's Daily Message - January 11, 2006

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's Daily Message WednesdayJanuary 11, 2006LIFESAVER FOODS

There are certain vitamins out there that contain nutrients that help protect your body. The fancy word out there is antioxidants, and when your body takes in enough of them, they can just help your body out from head to toe. There are certain foods that are loaded with antioxidants that you should concentrate on eating more of this year.

Berries are full of fiber, minerals, and they contain ellagic acid, a plant compound that combats carcinogens.

Broccoli and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain a compound called L3C that reduces the risk of breast cancer and cancer of the ovaries and cervix.

Tomatoes contain lycopene, a member of the carotenoid family. Studies have shown that men who eat more tomatoes or tomato sauce have lower rates of prostate cancer. Lycopene can also help prevent lung, colon, and breast cancer.

Red grapes can keep your heart beating longer and stronger. There are substances found in red grapes called resveratrol quercetin. These potent antioxidants reduce platelet aggregation and help blood vessels remain open and flexible.

The sulfur compounds that give garlic its strong odor are thought to be responsible for its healing benefits. Studies show that garlic keeps the heart healthy and helps prevent cancer!

Spinach contains lutein that can help protect your vision. Those who eat spinach are less likely to develop cataracts and macular degeneration. New studies have suggested that lutein can also prevent heart disease.

Drinking tea may be one of the best ways to stop a number of degenerative diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Green tea and black tea are equally beneficial.

Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, also found in beets, sweet potatoes, and other yellow orange vegetables. Beta-carotene provides protection against cancer – especially lung, bladder, breast, and stomach cancers – and the progression of arthritis by as much as 75 percent.

Health food advocates have been praising the magic of soy for years. Soy can help prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, ward off osteoporosis, and lessen the effects of menopause. Most of the healthy benefits of soy have been attributed to its content of genistein and other isoflavones, which resemble natural estrogen in the body.

Last but not least, whole grains. The vitamin E in grains is a potent antioxidant that plays a role in preventing cancer, especially prostate. It can also boost your immune system and slow down the progression of Alzheimer`s Disease.

Please add these whole foods to your grocery list this week!

Love,