Natural and Easy Skin Benefits of Cucumbers

Photo By JordanFischer

Cucumber has garnered a lot of attention as a healthy snack and a beneficial vegetable, but many people are unaware of just how many benefits for your skin this tasty and healthy treat can provide. Cucumber contains a large amount of silica which is a mineral that can enhance the strength of your body’s connective tissue.

The amount of silica within cucumbers, along with caffeic and ascorbic acids, can help to treat a number of skin problems such as dark circles, swelling and sunburns, as well as help reduce the appearance of acne, freckles, and even minor scarring. The acids have the ability to reduce the amount of water that is retained in your face, which is one of the main reasons that so many people use cucumbers topically to treat a wide range of skin problems they are facing.

What really cements the cucumber’s status as a beneficial skin product is its ability to instantly mask irritations and provide beauty benefits. The cucumber is obviously entirely natural and comes with no side effects, other than possible allergic reactions, yet it can instantly relieve puffy eyes and can easily be made into a soothing skin lotion or mask.

All you need to do is thinly slice cucumber and then place a slice on or around your eyes for anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes. It is quite hard to find an easier way to relax and soothe yourself after a long day. If you want to focus on your face as a whole, and not just your eyes, then grated cucumber is an excellent choice for use as a tonic all around the neck and face. 

Cucumbers really are one of life’s little magic remedies and are simply more proof of the benefits of natural beauty treatment. Target dark circles, reduce puffiness around the eyes, soften and smooth out your skin, improve your complexion, or even reduce the signs of sunburn all with this lively, safe, and powerful vegetable. 

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8 Quick and Easy Tips for Cutting Calories and Losing Weight

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While not all of us feel that counting calories is important, or that every little bit counts, when you are trying to lower you daily caloric intake baby steps can work wonders. Here are a few quick and easy tricks for cutting calories daily and working towards a stronger and healthier body.

Drink Milk, Love Life

When counting calories, it is easy to focus on the numbers and fall into the habit of trying to cut out everything. The problem is that this means we lose sight of healthy calories such as the ones found in milk. Drinking close to 2,000 milligrams of milk per day can help ensure that your body doesn’t absorb all of the calories you take in throughout the day. Try to drink one full cup of milk before your morning coffee to make it easy to remember.

Pre-Cut your Veggies

While it may take a bit more work in the beginning, having washed and cut veggies ready in the fridge makes it easier to turn down other less healthy snacks. You can purchase vegetables that are cut if you want to avoid the hassle altogether, but it can get a bit more expensive.

Get your Water on

There are a number of new studies that are proving that consuming water can actually burn calories. Simply drinking two cups of warm or barely cool water can burn close to 25 calories. That equals out to a more than impressive 5 pounds per year and could mean the difference when trying to slink into your little black dress for New Year’s.

Blot your Food

Just speaking solely on the topic of pizza, blotting each slice with a napkin can remove close to a teaspoon of fat. If you indulge in just one slice of pizza every week then that means you have cut down on over a cup of unwanted fat, and kept it off of your trouble spots.

Focus on Eating

Take the time out of your day to always have sit down meals without any other distractions around. Turn the TV off, put your work away, and just focus on eating. This will give your stomach a better chance to tell your brain you are full, and cut down on overeating due to distraction.

Forgo Empty Fluids

If you are thirsty then try to chug back something that has value, and not something with empty calories or chemicals. Skip out on a Diet Coke and instead grab some healthy juice or a V8.

Keep Healthy Snacks On Hand

You never know when you might get ravenous throughout the day, and that is the point that we are all most likely to run to the vending machine or even head for Chinese food at lunch. Keep healthy, power snacks on hand such as nuts or a bean salad with low calorie dressing and you may be able to distract your mind from the temptations around you.

Use your Belt to your Advantage

Of course we are all used to loosening, or even unbuckling, our belts after a big meal, but instead try tightening your belt. If you are craving a particularly unhealthy food then tightening your belt just one notch can keep you focused and be a constant reminder of your favorite pair of pants you are trying to fit into.

When it comes to weight loss it really is the little things that matter. Trying to change everything in your life, hit the gym 3 times a day and dine on cabbage soup is often a recipe for failure. Give these quick and easy tips for cutting calories a try and you just may be surprised at how much easier it is to ditch a few unwanted pounds.

