People are more particular about what they put in their homes and in their cars, than what they put in their bodies. Just like you would not decorate your home with garbage, so also, don't mess up your body by eating junk food.

There is an old proverb that says, "Health is wealth". This aptly summarizes the importance of health for an individual. Health represents a state of physical and mental well-being. Without good health, we will not be able to enjoy the good things in life. It is also not possible to earn a good living when one is not healthy. In general it can be said that if we have healthy people in the world, the efficiency and productivity on the whole will increase. Here are some tips on how you can stay healthy by including these excellent foods in your everyday diet.

Wheat germ

Wheat germ is one of the most concentrated natural plant source for essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins. It is a high-energy food and is a great source of vitamin E. Include it in your everyday diet by sprinkling it on cereals, chapatti dough, dosa batter etc.

Onions

Onions are rich in fibre and studies have shown that they have anti-cholesterol properties. Onions are also good for diabetics and people with high blood pressure. They are best eaten raw, as an accompaniment or in raithas.

Garlic

Garlic is excellent for you in many ways. The sulphur content in garlic helps lower cholesterol levels. For best results, a few garlic bulbs should be eaten raw on an empty stomach.

Lemon

Lemon is a great source of vitamin C. Hot lemon tea in the morning is very energizing. Include lemon in your daily diet by sprinkling it on salads, accompaniments, adding it to curries and so on. A glass of warm water with lemon after meals cuts fat absorption, thus helping you lose weight.

Turmeric

It has been proved time and again that turmeric has anti-bacterial properties. A pinch of turmeric added everyday to your daal can help increase immunity. Turmeric not only enhances flavor, but also makes food aesthetically pleasing with its bright yellow color.

Cumin

Cumin is a good source of calcium, and regular intake of cumin seeds or cumin powder can help delay the onset of osteoporosis and other calcium related diseases. Fortunately, cumin is almost an essential addition to North Indian cuisine.

Honey

It is said honey is the purest of all foods. It contains traces of iron, copper, potassium, manganese, phosphorous and vitamin B. A teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water taken early in the morning is a good health tonic. It can be used as a substitute for sugar.