gayla50
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Age : 52
Joined : 12 Oct 2006
Posts : 3229
Localisation : Western North Carolina
|  Subject: Super Foods  Wed 26 Mar 2008, 9:27 pm | |
| Try including some of the following "super foods" into your diet. Each food contains vitamins, nutrients and/or minerals that are believed to contain special properties for health, disease prevention and/or longevity.
Food:Serving Size:Properties/Benefits
Broccoli:2 spears:Contains vitamins C, A, Beta Carotene and Fiber.
Carrots:2 medium: carrots every other day provide enough beta carotene to reduce stroke risk by half for men who already have symptoms of heart disease
Chili Peppers:1 or more peppers:The heat source in chilis, capsaicin, is an antioxidant. Contains blood thinning properties to prevent strokes, lowers cholesterol, protects DNA against carcinogens, may stimulate release of endorphins ("natural high" chemicals)
Spinach:1 cup uncooked:Contains vitamins A and C, folic acid and magnesium which help control cancer, reduces heart disease and stroke risk, blocks free radicals and may help prevent osteoporosis.
Mushrooms:1/4 cup dried Shitakes or other exotic mushrooms:Contain beta-glucan, which stimulates immune system. Shitake, enoki, zhuling and reishi all have anti-cancer and antiviral effects
Tomatoes:1 med. tomato:Contain lycopenes - an antioxidant more potent than vitamin C. Stimulates immune function and may slow degenerative diseases
Strawberries:1/2 cup:Contains ellagic acid, which contains anti-cancer properties
Papaya, Pineapple & Kiwine papaya, 1 cup pineapple, 1-2 kiwis:High amounts of enzymes that help combat everything from autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer to AIDS
Mangoes:1 mango:Contains bioflavonoids that aid the immune system
Citrus Fruits:1 lg. orange or equivalent:Contains vitamin C which helps your body fight cancers (lung, cervical, esophagus & stomach). Rich in bioflavonoids.
Apricots:3 fresh:Fresh apricots are high in beta-carotene. Also contains vitamin C and fiber.
Bananas:1 medium:Rich in magnesium (helps protect circulatory system), potassium and slowly-absorbed sugars. Good source of pectin (a soluble fiber). Prevents radical swings in blood sugar
Garlic:2-3 cloves fresh or 1 tsp. Garlic Powder:May lower cholesterol and blood pressure. May contain chemicals capable of destroying cancer cells
Green Tea:1 cup:Green tea contains polyphenols, which may reduce heart disease, cancer and stroke risk
Beans:1 cup:High in protein and complex carbohydrates. Contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Contains phytochemicals and protease inhibitors that may help prevent cancer
Soybeans & Tofu:4 ounces tofu or equivalent soy product:Lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol levels in bloodstream which reduces heart disease risk. Studies have shown that people who regularly eat soy products have reduced risk or lower rates of prostate, colon, lung, rectal and stomach cancers.
Salmon:3 ounces:Contains omega-3 oils to fight heart disease. Contains calcium, magnesium, protein and B-vitamins.
Oats:1 cup oatmeal, 1-1/2 packets instant oatmeal, or -1/4 cup oat flakes cereal:Oat bran lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. May reduce risk of colon cancer. Oatmeal contains both soluble and insoluble fiber.
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Gayla
"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."
---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) |
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