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Health Benefits of Ginseng: One Ingredient that can Change your Life

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Originally discovered in China, Ginseng is a plant that has been used for its medicinal value for centuries. The natural ingredient supplies a vast array of mental and physical benefits with no concerns in terms of the side effects that can come for chemically based products or over the counter pharmaceuticals.  When it comes to sexual disorders, aging, stress and anxiety, Ginseng helps cure all. It offers you unique healing powers, is a great rejuvenator, and can revitalize your entire body over the matter of just a few days.

Ginseng can be found within tea and inside revitalizing capsules or it can even be used entirely on its own or grated into milkshakes. There are two main types of Ginseng, North American and Asian. Both are defined by different properties, while the former can provide cooling benefits and help a great deal in reducing fever and respiratory disorders, the latter is magical in improving the circulatory system through its heating properties.
The Ginseng plant is world famous for revitalizing one’s body by combating stress in any form, physical or mental, and thus barring consequential fatigue. Not only that, but as mentioned earlier this is a “cure all” plant and it even fights diabetes and also erectile dysfunction. These are not only a tradition based facts but have been proven through scientific experiments and surveys.

The standard dosage of this herb is approximately 200mg a day. It is also suggested that you take a break for approximately one week after continually using the dosage for eighteen to twenty days. More great news when it comes to ginseng is the fact that this medicinal herb can do wonders in terms of anti aging, and if used correctly, and for a relatively longer period, it can also result into glowing and youthful skin.

This does not mean that ginseng is for everybody as pregnant women and anyone who is dealing with a heart disorder should refrain from using it. Even people with hormonal imbalances are advised not to seek out the use of ginseng. It may cause sleeplessness and a few other side effects such as nervous breakdowns, headaches, and agitation.

So the basic fact is that while Ginseng does have great medicinal value, anything taken in excess can be bad and the same thing goes for Ginseng. It can truly work wonders for you if used under the proper guidelines and if used under strict guidance it can be used to fight poor health, hangovers, menopause, help you recover from mild illnesses and improve mental alertness and even your athletic performance.
Given all of the benefits of Ginseng and its incredible power, it is no exaggeration when people refer to it as the magical ingredient for good health.

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Popular Forms of Yoga and How Yoga can Change your Life

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Our lives today are hectic to say the least, especially for those of us living in the hustle and bustle of the city, rushing to work every day, or dealing with the stress and issues that are abundant in society today.Thus, it is the need of the hour to combat stress, tension and the health disorders which have engulfed our life and won’t let us breathe easy. In hindsight, there really are not many better ways to do this than to start practicing the time tested ways of yoga.

 
To make the transition towards yoga easier for you, we are going to provide you with some insight on the most popularly practiced yoga poses, so you can better understand which methods or poses are most suitable for your lifestyle. 

Mudra Yoga

Touch the tip of the index finger with that of the thumb to form the gyan mudra, a simple pose to relieve a lot of stress and increase concentration. Mudra is also referred to as the Yogic tranquilizer by many learned gurus. 

Pranayam Yoga

 
Pranayam is also a very popular form of yoga. Deeply breathing in and out can do wonders to calm down the internal body and mind. It is a great stress buster and does a great deal in combating insomnia. It has a great effect on the nervous system as it reduces toxins from the body and regulates the blood supply to the brain. This results in lessened stress, tension and fatigue.

 
Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous and fast form of yoga. It helps build flexibility, strength and concentration. When practicing this form of yoga the yogi will go through a set of predetermined of poses in a back to back way in order to push the body to its limits.

 
Hot Yoga

Hot yoga is a form of yoga that is practiced in a room that may be heated up to 37 degree Celsius. This intense heat can soothe the muscles and make yoga movements more effective in a number of ways. Excessive sweat can also help detoxify the body and give you an extra push towards healthy weight loss.

 
A few other yoga methods include Uttrapada asna, Sarvang Asna, Padmasana, Gomukh Asana, Vajra asana. The toughest of all yoga practices is often thought to be Sheershasana. In this form the practitioner is expected to balance him or herself completely upside down while meditating. It sounds even harder than it sounds, if that is possible.

 
In yoga, basically one learns three forms, the Mudras, as in the poses, then the Chakras and finally the Bandhas. The best part is that yoga is fun to learn, incredibly relaxing and at the same time will allow you to get rid of so many problems related to health and your mind. However, many beginner yogis end up giving up before they feel the true effects as they find yoga to be monotonous, boring and tough to learn. If you simply push through this and give yoga time to bring benefits into your life the journey will prove to be more than worth it.

