Everyone knows that carrots are especially good for your eyes, right?
The nutrient lutein - which is found in small amounts in carrots - has been shown to reduce the severity of the age-related eye disease macular degeneration, one of the top causes of vision loss.
It turns out, though, that broccoli, spinach and other green leafy vegetables are better sources of lutein than carrots! Just another reason to eat a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. They're also a great way to fill up on fiber so you'll eat less all day.
Aging Backwards Healthy Veggie Tips:
•Feeling like a sandwich? Why not replace the bread with cucumber slices or butter lettuce (Boston Bibb) leaves? A typical hoagie roll has 200 calories or more, depending on its size, with 37 grams or more of carbohydrates. A half-cup of cucumber slices has eight calories with two grams of carbs. The nutritional values for butter lettuce are about the same as the cucumber.
• Try portobello mushrooms next time you're in the mood for steak. Some people say portobellos, when prepared properly, can make you feel as if you're eating steak. Marinate the mushroom caps as you would a cut of meat, then grill gill side down for two minutes. Turn the mushrooms, and grill an additional two to three minutes until browned on both sides.
• Drink your veggies. You can make your own vegetable juice in a blender or juicer by tossing in a variety of greens and reds; or buy low-sodium organic vegetable juice at your nearby health food store. A typical cup of vegetable juice has about 50 calories and is packed with vital nutrients.
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