| Health Trend - Healing Foods | | | | Green tea has ECGC, a powerful antioxidant. |
| Foods that are nutrient rich that are good for the | | | | Researchers in Spain and the United Kingdom |
| body was talked about this past year and will | | | | have shown that ECGC can inhibit the growth of |
| continue to be in the news in the new year. The | | | | cancer cells. Studies are pointing towards its |
| healing benefits of food have been reported by | | | | potential in decreasing incidence of stroke and |
| cultures worldwide throughout history. The past | | | | heart disease, and its role in reducing inflammation |
| decade has presented an explosion of research | | | | associated with several types of IBD |
| showing specifically what health benefits individual | | | | (inflammatory bowel disease). More recent |
| foods can offer. Studies in the past decade have | | | | research is indicating that green tea may help |
| taken nutritional research beyond protein, | | | | prevent type-2 diabetes and osteoporosis. |
| carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. | | | | Walnuts |
| The past decade has spawned grass roots | | | | Walnuts are heart healthy and is an excellent |
| efforts and studies spreading the word about the | | | | source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Some of |
| dangers of processed foods and the impact it has | | | | the health benefits walnuts provide range from |
| on our health. The dangers of food additives such | | | | cardiovascular protection, to the promotion of |
| as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and trans fats | | | | better cognitive function for brain health, to |
| are being reported on more and more educating | | | | anti-inflammatory benefits helpful in asthma, |
| consumers to start taking a closer look at the | | | | rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin |
| ingredient labels on the foods they eat. | | | | diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, |
| Super foods that have received a lot of press in | | | | walnuts contain an antioxidant compound that |
| the past decade for their research-supported | | | | supports the immune system and appears to |
| health benefits. A diet rich in super foods can help | | | | have several anticancer properties. |
| you lower your cholesterol, keep your blood | | | | Dark Chocolate |
| pressure under control, maintain a healthy weight, | | | | Hard to believe but yes, dark chocolate does |
| reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and, | | | | have health benefits. However, keep in mind that |
| for an added bonus, put you in a better mood. A | | | | it is chocolate and not to be over indulged in. The |
| healthy diet incorporating a variety of the | | | | darker it is, the lower the fat and sugar content. |
| following super foods along with exercise, will help | | | | New research has shown that dark chocolate is |
| you maintain your weight, fight disease, and live | | | | packed with antioxidants and can lower blood |
| longer. One thing they all have in common is that | | | | pressure. Recent studies show that dark |
| they real,unprocessed foods. | | | | chocolate helps ease emotional stress. |
| What are these super foods that have made | | | | Yogurt |
| headlines? Here's a list of the top superfoods and | | | | In addition to protein, vitamins such as B-2 and |
| their benefits. | | | | B-12, minerals such as calcium and magnesium, |
| Quinoa | | | | yogurt consumers also enjoy the benefits of |
| Quinoa is a seed that is a completed protein, | | | | probiotics. Probiotics are known as the "good |
| meaning that it contains all of the essential amino | | | | bacteria" that can reside in the intestines, offering |
| acids, is high in magnesium, iron, copper and | | | | immune and digestive support. Research has |
| phosphorus. Because of it's high protein content, | | | | shown improved vaginal health among women |
| quinoa is a good choice for vegans looking to get | | | | consuming yogurt, and the cholesterol-lowering |
| adequate protein in their diet. The high magnesium | | | | properties of yogurt look promising. Plain Greek |
| content is beneficial for those who have | | | | yogurt with active cultures is recommended and |
| hypertension (high blood pressure). Studies have | | | | is lower in sugar than most yogurts. When buying |
| indicated that it can help alleviate migraine | | | | yogurt, be sure to read the label to make sure |
| symptoms, is heart healthy, can substantially | | | | your yogurt contains 15-20 grams of protein and |
| reduce type 2 diabetes risk and is rich in | | | | has 12 grams or less of sugar. |
| antioxidants. | | | | Oats |
| Raw Honey | | | | There's no better way of starting your day than |
| Not only is honey a natural sweetener, research | | | | with a bowl of oats. Not only is a bowl of oats |
| has shown that it has anti-bacterial and anti-viral | | | | high in fiber, and is beneficial if you are looking to |
| effects and is effective at treating wounds. | | | | prevent or are currently dealing with heart |
| Blueberries | | | | disease or diabetes. Individuals with high |
| Among the fruits with the highest level of | | | | cholesterol (above 220 mg/dl), consuming just 3 |
| antioxidants, blueberries have been linked to | | | | grams of soluble oat fiber per day (an amount |
| lowering cholesterol, reducing diabetes risk, slowing | | | | found in one bowl of oatmeal) typically lowers |
| the aging process, improving motor skills and | | | | total cholesterol by 8-23%. This is highly significant |
| supporting urinary and vision health. | | | | since each 1% drop in serum cholesterol |
| Researchers have found that blueberries help | | | | translates to a 2% decrease in the risk of |
| protect the brain from oxidative stress and may | | | | developing heart disease. Oats also stabilize blood |
| reduce the effects of age-related conditions such | | | | sugar which is a significant benefit for those with |
| as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. | | | | type 2 diabetes. |
| Salmon | | | | Broccoli |
| Salmon is low in calories, high in protein and rich in | | | | Broccoli is a fibrous vegetable loaded with vitamins |
| healthy omega-3 fats. Omega 3s you get in fish | | | | such as A, B-6, folic acid, and K and minerals such |
| lower heart disease risk, help arthritis, and may | | | | as calcium and potassium and has cancer |
| possibly help with memory loss and Alzheimer's. | | | | protection benefits. |
| Research showing anti-inflammatory and cancer | | | | It will be interesting to find out what other foods |
| prevention properties are impressive. Look for | | | | will make news as nutritional research becomes |
| wild salmon vs. farmed to avoid contaminants | | | | more and more prominent. In the mean time, be |
| such as PCBs. | | | | sure to add these foods to your daily diet. |
| Green Tea | | | | |