 
Through yoga you can get rid of so many problems such as insomnia, obesity, heart disorders, and respiratory problems, in other words, you name it and yoga has the solution for your problem. It brings down your stress level and enhances powers of relaxation. It can also help provide your mind with a new impulse control. Yoga also cures injuries, internally and externally and can boost the strength of your immune system. For the beauty conscious yoga can also result in healthy glowing skin.

Abstract Benefits of Yoga

Those were the physical attributes now let’s talk about the abstract benefits of yoga: the benefits that you can’t measure or see. When practiced properly yoga bestows peace of mind and a better outlook towards life and can improve the overall organ functioning. Yoga infuses a sense an internal balance and harmony in the body and it even enhances one’s tolerance towards pain and also gives a boost to mental clarity.

There really are very few drawbacks when it comes to opening yourself to this joyous life of sheer eternal bliss. Such a life is possible and you really have nothing to lose. Yoga my seem strenuous or even boring at first, but once it becomes a part of your life there is no turning back and the change will absorb you, body, mind and soul. 
 

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5 Simple Yoga Stretches You Can Do Anywhere and Anytime

Photo By Lachlan Hardy

It seems that life is full of uncomfortable situations and times when we just crave a bit of relaxation or simply want to get away. A whole host of health articles and experts seem to lecture us all on the need to take a little bit of me time and put our needs ahead of others, but that is something that is incredibly easier said than done.

We all now know that yoga can change our lives, help us lose weight, and rid us of stress, but there are so many difficult questions that follow. How do we start? Where do we sign up for a class? What do we wear to yoga class? Who the heck has the time in the day to spend an hour or two stretching and breathing?

Well cast all those questions aside because it is actually a lot easier than you think.

You can find quick and easy refuge from the outside world in just a few moments, and here is some information that will make it easier than imagined. Following are 5 simple yoga stretches and exercises that you can do, anytime and anyplace, to make a bad situation a little better, get away from it all, or just take advantage of some simple relaxation. Do them in a closet, do them in your bedroom, or even do them in a public restroom. They really are that easy.

Simple Yoga Stretch #1- Forward Bend

Sit down on any surface, such as a toilet seat, and sit as straight upright as possible. Breathe in deeply and then as you exhale slowly bend your torso towards your thighs. Bend all the way down so that your head is rested on your knees and let your arms hang loosely at your sides.

Simply Yoga Stretch #2-Neck Rolls

While you are still seated comfortably place your hands on your thighs and drop your head so that your chin is touching your upper chest. Relax your shoulders and roll your head slowly all the way to the right and then all the way to the left. The key is to stay loose and make your movements as smooth as possible.

Simple Yoga Stretch #3- Side Twists

Sit up as straight as possible and turn your whole upper body to the right as far as you can without moving your legs. Reach back and hold onto something in order to stretch your body even further. Breathe in and out deeply and then switch over to the left side and do the exact same thing.

Simple Yoga Stretch #4- Upward Stretch

Now you are done sitting down and can stand up. As you inhale stretch your arms over your head and grip your hands together. Turn your hands so that your palms are facing the ceiling and look upwards. Stretch as far as you can while breathing deeply in and out a few times and then release.

Simple Yoga Stretch #5- Screaming Stretch

Open your mouth as wide as you possibly can. Inhale your breath very slowly and then exhale as fast as you can. As you exhale forcefully picture all of your stress, worry or even boredom escape your body. Repeat this three times or until you feel ready to go back out and socialize, get back to work, or just go about your day.

The 5 simply yoga stretches that you can do anywhere may seem too easy or even too good to be true, but that isn’t the case. After this short spurt of yoga you will feel relaxed, rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to take on the outside world. If things start getting to you during the day just lock yourself in a room or excuse yourself to go to the bathroom.

The trip will be well worth it.

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Health Benefits of Apple Juice: Improve Memory, Lower Cholesterol and Sharpen your Mind

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Drink Apples: Get Your Juice On!

Need a quick energy boost? Drink apple juice. Having a problem with high cholesterol? Drink apple juice. Does your brain need nourishing? Drink apple juice. Apple juice is not just for babies! Use it for drinking, use it in cooking and keep an extra bottle in the pantry. If you are currently without this indispensable beverage, do yourself a favor, get thee to the grocery store, pick up a bottle of 100% pure apple juice and get your juice on!

 
Feed your Brain and Help your Heart

 
The health benefits of most beverages pale in comparison to those of apple juice High amounts of free radical “scavengers”, or antioxidants, enable apple juice to play a part in the prevention of various types of cancer, help protect against heart disease and assist in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Antioxidant scavengers found in apple juice also assist in the improvement of brain function, may help fight Alzheimer’s disease and improve cognition, or the psychological result of perception, learning and reasoning. Also included in its chemical makeup are flavonoids, thought to play a role in the ability of apples and apple juice to support lung health. Finally, apple juice contains iron and can therefore help protect against anemia.

