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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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.

 

The Foods to Include In Your Menu

Many foods are high in trans and saturated fats, including cake mixes, shortening, waffles, and pancakes. Some products contain a lot of saturated fat, including lard, coconut, and cream. Saturated fats are considered unhealthy because they increase the risk for obesity and developing high cholesterol.

Trans fats are also unhealthy and increase the risk for stroke and heart attack. Trans fats are responsible for conditions such as major depressive disorder and diabetes and may increase the risk for breast and prostate cancer. Dieters should also avoid foods that contain simple or refined carbohydrates because they cause spikes in insulin levels and affect the function of the nervous system and the brain. Refined carbs are associated with overweight and chronic conditions.

Simple carbs are found in products such as candies, cakes, white rice, corn flakes, and bread crumbs. Eating foods that contain refined carbohydrates causes obesity and heart problems. They are associated with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions.

Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, take longer to absorb and digest and contain minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. Foods such as poultry, lamb, and lentils contain complex carbs. Foods such as barley, millet, and bran cereal are also high in good carbs. Complex carbohydrates are beneficial because they facilitate weight loss and supply essential macronutrients. The foods to include in your menu depend on whether you follow the Paleolithic, South Beach, or Sugar Busters Diet. People who follow the Atkins Diet should avoid foods such as pastries, cakes, and breads during the first phase.

Dieters should avoid starchy vegetables such as corn, beet, and potatoes. Unlike them, fibrous, non-starchy vegetables offer more health benefits such as improved blood triglycerides, lower risk for type 2 diabetes, and protection against ischemic stroke and heart disease. There is a large variety of non-starchy vegetables, including roots, stems, and leafy greens. Dieters can have stems and roots, including fiddlehead, fennel, and turnip.

Non-starchy vegetables are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Leafy greens such as cabbage and kale are rich in protein and iron. Low-carb plans such as the Zone and Atkins Diet recommend eating foods rich in dietary fiber, protein, and healthy fats. The list of allowed foods includes poultry, lean beef, tofu, and vegetables.

Low-carb diets also emphasize eating plenty of vegetables and fruit, including peppers, mushrooms, and lettuce. Full-fat dairies and foods with monounsaturated fats are recommended. You can consume products such as olives, soft and hard cheeses, and butter. Avoid products that contain refined sugar, including salad dressings and sweets.

To find out more about low-carb foods visit www.lowcarbfoods.org

What are good protein sources

People who follow the South Beach, Paleolithic, or Low GI Diet eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy fat, protein, and low GI foods. About 1/3 of the calories come from protein in the form of eggs, cheese, and meat. Dieters consume meat such as lean beef, pork tenderloin, turkey breast, salmon, etc. Each diet has its own list of recommended foods and sources of protein.

If you follow the Caveman Diet, for instance, you can have lean hamburgers, pork chops, flank steak, and chuck steak. Followers of the Atkins Diet can choose from different protein sources such as fish, lamb, venison, mutton, and beef. Dieters can have poultry and meat, including duck, goose, chicken, and ham and bacon.

Acceptable sources of protein include club steak, fillet steak, and tenderloin roast. Dieters can also eat veal, lamb, pork, and lunch meats. If you like shellfish, you can eat scallops, mussels, and lobster. Fish contains essential nutrients such as phosphorus and niacin and is low in sodium. Eggs and dairy products are also good sources of protein. Dieters can have cheese and heavy cream, but they should avoid reduced and fat-free products. Good sources of protein include Swiss, Cheddar, and other medium cheeses. Seeds and nuts also supply protein, minerals, and vitamins. Seeds, for example, are an excellent source of dietary fiber and are low in sodium and cholesterol. Seeds are packed with magnesium, thiamin, and dietary fiber. Seeds and nuts offer a number of benefits such as reduced risk for heart disease and lower LDL. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, nuts also supply healthy unsaturated fats. They are an important source of arginine, a type of protein, which lowers high blood pressure and aids blood vessel relaxation. Peanuts, for example, are an excellent source of manganese and niacin and contain iron and calcium. Nuts contain antioxidants that help protect the heart and lower the risk for coronary heart disease. According to some studies, peanuts contain substances that lower the risk for stroke. Almonds are an excellent source of dietary fiber and protein and are loaded with vitamin E, antioxidants, and calcium. Pistachios are a good source of manganese, copper, and vitamin B6.

