Tuesday, November 4, 2014

What are Carotenoids?

Antioxidants are molecules that help prevent cellular damage, diseases, aging, and cancer. They come in the form of vitamin C, saponins, lycopene, and selenium. Many vegetables and fruits contain important antioxidants, including carrots, kale, and spinach.

The list of vegetables that contain important antioxidants includes tomatoes, spinach, and olives. Loaded with flavonoids the tomatoes protect the body against pancreatic, lung, endometrial, breast, and colon cancer. They are an excellent source of vitamin E, copper, vitamin K, and dietary fiber.

They are low in cholesterol and saturated fat and are packed with dietary fiber. Tomatoes contain other important antioxidants such as zea-xanthin and lycopene, which filter ultra-violet rays and protect the body from free radicals. Moreover, tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, which protects the organs and cells from free radicals. Minerals and antioxidants in carrots help prevent heart disease.

Carotenoids also improve the function of the white blood cells which help the body to fight cancer, viruses, bacteria, and yeast. Loaded with vitamin K and manganese, carrots are also a good source of thiamin. They are low in cholesterol and high in dietary fiber. Romaine lettuce also contains essential nutrients and antioxidants such as saponins, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C. Saponins are antioxidants that boost the immune system, lower bad cholesterol, and reduce the risk for parasite infections. Romaine lettuce is a good source of vitamin C, which relieves chronic pain and inflammation and facilitates tissue growth. It is a good source of potassium and thiamin. It is low in cholesterol and sodium and has some dietary fiber Romaine lettuce also contains omega-3 fatty acids and decreases the risk for blood vessel damage, heart attack, and stroke. You can prepare a salad with bean sprouts, hard boiled eggs, bacon, chestnuts, and Romaine lettuce. Another idea is to make a salad from red or white onions, Romaine lettuce, olive oil, vinegar, and sugar. Nutrients in lettuce helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease and high blood pressure.

Many fruits and vegetables supply essential nutrients, including Russet potatoes, blueberries, artichoke, and Gala apples. Being an excellent source of potassium, vitamin A, and dietary fiber, sweet potatoes are low in saturated fat. Sweet potatoes are fat-free and help the body to fight inflammations, heart disease, cancer, and asthma. They are loaded with vitamin C and potassium and help prevent arthritis. You can grill sweet potatoes or make casseroles. Sweet potatoes go well with broccoli, tofu, vinaigrette, and raisins. You can also make a puree from maple syrup, bananas, and sweet potatoes and add chopped walnuts and cinnamon. Loaded with antioxidants and vitamin K, kale helps patients with Alzheimer’s disease and prevents blood clotting. It contains magnesium which controls blood sugar levels and aids the function of the heart muscle. Kale is packed with flavonoids, carotenoids, and other antioxidants, which protect the body against cancer and fight free radicals.


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Thursday, January 16, 2014

LowCarbFoods.org Launches a Low-Carb Guide to Help Dieters with the Post-Christmas Blues

A new low-carb guide by LowCarbFoods.org offers tips and advice on how to shed the pounds gained around the holidays.

(PRWEB) January 16, 2014
A new low-carb holiday guide was launched today to help visitors stay on their diet during the holidays and how to shed the pounds gained.

The guide was created by the web and content development team at LowCarbFoods.org to show visitors that it is possible to maintain a low-carb lifestyle when both family and friends are having holiday treats and sweets. The guide offers tips and ideas to survive the holidays and enjoy nutritious foods, delicious meals, and luscious treats.

“Many dieters look for excuses to eat things they shouldn’t during the holidays, and low-carb dieters are no exception. With a little planning you can stay on your low-carb diet and avoid the post-holiday food hangover,” said John Williams, marketing consultant at LowCarbFoods.org.

There is a lot of food at school and work, on television, and at home during the holidays. This could make a person anxious even if he is the most disciplined dieter. Roast turkey, mash, eggnog, plum pudding, cranberry sauce, mince pie, candy canes, and sweet potato pie are traditionally eaten. While many of us are keen to drop a dress size, it is hard to keep the pounds off during the holiday eating season. There is a big focus on food and festive indulgence.

Many dieters are looking for tips and advice on how to avoid winter weight gain. Unfortunately, the season starts as early as the beginning of December. The new holiday guide helps dieters to avoid the temptation to eat carb-laden foods and stick to their plan. Visitors are offered sample menus and ideas for low-carb substitutes, side dishes, and main meals. The holidays are to blame for weight fluctuations, stress, and post-Christmas blues. The good news is that there are ways to keep yourself calm and collected and stick with your diet of choice. The new low-carb guide offers support to dieters, helping them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Low-carb foods are abundant during the holiday season, with plenty of delicious recipes to try.