Clear vs. Cloudy  Apple Juice

 
Apple juice is available in two varieties: clear and cloudy (non-clarified). While both are great choices, the cloudy variety contains more apple pulp than clear, is higher in antioxidants and is four times healthier. It also tastes better. Despite this, it is more difficult to find the cloudy version on grocery store shelves, due in part to the consumer perception that “clear = pure = more healthy” and also because, due to additional processing, the clear version has a longer grocery store shelf life. If you have never tried the cloudy variety, do some digging and try it!

 The Real Thing…100% Pure Apple Juice

 
Be aware that not every amber colored bottle with an apple on the label is actually “apple juice.” Look carefully at the ingredient label on the bottle to ensure you are getting the “real thing”. Any beverage (not just apple juice) has to declare the percentage of actual juice it contains and not surprisingly, amounts vary widely.

 
• Apple Juice must contain 100% juice and be made directly from apples or apple juice concentrate that has had the water put back in it

 
• If the product name specifies “drink”, “cocktail”, or “beverage” it often contains as little as 10% juice. It will lack many of the health benefits found in 100% pure juice and will contain added sugar or other sweeteners

 
 Get Juiced

 
Besides pouring it into a glass and drinking your juice (or chugging it straight from the bottle), what else can you do with it? The possibilities are really quite endless but here are a few suggestions:

 
• Mix it with sparkling water to make a fun, fizzy drink

 
• Fill up an ice cube tray and make apple ice cubes

 
• Make freezer pops

 
• Substitute apple juice for the water called for with any flavor of Jello

 
• Cook with it! Substitute apple juice for water in your favorite recipes and watch the “yum factor” rise.

 
Whether you drink it, freeze it, or cook with it; whether your motives are just because it tastes good or because it is good for you; whether your preference is clear or cloudy, get a bottle and your juice on.  Both your body and your taste buds will thank you!

What is Ayurveda Treatment and How Can Ayurveda Medicine Benefit Me?

Photo By YimHafiz

Ayurveda is the basis of Hindu medicinal care and incorporates a number of intriguing principles, remedies, and benefits. Instead of proving instant, almost fake results, the method itself is based around healing and the treating of diseases and illness at the very root of the problem.

In Ayurveda the body is treated as a system that responds and reacts to every change and every action. One single part that is out of place could lead to a disruption throughout the entire body. Thus, the basis of Ayurveda treatment is to cure the entire body on the whole and not just focus on one or two areas of concern.

How exactly does this differ from “normal” and popular medical treatment?

Allopathic treatment focuses around instant relief. This means that patients will in fact feel the relief that they desire, but that the source of the problem is never actually treated. Over time the injury or illness will often reoccur and can in fact fester within the body and become more dangerous than it was in the first place.

Dangers of Pharmaceuticals

Another risk with allopathic treatment comes in terms of the chemicals and substances that are used to provide the healing effect. There is always danger present in terms of the quantity and quality of pharmaceutical drugs that are used to cover up pain and prevent suffering.

100% Side Effect Free

On the other side of the coin, Ayurvedic treatment focuses solely on herbal techniques and natural supplements that are guaranteed to be completely free from harmful side effects. The principle is that antidotes are useless and that antigens often suppress the body’s ability to heal itself.

The medication used throughout Ayurvedic treatment aims to attack the source of the problem and provide benefits that will last for the rest of our lives, and not just as a short term band-aid.

An interesting way to look at pharmaceuticals and allopathic treatment is this.

Consider what would happen if you suddenly began eating 3 apples a day instead of just one. It is highly doubtful that any problems would arise, right? In fact you may even be provided with a number of benefits.

Well what would happen if you suddenly started taking 4 sleeping pills, or 6 ibuprofen, instead of 2? Chances are your body is going to react and it could turn dangerous fast.

Do you really want to be relying on ingesting something that could wreak havoc on your body if the wrong dosage is taken? Wouldn’t you rather rely on something natural that cannot have a negative effect on your health, no matter how much you ingest?

The Basis of Ayurveda Medicine

Ayurveda medicine and supplements are often derived directly from vegetables, fruits and wild plants such as Jadi-booties. Each plant and species of fruit and vegetable consists of some sort of inherent healthy property which can be used for an extensive amount of time without any danger.

