Extra Good Food

I read several health newsletters and occasionally run across good "food as medicine" information, just thought I'd share. Since we generally eat such small amounts, I think it's important that foods we incorporate ( protein first ) should pack a nutritional punch with added health benefits. Featured Article Top 10 Antioxidants from Food In June, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a list of the Top 20 food sources of antioxidants in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Antioxidants are compounds that stop the chain reaction of free radicals by donating one of their electrons without becoming unstable themselves. In other words, antioxidants "sacrifice" themselves in order to save vital body cells from free-radical damage. Nutrients that act as antioxidants (or act as cofactors for the body's antioxidant enzyme systems) include vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, selenium and carotenoids. Researchers in the USDA study tabulated antioxidant levels in more than 100 different types of berries, fruits, vegetables, nuts and spices. Here are the top 10: Small red beans (dried) Wild blueberries Red kidney beans Pinto beans Blueberries (cultivated) Cranberries Artichokes (cooked) Blackberries Prunes Raspberries Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2004 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wednesday, September 8 A Nutty Proposal Eating a handful of walnuts each day might help control your cholesterol. Walnuts can improve lipid profiles and vascular health in people with high cholesterol, research has revealed. Walnuts are high in antioxidants and alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid with cardioprotective properties. Participants in the study derived the health benefits from eating as few as 8 to 10 walnuts per day.

Very interesting. Thanks for the post! Valerie

Excellent information Linda!!! These items have been a staple in my diet for years and yet I was just wondering if I should cut the beans (and fruits) out of my diet (high glycemic carbs) to help kick start the weight loss once again. Now I am reminded of just why I don't want to do that!!! We NEED those items for good health!!! I knew that, but it is funny the things we start thinking all in the name of weight loss. But what good is weight loss, if we lose our health also? Your timing with this article is perfect for me!!! Thanks again Linda!

Hi Tammy, You have really been doing the right thing all along, beans are on the lower end of the glycemic index, along with the fruits on the list. UGH learned which ones were and were not the hard way testing my blood sugars 4 times a day for diabetes, which I am THRILLED to say I no longer have to do, I only stick now a few times a WEEK ( to keep an eye on the situation and monitor any changes ) Happy eating to you! Oh, how are you coming with that calorie count? You should pick the brains of the board members if you're still struggling. Have a great day. Linda