This week Jodi featured vegetables of all shapes sizes and colors. Spaghetti Squash, Cabbage, Green and Red Bell Peppers, Tarragon, Garlic, Black Beans, and more. These classes are a great way to learn new ways to cook healthy and still make very tasty dishes. In class today, Jodi made:
Are you tired of getting sick? Antioxidants could be the answer…
Antioxidants have been around since the beginning of time. We often hear about them on commercials, or talk shows. Most people don’t realize that the food that we eat or don’t eat will make the difference in our overall health. The benefits of antioxidants can be found in plant based diets, fruits and vegetables, nuts, and antioxidant vitamins. Many antioxidant rich foods are called super foods. This article is a great way to understand what foods will arm your body with the defenses that it needs to fight off sickness and infection. We will dive into the health benefits of the top 10 antioxidant rich foods. You should definitely add these to your diet.
Keywords:
Description:
antioxidants
A substance that reduces damage due to oxygen, such as that caused by free radicals. Well-known antioxidants include enzymes and other substances, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene, which are capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation. Antioxidants are also commonly added to food products such as vegetable oils and prepared foods to prevent or delay their deterioration from the action of air. Antioxidants may possibly reduce the risks of cancer. Antioxidants clearly slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants.
oxygen radical absorbance capacity
ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. It’s a lab test that attempts to quantify the “total antioxidant capacity” (TAC) of a food by placing a sample of the food in a test tube, along with certain molecules that generate free radical activity and certain other molecules that are vulnerable to oxidation . After a while, they measure how well the sample protected the vulnerable molecules from oxidation by the free radicals. The less free radical damage there is, the higher the antioxidant capacity of the test substance. There are actually a handful of different tests designed to measure total antioxidant capacity in this way, but the ORAC is probably the best known and most popular
inflammation
Inflammation and Antioxidants,
Apple Cider Vinegar
lowers cholesterol
boost energy
reduces cramping and lactic acid
helps bad breath
controls blood sugar
supports heart health
whitens teeth
Garlic
boost immune system function/fights infection
aids in cancer prevention
fights inflammation
promotes total body detoxification
Ginger
acts as an antidote for nausea
reduces inflammation – arthritis – headaches
stimulates circulation
inhibits rhinovirus – a cause of the common cold
fights salmonella
reduces gas and intestinal pain
Horseradish Root
fights cancer
detoxifies the liver
relieves sinus pressure
treats urinary tract infections
reduces bloating
aids in muscle soreness
Onion
decrease risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease
promotes healthy hair and complexion
great source of vitamin C
reduce risk of colorectal and other intestinal cancers
improve mood and help with depression
Habanero Peppers
reduce risk of diabetes and obesity
great cancer fighter
reduces cholesterol and heart disease
lowers inflammation
Oregano Oil
treats foot or nail fungus
kills parasites or infection
minimizes sinus infection and cold symptoms
great for cleaning when mixed with lemon and vinegar
Tumeric
helps with chronic inflammation
reduces symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis
improves mood and aids in depression
lowers blood glucose levels
inhibits cancer cell growth
has anti-aging properties
Echinacea (herb)
reduces acid reflux
decreases migrane symptoms
aid in genital herpes outbreaks
helps cure strep throat
reduces urinary tract infections
cures yeast infections
Raw Honey
cancer fighting properties
aids in nausea and upset stomach
natural cough suppressant
assists in blood sugar regulation
heals ulcers
good cholesterol regulator
It is not hard to see the benefits of these powerful antioxidants. If you work them into your diet your will surely see and feel the difference. In addition to these awesome foods, a green drink will work wonders for your overall health and well being. If you enjoyed this article, then I assume that you like to know what is in your food and why it is good for you. This book is the best book I have ever found for understanding the ‘whys’ about food. If you have any questions about fitness or nutrition, email Jodi at jodi@healthywithjodi.com .