People on the Atkins, South Beach, or Zone Diet are also encouraged to eat foods with monounsaturated fats and fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables that are low in sugar and carbohydrates and should be eaten by dieters. Dieters can choose from a large variety of low-carb vegetables, including celery, okra, and asparagus. It is recommended to choose vegetables and fruits with a low glycemic index value such as raw carrots, onions, and cauliflower.

Some fruits have high GI, including watermelon and dates, and should be avoided. In general, people who follow the GI Diet can choose from low and medium GI dairies, legumes, vegetables, and grains. Grains with a low glycemic index value include heavy mixed grain, linseed, and whole wheat. 

Reference:

Low Carb foods.org:  Protein

Paleo Lifestyle

Get rid of these foods and you will be healthier

Our menu includes many foods that are high in sodium, sugar, and refined carbohydrates and increase the risk for liver problems, overweight, and cancer. Foods and drinks such as fried chicken, margarine, soda, and deep fried cheese sticks should be avoided. Margarine, for example, contains trans fats, and solid margarines have more unhealthy fats. It increases the risk for cancer and heart diseases, decreases insulin response, and weakens the immune system. New mothers should avoid margarine if they are breastfeeding.

Products that contain a lot of salt should be avoided. The list of foods that are high in sodium includes beef jerky, bouillon cubes, salami, and soya. Table salt is associated with many health risks, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. The excessive consumption of foods that are high in sodium causes bone thinning and increases the risk for kidney disease. Choose foods like unprocessed grain and vegetables that contain natural sodium. In fact, sodium is important for health because it regulates muscle contraction and the fluid balance in the body. Certain conditions are associated with sodium deficiency, including confusion, lethargy, and low blood pressure.
Other cuisines such as the Japanese also feature some unhealthy foods and meals. Domestic preparation of blowfish, for example, can lead to death. Blowfish contains a powerful poison which cuts the supply of oxygen to the body and leads to asphyxia. Other foods that contain toxins include chilies, farmed fish, and oysters. This may come as a surprise, but potatoes, which are part of the Western diet, contain toxic substances. Unripe potatoes may cause joint pain and inflammation. While mushrooms are packed with important nutrients, some types of mushrooms are poisonous.

Rhubarb is low in cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fat and is an excellent source of manganese, potassium, calcium, and healthy fiber. Yet, the leaves contain a toxin that causes weakness, seizures, and kidney stones. Cross-contamination is the major cause for vegetable and fruit poisoning. In fact, death cases have been reported in countries like Turkey. Tapioca, chocolate, and tomatoes also contain toxic substances such as theobromine, glycoalkaloids, and cyanide. Some people are also allergic to foods such as walnuts, crab, and lobster. People who are allergic often experience abdominal pain, weakness, light-headedness, and asthma.

Foods that are loaded with sugar are also unhealthy and include soft drinks, molasses, pies, candies, and spreads. Soft drinks contain up to 94 percent sugar while nougat has about 83 percent sugar. Sugar is associated with many modern diseases such as heart problems, obesity, and certain cancers. In addition, the consumption of sugar-laden products increases bad cholesterol, causes eczema, and prevents protein absorption by the body. Sugar can cause cancer and weakened eyesight. It is better to limit consumption and include more fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, apples, and others.

LowCarbFoods.org Releases Videos on Carb-Wise Dieting to Help People Eat Intelligently

LowCarbFoods.org offers new videos on low-carb lifestyle to communicate diverse concepts and facts about diets that help people to drop a size.

LowCarbFoods.org announces today the publication of a new collection of videos (http://www.lowcarbfoods.org/videos.php) that presents popular low-carb diets, debunks myths, and offers information on diverse topics in a form that is entertaining and easy to digest.

