Thursday, December 24, 2009

Healthiest Foods: Fruit

Apricots
The body turns beta-carotene into vitamin A, which may help prevent certain cancers, especially skin cancer. One apricot has 17 calories, 0 fat, 1 gram of fiber. You can nack on them dried, or fresh, but when still firm because they lose nutrients when they get soft.

Avocados
They contain Oleic acid, which is an unsaturated fat that helps lower overall cholesterol and raise levels of HDL, plus a good dose of fiber. One slice has 81 calories, 8 grams of fat and 3 grams of fiber. Try a few slices instead of mayonnaise with your next burger.

Raspberries
Raspberries contain ellagic acid, which helps stall cancer-cell growth. These berries also have a lot of vitamin C and are high in fiber, which helps prevent high cholesterol and heart disease. A cup of raspberries only has 60 calories, 1 gram of fat and 8 grams of fiber. You can add low-fat yogurt or oatmeal (another high fiber food.

Cantaloupe
Vitamin C and beta-carotene are both major ingrediants in cantaloupe and both powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from free-radical damage. Also, half a melon has 853mg of potassium which is almost twice as much as a banana. The potassium helps lower blood pressure. Half a melon has 97 calories, 1 gram of fat and 2 grams of fiber. You can cut a cantaloupe into pieces to freeze and make a smoothie.

Cranberry Juice
Bladder infections can be prevented by drinking cranberry juice because the juice prevents harmful bacteria from growing. A cup has 144 calories, 0 grams of fat and 0 fiber. Make sure you get the 100% juice and you can add it to your water, but don't add sugar.

Tomato
Lycopene, one of the strongest carotenoids, acts as an antioxidant in tomatos. Research shows that tomatoes may cut the risk of bladder, stomach, and colon cancers in half if eaten every day. A tomato has 26 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Add a tiny bit of olive oil, because lycopene is best absorbed when eaten with a little fat.

Figs
Figs are a good source of potassium and fiber. They also contain vitamin B6, which is responsible for producing mood-boosting serotonin, lowering cholesterol, and preventing water retention. Birthcontrol Pills deplete B6, so if you take the pill, make sure to get extra B6 in your diet. One fig has 37 to 48 calories, 0 fat and 2 grams of fiber.

Raisins
These are a great source of iron, which helps the blood transport oxygen (many women need more iron). A half-cup has 218 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. You can add raisins on your oatmeal or cereal. Raisins are good for women during that time of the month.

Lemons/Limes
Limonene, furocoumarins and vitamin C, all of which helps prevent cancer. A wedge has 2 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Lemons and Limes are good when squeezed over salads, fish, beans and vegetables for fat free flavor.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Things you can do to prevent getting sick

If you are worried about getting the H1N1 virus, here are a few things you can do to make yourself less susceptible:

1. Be careful about what you eat: Make sure you limit your sugar intake. Stay away from soda and juices.

2. Eat less Inflammatory Foods: Inflammatory foods (beef, pork, cheese, ice cream) are not good for your immune system because they create inflammation in your body and create higher levels of the stress hormone.

3. Eat more dark green vegetables: Eating other vegetables is a great idea, but brussel sprouts, broccoli, and spinach is the best idea. These foods will really help you to stay healthy.

4. Exercise for 30-45 minutes 3-5 times a week: If you exercise in shorter and better quality work outs, you’ll actually get a better boost in your metabolism and your immune system.

5. Get plenty of sleep: 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep EVERY night is ideal. This will really help repair and regeneration within your body. If you're having trouble sleeping, consider visiting a sleep center to determine whether you have a sleep disorder.

6. Get the H1N1 flu vaccine. Locate a H1N1 flu vaccination clinic near you or contact your public health department to find out where you can obtain one.

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