If you were to seek advice from a wise individual regarding the well-being of a teenager or a college student, the phrase “following a healthy diet” would likely echo through their words. The significance of maintaining a healthy teens diet often dawns upon us only when our bodies have already begun to age, and damage has already taken its toll. This is why following a healthy college or teens diet is paramount.
Hippocrates once mentioned, “All disease begins in the gut,” a common yet interesting sentence that has puzzled scientists for years until it was recently discovered that many common diseases are all related to our dietary habits.
Instead of giving you boring general tips on following a healthy diet as a teen or a college student, this article will focus on the most important health problems you most likely encounter or may be interested in at this age and how to combat them with diet. Ready? Let’s get started.
Acne: Unleashing the Power of a Healthy College Teens Diet (1)
Acne is the most common complaint by teens and college students. It is not just a common health issue that needs important care but can also have a significant psychological impact on the person. Here are important science-based tips to help you keep acne at bay with a healthy teens diet.
Limit processed and high-sugar foods
Indulging in our favorite ice cream or savoring the tastiest pizza can bring immense joy. However, these beloved indulgences can harm our health, not just in the future but right now, by aggravating acne. Numerous studies have highlighted the link between unhealthy, processed foods and an increased risk of acne and its recurrence.
But fear not; finding a balance doesn’t mean completely eliminating processed foods from your life forever. Instead, let’s take a practical approach. Set achievable targets and reward yourself along the way. Doing so lets you steer clear of the short-term and long-term consequences of processed foods while occasionally indulging in them. One popular strategy is to commit to avoiding processed foods six days a week and allowing yourself to enjoy them on one designated day.
Increase antioxidant-rich foods
You never know how great is a college/teens diet rich in antioxidants until you try it for enough time. Antioxidants are molecules that help make your cells healthy and avoid their death. Research studies have found that a teens diet rich in antioxidants reduces your risk of chronic diseases like chronic heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
The good news is that they can also fight acne and keep your skin healthy as they reduce cell death in your skin. Therefore, you should consider incorporating them into your diet. But what foods are rich in antioxidants? Foods rich in antioxidants include:
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- Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries
- Dark chocolate
- Green leafy vegetables: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and other dark leafy greens
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and other nuts
- Tomatoes
- Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits
- Green Tea
- Red and purple grapes
Probiotics
Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria in our gut, have gained attention for their potential role in promoting healthy skin, including managing acne. Incorporating foods rich in probiotics into teens diet can contribute to improved skin health. Foods rich in probiotics include:
- Yogurt
- Pickled cucumbers
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
College Students and Teens Diets for a Healthy and Fulfilling Sexual Life
As a teenager, you will begin exploring your sexual life. It is important to note that bad dietary habits can also contribute to unsatisfactory sexual life. Therefore, you should incorporate a healthy college/teens diet.
If you’re a female, you may experience challenges with your menstrual cycle. Numerous studies have highlighted that certain foods can help regulate your cycle and alleviate period pains.
Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce menstrual pain. You can consume it in the form of ginger tea, ginger capsules, or by adding fresh ginger to your meals (2).
Herbal teas: Certain herbal teas, including chamomile, peppermint, and cinnamon tea, have been known for their potential to relax muscles and alleviate menstrual discomfort. These teas are believed to possess properties that can provide relief during menstruation, offering a soothing effect on muscle tension (3, 4).
Bananas: Being rich in potassium, bananas can aid in reducing bloating and water retention during menstruation. Additionally, their vitamin B6 content might help alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) (5).
Turmeric: Thanks to curcumin, a compound it contains, turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Whether you add it to your dishes or enjoy turmeric tea, it might offer some relief (6).
On the other hand, if you are a male, you should understand that the whole sexual process for men requires a healthy cardiovascular system and healthy blood vessels. Therefore, you should opt for foods that optimize your cardiovascular health. These include (7):
Spinach: Rich in folate, which supports nitric oxide production, a compound that helps dilate blood vessels and improve circulation.
Oysters: Regarded as an aphrodisiac, oysters are rich in zinc, which aids in testosterone production and enhances sperm quality.
Salmon: A fatty fish abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, it fosters cardiovascular health and improves blood flow.
Arugula: A leafy green containing vital minerals such as potassium and magnesium, it supports blood flow and muscle function.
Celery: Celery is often considered a natural aphrodisiac. It contains a compound called androstenone, which is believed to stimulate sexual arousal.
Managing Stress and Anxiety: Nourishing Your Mind through Diet (8, 9)
In addition to maintaining a healthy diet for a fulfilling sexual life, it’s crucial to recognize the connection between nourishing your mind and addressing stress and anxiety. Your dietary choices can have a significant impact on your mental well-being. By incorporating certain foods into your teens diet, you can support a healthy and balanced state of mind. Consider adding the following nutrient-rich foods to your meals:
Avocados: Packed with healthy fats and nutrients like vitamin E, avocados support brain health and may improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Almonds: Rich in magnesium, almonds aid in mood regulation and stress management. A handful can help alleviate anxiety.
Chamomile Tea: With calming properties, chamomile tea induces relaxation. Savor a warm cup to soothe anxiety symptoms.
Ashwagandha supplementation: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb known for its stress-reducing properties. It helps regulate cortisol levels, which is the body’s stress hormone.
Supporting a Healthy Sleep Routine: Foods for Restful Nights (10, 11)
Did you know bad sleep habits can increase the risk of mental health disorders and heart disease? Understandably, most teens and college students in the summer can stay up late at night for one reason or another. However many of them are trying to fix their sleep cycle, but they just aren’t able to do so. They tried all the common tips to trick their brain into falling asleep but failed. The main reason is that they never incorporated diet as an option. Consider including the following nutrient-rich foods in your diet:
Tart Cherries: A natural melatonin source, they regulate sleep-wake cycles. Consuming tart cherry juice or incorporating fresh or dried tart cherries into your evening snacks can help improve sleep quality and duration.
Kiwi: Kiwi fruit contains high levels of serotonin and antioxidants, which can help regulate sleep patterns and improve sleep quality. Enjoying a ripe kiwi as a bedtime snack may contribute to better sleep.
Melatonin supplementation: For those with ongoing sleep difficulties, melatonin supplementation may be worth considering. Naturally produced by the body, melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles. Taking it as a supplement can signal your body to prepare for sleep.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy diet as a teenager or college student is important for overall well-being and crucial for addressing specific health concerns that commonly arise during this stage of life. By embracing a healthy diet tailored to your particular needs, you can enhance your well-being and tackle the health challenges that often arise during your teenage years and college life. So, make conscious choices, fuel your body with the right nutrients, and embark on a journey toward a healthier and happier you.