In a way, Ayurveda works by simply giving the body what it craves, and nothing more.

This is not some new age form of treatment. It does not involve home mixtures stirred up without any previous research, and it needs to be seen as a viable method of healing and treating our bodies.

Ayurveda treatment is a part of one of the oldest cultures in the world and has been extensively tested and proven to provide benefits to people all over the world. Acceptance of Ayurveda within the western world is growing every day as people are realizing that it can efficiently combat the problems and stress that arise from their normal lives.

In essence, Ayurveda along with daily exercise and even yoga is now becoming the key to a healthy body, a healthy mind and a healthy soul. Open your mind to a positive change in your health. Over the counter “remedies” are not the only method of treatment available, and they are very rarely the best.

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No Schlep Ways to Boost Weight Loss and Improve Health

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Everyone knows by now that the key to losing weight and maintaining it is to adopt healthy living as a long-term lifestyle choice, rather than embracing fad diets. We also know that the secret to weight loss is breathtakingly simple: burn off more calories than you take in. Here are some top tips for achieving this without huge efforts, lifestyle changes, or adopting a radical new regime.

 
1. Flavor is the dieter and healthy eater’s friend. You don’t have to eat cabbage soup. Some of the best loved world foods are based on peasant cuisines where basic (and often bland) core ingredients are transformed by attention to flavor. Think pasta with pesto. Green vegetables are low calorie and nutrient-rich: a great sauce is the secret to eating them without feeling deprived.

2. Soup is a relatively little known secret in the world of weight loss and appetite control. Studies have shown that if you eat a standard meal with a glass of water, the water soon departs. But if the same meal is liquidized with the water, the water stays in the stomach. That means that the stomach remains fuller for longer and it will also be longer before you feel hungry again.

3. Seafoods and are very low calorie alternatives that can be very economical. Try cutting out just one meat meal a week Especially when fresh, prawns and calamari (without batter!) are very low in calories and delicious stir-fried with just a little bit of oil.

4. Standing up boosts your metabolism! It might not be as good as running a marathon, but it does make a difference. Something as simple as standing and stretching every time the TV commercials come on will contribute to weight loss and health.

5. Tweak your cooking techniques. For example, you can roast potatoes with hardly any fat or butter and get the same taste sensation. If dry-roasting and dry-frying is a step too far, don’t worry – cutting down on oil and fats will have almost the same effect in the long run.

6. Read labels on foods and get consumer-smart. You may be shocked to find how many food items that you think are low calorie are in fact stuffed with saturated fats and sugars. This is especially true of processed foods and ready meals, so try to find the time to make your own.

7. Get a grip on portion sizes. If you know the calorie and saturated fat content of a teaspoon of butter it will become second nature to think before you slap it liberally on your toast. Being just a little bit more careful won’t make a difference to the taste but really can stop you piling on pounds over time.
These small adjustments in the way we consume and live won’t do the trick alone if you’ve got fifty pounds to shift. If you’re slimming down a few pounds or trying to maintain weight loss, these almost effort-free changes will make a difference, even if they’re not instantly noticeable. 

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Antioxidants in Green Tea, Pomegranate Juice, Blueberries, or Acai Berries

Green Tea Photo By Dano

The Battle for the Antioxidant Crown

Health experts are gung-ho for the benefits of antioxidants.  Antioxidants benefit us as they occur naturally in our bodies to fight free radicals, which are formed when certain molecules interact with oxygen.  These free radicals can damage cells in your body, leading to aging, cancer, and other diseases.  Several antioxidant-rich foods can assist your body with fighting these dangerous free radicals, among them green tea, pomegranate juice, blueberries, and acai berries.  But is any one of these the most effective? 

How do you choose which one to include in your healthy diet?

 
Antioxidants in Green Tea

The University of Maryland Medical Center touts green tea as one of the oldest sources of antioxidants in human culinary history.  Green tea has been used to treat everything from diabetes to cancer to inflammatory bowel disease for thousands of years.  The antioxidant ingredient in green tea is EGCG, or epigallocatechin-3- gallate. 

 
Although the US FDA refuses to allow great tea labels to make the claim that green tea promotes good heart health, several studies have proposed that this is the case.  Green tea is also believed to promote good breast health as well.  A recent study out of the University of Mississippi found that, in mice at least, including EGCG in the diet significantly decreases the development of breast tumors.

 
Whether to fight free radicals or to promote good heart and breast health, many doctors suggest drinking three cups of green tea each day to reap the benefits of this antioxidant-rich, relatively inexpensive, and readily available beverage.

