Wednesday, July 9, 2008

More Nature's Best Foods



Wheat Germ
Wheat Germ is a great source of many vitamins, including vitamin E, most of the B vitamin group, folic acid, and a number of minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc. This list is by no means all inclusive. The vitamin E in wheat germ is a powerful antioxidant that is important for fighting cancer and heart problems.
Probably one of the best things about wheat germ, especially as you get older and your digestive system starts to slow down, is that it is an excellent source of fiber. Eating wheat germ on a regular basis, as well as eating other fiber rich foods, is an excellent way to stay regular and avoid things like constipation, or worse, a blocked colon.
Women especially benefit from taking wheat germ as it helps alleviate premenstrual symptoms and also menopausal symptoms. The minerals in wheat germ are also excellent for promoting healthy skin, nails and hair. Women also benefit from having stronger bones and teeth. Also, studies show that eating wheat germ helps prevent certain types of birth defects.
And, if all that isn't enough, a regular diet of wheat germ will also give you more strength and energy, keeps your cholesterol at normal levels and also helps prevent illness. Check out Recipes With Wheat Germ are Nutty Granola, Mango wheat germ Smoothie ,AlmondCherryBanana Cookies ,Blueberry pancakes ,Fruity Veggie Bread,Honey Cherry Muffins.
Flax
Flax contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. Flax is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to protect against colon cancer and heart disease.Adding two to three tablespoons of flaxseeds to your smoothies, oatmeal, salads or cereals daily. can significantly reduce the risk of breast, prostate and colon cancer, along with providing a good source of fiber and essential fatty acids. The lignans in the flaxseeds, rather than the oil, are the cancer protective compounds. To prevent the oils from going rancid, be sure to purchase ground flaxseed in a vacuum sealed package and keep them in the freezer. Better yet, you can grind your own.Try this Flax Smoothie

Broccoli ,Cauliflower and Cabbage
Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety. Broccoli, especially sprouts, also have the phytochemical sulforaphane, a product of glucoraphanin - believed to aid in preventing some types of cancer, like colon and rectal cancer. Sulforaphane induces the production of certain enzymes that can deactivate free radicals and carcinogens. The enzymes have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in laboratory animals. However, be aware that the Agriculture Department studied 71 types of broccoli plants and found a 30-fold difference in the amounts of glucoraphanin. It appears that the more bitter the broccoli is, the more glucoraphanin it has. Broccoli sprouts have been developed under the trade name BroccoSprouts that have a consistent level of sulforaphane - as much as 20 times higher than the levels found in mature heads of broccoli. Try Curry in a Hurry, Broccoli Omelet

Avocados
Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. They also supply even more potassium than bananas and are a strong source of beta-carotene. Scientists also believe that avocados may also be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage.Did you try this Delicious lip smacking Guacamole

Green Tea
Green tea also contains antioxidants useful for cancer protection and, if taken regularly, can help to lower cholesterol, improve blood sugar balance and increase your energy. It is energizing (it does contain caffeine) yet calming at the same time due to theanine, a natural compound in the green tea that blocks the release of stress hormone.

Soy
Bone density, hormonal balance and cholesterol levels change as we age but having a serving of soy daily can help to lower cholesterol, keep your bones strong, improve heart health, protect the prostate and ease the symptoms of menopause.

The therapeutic effect of soy is due to the phytoestrogens naturally occurring in soybeans. Simply a cup of soymilk, a handful of soy nuts or a palm-sized serving of tofu can do the trick.

Wild Fresh Salmon
it is so high in essential fatty acids, which help to keep our skin smooth (salmon has been called a "wrinkle curing" food) and are natural anti-inflammatory compounds. All of the cell membranes in the body are comprised of fatty acids and our brain is over 70% fatty tissues. It is not surprising then that the fats in salmon are crucial for a healthy mind and memory, along with their well documented cardiovascular benefits like blood pressure regulation and cholesterol balance.

Nuts

For snacking, raw nuts like almonds and walnuts are your top choices as they are rich in healthy oils, zinc, selenium, vitamin E and provide a mixed protein and carbohydrate source good for the carbohydrate-conscious eater desiring weight loss. Snacking on these or adding them to salads or oatmeal five times per week can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as lowering cholesterol too.Check out Nutty Chutney

Blueberries and Pomegranate
Free radicals cause cellular damage, accelerate aging and contribute to the development of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. Along with eating a highly nutritious low calorie diet, maximizing your intake of foods rich in antioxidants is an excellent approach to anti-aging and disease prevention. Blueberries are one food that is absolutely loaded with antioxidants. They protect against sun damage, support eye health, are high in fiber, low in naturally occurring sugars, and contain a potent dose of proanthocyanidins beneficial for skin, cognitive function and cardiovascular health. This same antioxidant activity is also present in pomegranate, pink grapefruit and tomatoes which makes them all the rage for cancer protection and heart health. Make your self Nature's Best Drink

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