Antioxidants
’ 5 Super FoodsFriday, October 14th, 2011
Today, we are going to talk about super foods, particularly the top 5 super foods that are essential for a healthy diet. For decades now, there has been exhaustive research on the healthiest foods to eat and their benefit to the body. Among all the known super foods out there, here are the 5 that stand out at the top of the list:
Walnuts – Walnuts, along with other nuts such as almonds and peanuts, are an excellent source of essential fatty acids, or ‘good fat’. They are also a great source of fiber and antioxidants. And for you vegetarians, walnuts are among the best plant sources for protein.
Flaxseed – another excellent source of essential fatty acids as well as a great source of dietary fiber. Plus they are great for your heart
Pomegranate – this has become particularly popular in the last few years as a food very high in antioxidants – higher than most fruits. There is evidence showing that drinking moderate amounts of pomegranate juice can not only reduce blood pressure, but potentially lower cholesterol.
Salmon – For those of you who don’t eat red meat, this is the perfect substitute for meat. It’s an excellent source of protein as well as omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fish per week, particularly fatty fish like salmon.
Dark green vegetables – This includes vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, green beans and collard greens. These are packed with vitamin A, C, Iron, Calcium and Fiber. They are very filling and low in calories, making them perfect foods to keep your heart healthy and your waistline slim. It’s recommended to eat at least 4 servings of vegetables per day.
Now obviously you are not going to limit your diet to just these 5 super foods. But it’s smart to include these 5 super foods as part of your daily eating regiment. Eating these 5 super foods along with regular diet and exercise will help to keep you at your ideal weight and keep you healthy and happy!
Tags: 5 Super Foods, Antioxidants, Dark Greens, diet, Diet Plan, Five Super Foods, Flaxseed, Healthy, Heart Health, Ideal Weight, Nutrition, Pomegranates, Salmon, Walnuts, Weight LossTuesday, June 15th, 2010
There is a great deal of news surrounding the benefits of a diet high in antioxidants. What are antioxidants? They are compounds used to eliminate free radicals. Free radicals are a waste material that every cell in the body produces during metabolism. They are a by-product that can damage the cells and are related to diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants neutralize the effects of free radicals and limit the amount of damage free radicals can do inside the body.
There are a number of sources that will provide antioxidants typically found in everyday foods. People can benefits by understanding where to find these important compounds. One of the best-known antioxidant is Ascorbic Acid also known as Vitamin C. This important vitamin is found in all citrus fruits but is also found in vegetable such as tomatoes, green peppers and leafy greens. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant and can be found in sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peaches and apricots as well as others. Nuts, seeds and whole grains provide another valuable antioxidant, Vitamin E.
Antioxidants play a valuable role in improving overall health and fitness. These important compounds will strengthen the immune system and remove waste free radicals from the body. A diet should include a minimum of five servings each day. Foods such as tomatoes and broccoli may be a source for multiple antioxidants. A well-known general rule for eating fruits and vegetables is by color. The more colors included each day, the better source of antioxidants.
Tags: Antioxidants, diet
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