Wednesday 11 February 2009

Health Foods - Spinach

Spinach:

Spinach is just one example of the leafy green vegetables rich in calcium and magnesium. Half a cup of cooked spinach contains more calcium, magnesium and iron than half a cup of milk.

The calcium and magnesium in spinach work together to ensure efficient nerve transmissions.

Calcium strengthens bones, teeth and gums, while magnesium and vitamin K build healthy red blood cells, the iron in the spinach strengthens the blood and potassium regulates high blood pressure.

Leafy greens are particularly rinch in antioxidants too and therefore more important for strengthening the body's immune system.

The antioxidants in spinach are believed to reduce the risk of both heart disease and stroke and lower the risk of skin and stomach cancer.

Spinach is another energizing food, and is most effective in combating long term fatigue.

Monday 9 February 2009

Health Foods - Carrots

Carrots:
Carrots are powerful detoxifying food and are especially effective taken as juice with apple. Their rich orange color indicate that they are loaded with beta-carotene.

This carotenoid pigment converts to Vitamin A in the body when needed and is a powerful force in the fight against free radicals.

In addition, beta carotene has a healing effect on the skin, especially in cases of eczema, dermatitis and acne and is believed to result in healthy eyes and good night vision.

Carrots contain Vitamin C. These two antioxidants means that carrots are valuable for boosting the immune system and restoring health to convalescents.

Carrots are believed to offer protection against various cancers and heart disease and to help lower cholesterol levels if eaten daily.

Saturday 7 February 2009

Health Foods - Broccoli

Broccoli:

An ideal food, broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals - Vitamins A and C (a cup of cooked Broccoli contains more Vitamin C than two Oranges), beta carotene, B2, B5 and folate, zinc and iron.

It comprises 90 per cent water and contains very few calories.

Broccoli is another free radical fighting food, protecting cells in the brain and body from oxidative damage.

It provides protection against heart disease and a range of infections, particularly respiratory ones, and is thought to be a major force in fighting bowel cancer.

Its detoxifying properties mean that broccoli can prevent a built up of harmful toxins within the body, allowing the liver and the digestive system to function more effectively and ultimately improving skin condition.

In addition, the folate found in broccoli promotes the production of the mood lifting chemical serotonin beneficial for those suffering from depression.