The videos were created by the web and content development teams at LowCarbFoods.org and aim to enhance user experience. They present celebrity diets, healthy foods for wise weight management, and many other topics that can make low-carbing a rewarding experience. The website features visually appealing and informative infographics. Publishing videos is the next logical step that helps spread the message, reviewing important aspects of nutrition and improving customer retention.

“Adding videos to LowCarbFoods.org has allowed us to greatly enhance our users’ experience while producing great content,” said John Williams, marketing consultant at LowCarbFoods.org.

The videos present diverse topics such as good vs. bad carbohydrates, popular diets that have celebrity followers, and others. The collection features informative videos that help visitors to gain a better grasp of low-carbohydrate lifestyle and food behaviour. The goal is to improve nutrition knowledge. The videos highlight important aspects of dieting, grab people’s attention, and help visualize information in dynamic ways. Visual information spans social and cultural differences and helps communicate facts and messages more effectively. The videos on LowCarbFoods.org help visitors to visualize diverse facts, concepts, and ideas about low-carb diets, and healthy nutrition. Dieters will learn about popular weight loss plans that help melt away pounds, foods that supply essential nutrients and keep you full, and a lot more. The new collection of videos adds value for visitors and is easily accessible. Diets such as the Pressed Juicery, Zone, and South Beach Diet are presented in such a way that makes it easier for visitors to grasp, compare, interpret, and remember. The website itself offers reviews of popular diets and metabolism boosting foods, healthy low-carb recipes, fun quizzes, and more.

The new videos offer information about foods with simple carbohydrates and high GI, which are considered unhealthy, and many other low-carb topics. They provide the amount of detail required and present the facts in an interesting and concise manner.

LowCarbFoods.org Presents the Hottest Celebrity Diets for a Hollywood Body

LowCarbFoods.org offers a new infographic that presents popular celeb diets for the diet conscious.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (PRWEB) February 11, 2013

LowCarbFoods.org, today announces the release of a new infographic (http://www.lowcarbfoods.org/hottest-celebrity-diets.php), intended for anyone who is interested in popular celebrity diets.

The infographic was developed by Tsveta Mirtcheva, presents 7 low-carb diets which are popular with celebrities. Celeb diets inspire millions of people to lose weight and feel healthy. Many dieters are looking for ways to slim their waistlines, and the new infographic shows what dietary choices celebrities make to stay in shape.

“There are millions of people whose waist circumference and body mass index are way above the healthy range. A visual comparison of low-carb diets is beneficial for people looking for ways to drop dress sizes,” said John Williams, marketing consultant at LowCarbFoods.org.

The new infographic compares celebrity diets such as the Zone, Fresh, and 5-Factor Diet. The South Beach Diet is a high-protein, low carb diet that helps dieters to make conscious healthy choices. The plan lowers the risk for cardiovascular problems and boosts good cholesterol. The Zone Diet is another dietary plan that promises to massively improve one’s energy levels and health. Every meal combines essential macronutrients to achieve hormonal balance and weight loss. The Pressed Juicery Diet is intended for dieters with jam-packed schedules. The plan is suitable for people with lactose intolerance and helps cleanse toxins from the body. The 5-Factor Diet combines fluids, fiber, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and protein. Dieters can have delicious meals such as pickled herring with sour cream and curried chicken salad. The Fresh Diet emphasizes healthy food choices and fresh meals. It is suitable for people with busy schedules. Sunfare is another celeb diet that is based on fresh foods and balanced meals. Meals are delivered to your doorstep and as we know, celebrities love convenience. Freshology is a plan that emphasizes eating healthy, low-carb foods. Jennifer Lopez, Lauren Conrad, and Sofia Vergara are celebrity followers.

About LowCarbFoods.org: LowCarbFoods.org is an informational resource developed and designed to offer unbiased information on low-carb foods and diets.
The guides on LowCarbFoods.org are informative and can serve as a starting point for further research. LowCarbFoods.org remind that professional advice should be sought if medical assistance is required and it does not render any professional services.