Diet Warfare » Diet And Nutrition

Veggies Make You Glow

Nana — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:15:25 +0000

A study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behaviour found that eating foods high in carotenoids — a nutrient found in some fruits, leafy greens and root vegetables — gave them a healthy glow that rivaled a sun tan and made them more attractive in tests.

Not All Foods Are Created Equal

Nana — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:24:48 +0000

I have read nutrition articles over the years that present a group of foods called superfoods or powerfoods because they pack so much health into them. I have printed these out from time to time so I can remember foods I want to eat more of.

Here is one of these lists, I don’t remember where I got it.

Blueberries
These amazing berries are on anyone’s list of super foods. Recent research shows that they’re brain food — feeding blueberries to rats actually slows their age-related mental decline. Blueberries contain pterostilbene, a plant compound recently shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Their ORAC value (antioxidant rating) is the highest of any fruit. And blueberries are rich in fiber. Tip: Try them frozen. They taste like sherbet!

Guava
Among the super foods of the world, guava is a sleeper. With a taste that’s been described as “part strawberry and part pear,” one low-calorie cup of this vitamin-rich fruit contains a whopping eight grams of fiber. And in one widely used test of antioxidant power, guava scored second only to blueberries, right behind kale. Guava also contains cancer-fighting lycopene.

Kale
Kale is a member of the brassica family — vegetable royalty that boasts cabbage and broccoli among its relatives. It’s rich in potent cancer-fighting substances called indoles, and loaded with bone-building vitamin K. Kale has the highest antioxidant rating of any vegetable and is ridiculously low in calories. Try it tossed with olive oil, a few dried cranberries and some pine nuts.

Sardines
These little fish are the best kept secret in the world when it comes to health foods and the secret weapon of travelers looking for a cheap, portable, easily available source of protein. Sardines are rich in omega-3 fats, and one of the least contaminated of any seafood since they rank so low on the food chain. Eat them out of the can or throw them on some salad.

Apples
The juicy red or green apple’s reputation for keeping you out of the doctor’s office is well deserved. Loaded with pectin (an important fiber), apples are one of the best sources of boron, a little-known nutrient that helps support strong and healthy bones. An apple with a glass of water is a great natural appetite suppressant. Highest antioxidant value: Red Delicious

Coconut Oil
This superb oil has been long neglected as a healthy oil because it contains saturated fat. But not to worry: The saturated fat in coconut is a very healthy kind called MCT (medium chain triglyecerides) which is easily burned by the body for energy. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, a natural anti-viral and anti-microbal. And today’s excellent virgin coconut oil — unlike the inferior products of a few decades ago — doesn’t contain trans fats.

Green Tea
A superstar beverage if there ever was one, green tea helps with weight loss and helps fight against cancer. It contains EGCG, a catechin (plant compound) which stimulates metabolism and has anti-cancer properties to boot. Green tea also contains theanine, a natural relaxant which helps explain why the caffeine in green tea doesn’t make you nearly as jittery as coffee.

Flaxseed
Flaxseed oil is one of the only plant sources of omega-3 fats, but the flaxseeds themselves provide the added benefit of fiber along with omega-3. Flaxseeds can be thrown on salads, tossed into smoothies, or sprinkled on vegetables. They also contain lignans, a group of plant nutrients that have been studied by the National Cancer Institute for their cancer preventive properties.

Positive Eating In Place Of Dieting

Nana — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:35:46 +0000

An article in the New York Times today claims many people are tired of dieting and counting every fat calorie, and are turning to positive eating instead. Apparently this does not mean going back to snarfing a lot of yummy and fattening snacks and treats, but instead means eating delicious healthy foods, such as berries, nuts and fresh vegetables.Research has shown that people who primarily eat naturally low fat foods tend to stay slimmer, in spite of possibly averaging more calories per day than people who eat fewer calories that are higher in fat. This is a GREAT way to keep weight off after losing it.

This kind of approach is excellent for another reason. Dieters who starve themselves and suffer from deprivation are much more likely to put the weight right back on when they finish their diet. It isn’t healthy to starve, it makes your body crave food. You almost can’t help putting the weight right back on!
Here is the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/17/dining/17diet.html?th&emc=th

Concentrate On Superfoods, Not Junk

Nana — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:22:10 +0000

Perhaps we overeat because our bodies know we are lacking in some specific vitamin, mineral, protein or something, but we reach for chips or cake or chocolate. We think we are satisfying our urge to eat, but are not because we are not solving the reason we first had an urge to eat. Let’s concentrate on the SUPERFOODS! All naturally colorful foods, like raspberries, blueberries, tomatoes, oranges, deep green salad greens and purple cabbage are super high in nutrients that our bodies need and contain lots of antioxidants to prevent cancer and reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood. I have heard these foods referred to as the rainbow diet.

Webmd.com has an excellent article on foods for longevity and health:

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/foods-for-long-life-and-well-being

What Are You Eating?

Nana — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:49:33 +0000

You have to consider that your body needs specific nutrients to survive. Historically, we were designed to crave a food when we were not getting enough of a nutrient that we needed in that food. This “alarm” system has gone somewhat haywire and cravings are no long a GOOD thing for the most part. But, if you are eating too much junk food, your body will experience cravings but not necessarily for the correct food. Part of this is due to neuromarketing. Food ads on TV are designed to make you crave what they are selling. Do some research on eating the RIGHT foods first. It will help.