A Wide Variety of Vegetables
Vegetables are a prime example of opting for food that comes with benefits beyond “lacking purines.” For many years, gout patients were cautioned against eating vegetables that contain purines. And while there are several vegetables that contain them, a 2012 study found that purines in vegetables do not seem to be as troublesome as the purines in meat.
Admittedly, this means you want to approach these vegetables—mushrooms, asparagus, and spinach, in particular—with caution if you know you’re prone to gout attacks. However, the study potentially suggests that the additional benefits contained within vegetables outweigh the level of purines, which are considerably less than in meats.
While it can get old trying to base a meal off of vegetables all the time, it certainly isn’t impossible. And it’s going to offer a lot of additional benefits to your body as well. To mix things up, try using veggies as the base for meals like a casserole, rather than relying on meat to fill you up. Brightly colored salads, soups, and even vegetable smoothies make great options for introducing more vegetables into your diet.
Did you know...
- Does your job make you stressed? We all know that stress is psychologically bad for you, but it also has an effect on…your allergies? A Harvard Medical School study has shown that stress causes your allergies to become worse because your body's defense response loses efficacy when repeatedly triggered by stress. Then, when you really need to physically fight something off, you're less able to!
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- Do you know what the strongest muscle in your body is? No, it’s not your biceps or your thighs. It’s actually in your head. The masseter is a muscle in the jaw that is used when chewing. When all of the muscles of the jaw work together, they can exert a force as strong as 200 pounds on the molars. That’s some serious pressure.
- Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!
- Are you currently or often tired? As contradictory as it may sound, one of the best things you can do is exercise! It gives you more energy by improving your blood flow and increasing your oxygen throughout your body. You don't need to do much; a brisk walk is all it takes!