Monday, September 21, 2009

Foods That May Help Increase Your Lifespan




Research has shown that some chemicals in foods such as sulforaphane, a phytochemical in broccoli, works with your genetics to raise your natural defenses, knocking out toxins and free radicals before they can damage cells that leads to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and premature aging.
Hopefully in the future doctors will be able to tell someone what diseases they might be genetically predisposed to, so their diets can be adjusted accordingly. You'll know which foods to add, which foods to avoid, and be able to take a more active role in preventing or stopping a genetic disease.



Meanwhile, many foods have been determined to slow down the aging process.
Lycopene, found in tomatoes, is said to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease, and some cancers as well as macular degeneration. It’s also been said that it increases self sufficiency in elderly adults. Fresh tomatoes have a good amount of lycopene. The most usable form is found in cooked tomato products, like spaghetti sauce, soup and fresh salsas. Other great sources of this phytochemical are pink grapefruit, guava, red bell peppers, and watermelon.
Beta carotene is another great phytonutrient. If you eat at least two cups of orange fruits like sweet potatoes, squash and carrots you will boost your intake of beta carotene. This converts to vitamin A, an essential component for healthy skin and eyes. This nutrient may also reduce the risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, as well as osteoporosis. Lutein and lycopene, found in orange produce as well, may also reduce the risk of macular degeneration and protect skin from sun damage and reduce wrinkling. Other beta carotene sources are mango's and cantaloupes.
The one essential thing you need to change in your diet is eat dark leafy greens. This type of greens have been shown to greatly reduce your risk for heart disease and could save your eyesight. The best dietary guidelines advise three cups of greens a week. Frozen and bagged are as good as fresh.
To help the mental aging process, heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to keep your brain sharp. Some studies found that a higher intake of fatty fish greatly slowed or reduced mental decline. When fresh fish isn't available, canned tuna, salmon, and sardines are just as effective.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Great Cold Fighting foods




Healthy, nutrient rich foods nourish your body and help cells grow and reproduce. Healthy foods also help build your body’s defenses to fight off attacks from germs that cause colds. Healthy low fat meat, whole grain, fruit, vegetables and all play a part in building up your bodies immune system.
Another important piece of your anti cold defense system is water. Dehydration increases the bodies risk of germs latching on and not letting go. Be sure to drink lots of water and healthy drinks to help your body stay hydrated. One cup of yogurt a day can help the gastrointestinal track stay healthier, which can help fight off colds. Yogurt with live cultures is the key ingredient to help keep the GI track ready. Studies suggest regular dairy intake helps you lose weight and maintain your weight at a healthy level.
Another healthy food is garlic which contains allicin. Allicin is an antibiotic that has been shown in some research, to prevent complications from a cold. I suggest you add healthy portions of garlic to many of your favorite dishes to spice them up and help your body build itself up to fight against cold germs.
Theres an old saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. So can an orange. An orange a day provides the US RDA of vitamin C. Oranges are abundant in flavonoids. Healthy flavonoids help your body’s cells regenerate and stay healthy and strong. Green bell peppers are the best vitamin C source above all vegetables. Add them to your favorite salad, or just slice one up and eat it raw. You will also find flavonoids in peppers. A great way to increase your intake of these health producing flavonoids is to prepare a green pepper dip seasoned with garlic for an added germ fighting effect.
Lean ground beef, when prepared with a bit of garlic, helps maintain cell health and ward off illness. This is a great source of protein, selenium and zinc, and if eaten with a bit of tomato, is a great defense builder during cold season.

 

Monday, September 7, 2009

Stress Fighting Food Choices



Sometimes life can really get you down. Working too many hours, toting your kids all over town for their wants and needs, taking care of household duties, dealing with personal or family matters, are all stress builders that can destabilize you physically, mentally, emotionally,and spiritually.

There are simple steps you can take to combat stress, starting with the foods you eat.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol when life’s particularly stressful. Stimulants and depressants can zap your energy and rob you of the fuel you need to cope with tension. Sugary foods should also be avoided , because they cause your blood sugar levels to spike then dip quickly. This can make your energy levels spike and dip at the same rate.
There are several healthy foods out there that provide you with the energy and nutrition your body needs to keep stress in check
Asparagus is high in folic acid and can help level out your mood. Folic acid and vitamin B are key in producing serotonin, a chemical that gets you into a good mood.

And though you hear negative things about red meat, it’s really a wise dinner choice for the stressed out family. Beef has high levels of iron, zinc and B vitamins. These help get you into a good mood, and help you stay there. Your favorite butcher can help you when selecting lean cuts for the healthiest choices.
We've all heard milk really does a body good. Full of calcium, protein, antioxidants, vitamins B2 and B12, it works to strengthen bones and promote healthier cell regeneration. Partnered with a healthy whole grain cereal in the morning, low fat milk is a very good way to start your day and better prepare yourself to deal with the stress that awaits you. Cottage cheese is another healthy dairy choice. When you add a fruit that’s high in vitamin C, it helps the body battle free radicals. Free radicals are elevated during your most stressed periods.

Almonds are also a great choice when it comes to readying yourself against stress. They’re high in magnesium, zinc, vitamins B2, C, and E and unsaturated fats. All are great fighters of free radicals. Not only do these nutrients help fight stress and free radicals but they also help keep heart disease at bay.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Great Flu Fighting Foods





The flu is responsible for millions of lost hours at work and home each year, bringing about many miserable days of recovery. If you don't know what you can do to organically boost your immunity and make ready your body’s defenses, just pay attention to the foods you’re eating. Look at your meal plans, and make changes to ensure everyone is eating a balanced diet abundant in nutrient packed fruits and vegetables, low fat protein, and complex carbohydrates.

Black currants richer in vitamin C than citrus fruits (oranges), containing three times the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for adults. It’s crucial that you get lots of of vitamin C because it helps prevent infections and helps the immune system to remain healthy.
Pork has elevated levels of zinc and selenium, which help maintain a strong immune system. It’s also a great source of B vitamins and contains little more fat than beef. Be sure lots of pork entrees are in your menu plan.

For breakfast try a glass of grapefruit juice instead of orange juice for a vitamin C rich drink. Remember to check with your doctor if you're on certain medications for blood pressure, AIDS, anxiety, or hay fever, because mixing grapefruit juice with some prescription drugs could lead to dangerous toxicity levels.

Brussel sprouts are another great source of vitamin C, fiber and are a great source of folate. They are a great source of anti oxidants, which have important cancer fighting properties. Add some in a stew to provide lots of flu fighting nutrients.

Live culture yogurt has a great effect on your intestinal tract, and helps the body purge the germ more quickly and thus helping to more effectively fight the flu. Your yogurt must contain the active culture L. acidophilus, also helps to fight off yeast infections.

One of the most affordable sources of vitamin C is potatoes, and they complement any meal with fantastic levels of potassium and fiber. The most fiber is in the skin and the most vitamin c is in the flesh just under the skin. Fresh potatoes are the best. Don't soak them in water because this robs them of the germ busting vitamin C.

Whole wheat pasta rich in niacin, fiber, and iron. Its complex carbohydrates will keep your immune system strong. Substitute traditional pasta with whole wheat variety instead, for a delicious, nutritious flare to your favorite pasta recipe.