How many of your fruits and vegetables have toxic chemicals? About 65 percent of the produce samples test positive. Environmental Working Group (EWG) released for the 10th year in a row their list of the most pesticide contaminated produce know as the Dirty Dozen™.
It’s Not Just Carrots for Healthy Eyes
Poor food choices can put your eyesight at risk especially as you age. And it’s not just carrots that keep your eyes healthy.
So how can you reduce your risk to developing eye disease?
Learn about top foods choices that can protect your eyes from the three common age-related eye diseases. Macular degeneration – a major cause of vision loss and even blindness. Cataracts – a clouding of the lens that distorts the vision. Glaucoma – excessive fluid in the eyeball that creates pressure damaging the optic nerve and causing vision loss.
Start now! Don’t wait until you are older. Here are my 6 best foods for healthy eyes. [Read more…]
What’s In Your Grocery Bag?
The food you choose to eat each day impacts your optimal health and longevity. So what’s in your grocery bag these days?
With our fast paced lifestyle and eating on the run getting sick is at an all time high. So how do you reduce your risk for disease and increase optimal health? Let’s start with these healthy pantry staples and start moving you in the direction of healthy eating habits.
Pantry Staples for Optimal health
Beans – are a good source of protein and fiber. Black beans are top on my list for salads, soups and other dishes. No time to cook dried beans then select canned beans without salt and rinse before using. [Read more…]
Protein: What Is It? Why Do You Need It?
Do you wonder why your body needs protein and if you are getting enough every day? Thought this would be an easy way to read about the facts of protein through a Q & A!
Protein
[iconbox title=”Question” icon=”Robot.png”]What is it?[/iconbox]
A: Protein is made up of amino acids which are the building blocks for the major parts of the body and are crucial to regulating and maintaining the body. Your body makes its own supply of amino acids, and must also get some from food.
[iconbox title=”Question” icon=”Robot.png”]Why is it important?[/iconbox] [Read more…]
Alkaline Foods versus Acidic Foods: Which Are Better?
Alkaline foods versus acidic foods: which are better and why does it matter? Basically alkaline foods consumed 80% of the time should allow the body to maintain a pH level of 7.365 which is just slightly alkaline. With a more alkaline body, longevity and optimal health increase and the risk of chronic diseases like; diabetes, obesity and heart problems decrease.
How the Body Processes Nutrients
Well the body is constantly trying to maintain a pH level of slightly alkaline. The body pulls the nutrients from the food you eat then either acidifies or alkalizes the blood. When there are not enough nutrients to maintain the slightly alkaline state next the body pulls from nutrients stored in the bones and other places in the body. When this backup runs dry, the body becomes a hotbed for chronic diseases.
[iconbox title=”TIP” icon=”List_w__Images.png”]Biggest fear regarding an acidic diet is bone loss due to the body releasing minerals from your bones in order to optimize your body’s pH level.[/iconbox]
Benefits of Kale
Top 5 Healthy Foods series fourth article – Benefits of Kale. Check back for future posts to read more about my top 5 healthy foods.
So have you wondered what all the fuss is about with kale? For starters, it has sustainability and can grow in most climates. Kale contains antioxidants known to reduce inflammation which can reduce chronic diseases. It’s also packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, iron, calcium and healthy fats. Kale seems to be the “new beef” and the “king of leafy greens.”
Reduces Carbon Footprint
Growing vegetables has a relatively low environmental impact. Leafy greens like kale, spinach and broccoli can grow in most climates helping to reduce the carbon footprint. Where animal agriculture has land degradation and a reduction in biodiversity. [Read more…]