whole grains, beans, fruit, and vegetables are all great sources. You can get creative about recipes and how you incorporate high fiber foods into them. Try avoiding canned veggies or beans to seek out fiber. They tend to be high in sodium. Read your labels and consult with your doctor or a nutritionist if you have any questions.

If you suffer from food allergies or any chronic illnesses or diseases, be sure to talk with your doctor or nutritionist before incorporating any new foods into your diet. They will be best qualified to guide you to the most appropriate super foods for your needs.

An Affordable and Healthy New Year

The New Year is here and you’ve probably made some resolutions about how you want to improve your life. If improving your health wasn’t on the list, the good news is you can incorporate some easy changes that will surely make you feel better and happier. Being healthy doesn’t have to be expensive either! The below tips go over affordable lifestyle changes that are easily attainable.

1. Exercise – Even if it’s just a 30 minute walk, your body needs movement! Unfortunately life and jobs can often put a damper on how much time you can dedicate to working out. Try getting up a little earlier in the morning to get a walk or other form of exercise in. You’ll feel more awake afterwards and endorphins help you to have a better attitude throughout the day. Incorporating at least 30 minutes of activity into your day will help your body all the way around. If paying for a gym membership is out of the question, look up exercises online or reach out to someone you know that may be able to help teach you some.

2. Eat healthier – Now that the holidays are over, it is a good time to return your focus to eating proper portions and making sure you get the nutrition you need. Leading dieticians typically recommend eating 3 major meals a day along with 2 snacks. The frequency in which you eat can vary depending on any health issues you may have. Talk with your doctor or a registered dietician to determine what is right and optimal for your body. They can also recommend the type of foods you should be eating and also recommend affordable options to help you stay on budget.

3. Visit your doctor regularly – Checkups may seem like a chore but they are a great way to catch and help prevent problems. An annual or biannual visit can help you be at your healthiest year round and to avoid other issues that may not have fully developed yet. Prevention is a great tool in the battle to stay healthy and to avoid costly health concerns later on!

4. Price check your medications– If you or your family take any medications regularly, you probably have that worked into your budget. But did you know that you may be able to save money on your medications? Prices vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. There are many factors that come into play that can change pricing even if two pharmacies are in the same town or even on the same street! The FreeRxPlus prescription savings card can help you save even more by offering discounts of up to 85% at over 56,000 pharmacies nationwide! The best part is that the card is absolutely free and can be used for your whole family. Take a few minutes to price check your medications by either calling your pharmacy with your FreeRxPlus card in hand or by using the online price checking tool at FreeRxPlus.com. By ensuring you are receiving the lowest possible price on your medications, you are helping to put money back into your pocket to enjoy other things in life.