Omega What?

I am sure we have all heard about Omega 3 Fatty Acids.  I wanted to know a little bit more: What are they, Why are they good for you, and What foods contain them?  I did a little research and this is what I found:

Omega 3's are fatty acids necessary for good health but our bodies cannot produce them.  We have to get them from food or supplements.

Omega 3's are good for our bodies for many reasons:

• Help to reduce inflammation in the body
• May help lower risk of chronic diseases such as cancer
• Have a crucial role in brain function
• May reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease
• Lower the amount of cholesterol  in the blood
• Help prevent cancer cell growth

Fish, plant, and nut oils are the primary source of omega-3 fatty acids.  Here is a list of a few foods which contain Omega 3's:

Salmon

Halibut

Herring

Sardines

Tuna

Walnuts

Flaxseeds

Flaxseed oil

Soybeans

Tofu

Shrinp

Health Benefits of the Acai Berry

In health food circles, the acai berry is known as one of the most powerful anti-aging super foods.

The acai berry is said to have many health benefits. It is a rich source of protein and dietary fiber and may play a role in protecting the heart and help to lower bad cholesterol. There are reports that the antioxidants in the acai berries may even help to destroy cancer cells.

In addition to these important health benefits, the acai berry is thought to play a vital role in slowing down the aging process. The acai berry is known to contain ten times as many antioxidant vitamins as grapes and twice as many as blueberries. But - I am not giving up my blueberries, just adding the acai berry, or juice to my diet.

I buy Acai Berry Juice from Vitacost.com. Here is the link:

http://www.vitacost.com/Dynamic-Health-Organic-Certified-Acai-Juice-Blend

Blueberries - A Super Food!

Blueberries are one of the foods I will mention several times. They are considered a super food and one that I recommend you include into your regular diet. They are suggested to protect the heart, slow signs of aging, reduce cancer risks, improve nighttime vision, reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia, lower cholesterol, and so much more. Not too mention they are high in fiber and vitamins.

So add them to cereal or eat as a snack as often as you can!

Why are Sweet Potatoes Good for You?

Most of us only eat sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving and they are usually covered in mini marshmallows, butter, and nuts. You can hardly tell there is even a vegetable in there. But sweet potatoes on their own are actually one of the best, nutrient-packed vegetables you can eat.

In a Study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, sweet potatoes are ranked number one in nutrition of all vegetables. They have almost twice the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A, 42 percent of the recommendation for vitamin C, four times the RDA for beta carotene, and, when eaten with the skin, sweet potatoes have more fiber than oatmeal.

Another study showed that eating just two sweet potatoes a week may cut your risks of suffering a heart attack by as much as 86%.

Sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of dietary fiber available. Fiber helps you maintain a healthy weight because it fills you up and keeps you feeling satisfied longer.

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, fiber, vitamin B9 (Folate) and iron. Vitamin C, Folate and beta carotene (vitamin A) are three of the top cancer-fighting nutrients, and fiber is also a cancer-fighting agent.

Sweet potatoes have also been linked to help maintain insulin levels and regulate blood sugar.

So with all of these great benefits next time you want potatoes as a side (or main) dish, try the sweet potato for something new. Don’t wait until next Thanksgiving!

Recipes to follow

3 Reasons to Drink Green Tea

1. High in antioxidants, which can promote stronger bones, lower cholesterol levels, and lower rates of heart disease and some types of cancer.

2. A good source of EGCG, a polyphenol that may help to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, and boost the immune system.

3. Antibacterial - a 2008 study from Egypt suggests that drinking green tea enhances the effects of antibiotics, even against drug-resistant bacteria and “superbugs.”

Introduce yourself by substituting a cup of coffee for a cup of green tea, and you will soon be enjoying the health benefits of this delicious beverage!

One of my favorite teas in Stash Chai Green Tea.
http://cjgo.stores.yahoo.net/stteagrprch.html

article from www.drweil.com

Turmeric and Ginger Tea

I have read that there are many health benefits of the spice turmeric including cancer prevention and inhibiting cancer cell growth, improved liver function, relief from rheumatoid arthritis, improved blood circulation, relief from inflammatory bowel disease and more.

Ginger-root is a natural anti-inflammatory. It has also been said to help relieve nausea and motion sickness, aid in digestive problems, improve circulation, reduce symptoms of arthritis, and more.

I did some research on recipes and some creative experimenting and came up with this turmeric and ginger tea recipe:

4 Cups Water
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp ginger powder
½ tsp fresh grated ginger root
¼ tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp cloves

Bring water to a boil. Add all ingredients. Simmer for at least 10 minutes. Strain tea. Add all natural honey and/or lemon to taste.

You can find turmeric in the normal spice aisle in most grocery and health food stores.

Why Blueberries are So Good For You

I love blueberries. Even if I didn’t I would try to eat them everyday just because they are so good for you. Blueberries have made “Super Food” status and I encourage you to add them to your diet every day. I am still shocked every time I buy a pint because they are expensive but they are one food that the benefits are worth the expense. I don’t do anything fancy with them. I wash them and put them in my cereal or oatmeal every day. I also snack on them. I love to mix them with craisins and sliced almonds for a great afternoon snack. You can also add them to your smoothies. Here are several reasons blueberries are so good for you:

Blueberries are low in calories, high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and E. Eating blueberries may help fight cancer, diabetes, reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease and lower bad cholesterol levels.

Consumption of blueberries may also improve eyesight, sharpen memory and help prevent Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

A recent study at Tufts University analyzed more than 50 fruits and vegetables for their antibiotic capabilities and blueberries came out on top, having the highest capacity to destroy free radicals, molecules that cause aging, tissue damage and disease.

With all this goodness, blueberries are considered a superfood, helping to lower cholesterol, and deliver Vitamin C, potassium, folate and fiber to the body.