 
Antioxidants in Pomegranate Juice

 
Polyphenols are the active antioxidant component of pomegranate juice, as well as the next two foods—blueberries and acai berries.  Pomegranates have even more polyphenols than red wine.  These polyphenols are said to help reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and slow hardening of the arteries.  Few studies have been conducted on pomegranates themselves but because they are rich in polyphenols, they are included in the list of foods rich in antioxidants.

 
Though you can eat the seeds of pomegranates, the easiest and quickest way to gain the benefits of this tart but tasty fruit is by drinking pomegranate juice.  The recommended amount of pomegranate juice (100% juice) is one-half to one cup daily.

 
Antioxidants in Blueberries

 
According to the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, half a cup of blueberries contains as much antioxidant punch as five servings of fruits and vegetables.  Blueberries are also reported to protect against urinary tract infections, as well as increase mental processes, such as motor memory and a zest for life.

 
Antioxidants in Acai Berries

 
Acai berries are the latest greatest health and weight loss booster.  They are found in the rainforests of South America, high in the tops of acai palm trees.  This berry has been used for thousands of years to promote good health and enhanced energy among the native population.  The dark purple grape-shaped fruit has high levels of protein, fiber, and omega 3 fatty acids—all beneficial to good heart health.

 
Although similar to other berries in its negligible effect on insulin levels in the body, the acai berry is unique in its high fat content.  This means the fruit is highly perishable and is extremely difficult to transport to the United States, except in emulsified or powdered form. 

 
Some research has shown that acai berries are higher in antioxidants than even blueberries.  However, no appreciable difference in their ability to fight free radicals or help you lose weight has been found to date. The acai berry belongs to the same group of healthy fruits as red to black fruits and vegetables (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, beets, tomatoes, eggplant, to name a few), and as with any fruit or vegetable, is a great benefit to healthy eating.

 
So, which one wins the antioxidant crown?

 
All in all, each of these sources of antioxidants is pretty much the same with just a few subtle differences.  So when shopping for your antioxidant of choice you may want to focus on taste preference, price, and availability.  Better yet, include all of these foods in your diet, rotating them throughout your weekly menus.  A good rule of thumb is to include at least one antioxidant-rich food with each meal, for example, blueberries in your breakfast cereal, a cup of green tea with your lunch, and acai berry or pomegranate juice with dinner. 

If you prefer supplements, there are many brands on the market.  Read labels carefully for nutritional information before making your choice.

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New Studies Suggest Even More Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables

Photo By Alaskan Dude

A lot of reward can come from choosing a bag of carrot sticks over a salty bag of potato chips. The fact is that it feels pretty darn good when you have the will power to opt for fruits and vegetables over a processed snack, and now there may be even more good news.

Healthier than Ever?

While we are pretty aware of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, there are some added bonuses that sweeten the deal even more. Most veggies and fruits contain a very impressive amount of phytochemicals which can actually lower our risk for a number of diseases. On top of that, a new study is suggesting that scientists may still be underestimating their healthy power.

Scientists have noted that there may indeed be even more antioxidants present in fresh fruits and vegetables than we all thought over the years.

Benefits of Polyphenols in Fruits and Vegetables

Vegetables and fruits on the whole contain a large amount of polyphenols which are natural compounds. These compounds have a strong antioxidant presence that is being proven to combat cell damage within our bodies as they have the ability to fight against natural oxidation of cells. That oxidation of cells can stimulate aging and increase one’s risk for a number of deadly diseases.

New Method to Measure Antioxidant Levels

Very recent studies in a number of highly regarded journals are now suggesting that there may be up to 5 times more antioxidants in fruits and vegetables than we thought.

In the past researches measured polyphenols by studying how much could be removed from each fruit, but this failed to acknowledge the amount that could not be extracted from the fruit. Recently they have realized that a certain sulphuric acid mixture can actually test the levels of polyphenol which are still stuck within fruits and vegetables.

This new test is starting to prove that fruits and vegetables have been undervalued all of these years. How? The old method of testing antioxidant levels forced researchers into overlooking a very large amount of polyphenols in these food choices.

Even if this all sounds complicated, it doesn’t have to be.

So What Does it Mean for You?

Simple. There are now more benefits than ever relating to indulging in fresh fruits and vegetables whenever you can. Ignoring them as a part of your daily diet simply means that you are missing out on some of the most beneficial foods for your health that exist. They are natural, healthy and promote wellness. You cannot really ask for much more than that from your food, can you?

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